𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐔 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐂𝐓 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐌𝐎𝐔 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐮𝐦𝐢 𝐖𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝟒  𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The MOU was signed this afternoon at the SINU Kukum Lecture Theatre Boardroom by SINU Acting Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor Corporate, Dr. William Parairato, and the Permanent Secretary of MCT, Mr. Bunyan Sivoro.

According to the agreement, the MOU sets out the terms under which SINU will provide the SINU Village venue to the Solomon Islands Government, through MCT, for the festival. The agreement outlines mutually agreed responsibilities, financial arrangements, and operational procedures for the successful staging of the event.

As the service provider, SINU will:

• Provide access to SINU Village, ensuring the venue is available and accessible during the agreed dates.
• Ensure venue safety and compliance with all necessary health, safety, and operational standards for hosting large events.
• Appoint a SINU representative to participate in the event committee to assist with venue-specific matters.
• Maintain the venue, including utilities, prior to the commencement of the festival.
• Organize and manage the flea market, including the collection of fees.

As the client, the Government through MCT will:

• Take full responsibility for event planning, organizing, and execution, including vendor and participant management.
• Provide and manage security personnel to ensure attendee safety and effective crowd control.
• Include SINU’s logo prominently in all marketing materials such as banners, billboards, and promotional content.
• Pay the venue hire costs and fulfill other financial obligations as stipulated in the agreement.

Speaking at the event, Director of Culture, Mr. Dennis Marita, welcomed the initiative, noting that the MOU paves the way for the hosting of the Iumi Wan Festival, which will coincide with the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara.

Mr. Marita explained that the Iumi Wan Festival was first held in 2023 alongside the Pacific Games and will now be hosted every two years. The festival sits between two major regional events—the Pacific Arts Festival and the Melanesian Arts Festival—and provides a platform to identify and nurture new local artists to represent Solomon Islands at these regional stages.

He further acknowledged SINU’s significant role in supporting cultural development locally and promoting Solomon Islands’ culture internationally.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Mr. Sivoro expressed his ministry’s appreciation for the partnership, highlighting the potential of SINU Village as a long-term cultural site. He said MCT is looking at future plans to develop the venue to host similar events. He also thanked SINU for making the venue available to showcase Solomon Islands’ culture as a side event to the Pacific Islands Forum Summit at the nearby Friendship Hall.

In his remarks, Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr. Parairato thanked MCT for partnering with SINU, saying the university is pleased to support the festival and looks forward to the successful implementation of the agreement as well as future collaborations.

ENDS//