Vida Borja of the Marianas Visitors Authority-Tinian office said that guests started arriving yesterday including participants from Hawaii, Guam, Kosrae, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Yap, the Marshall Islands, American Samoa and from Rota and Saipan.
Borja said the group will hold a brief ceremony at the Taga House on Tinian at 8:30 a.m. today before proceeding to Kammer Beach for the start of the three-day conference.
The Economic Challenges for the Pacific Islands: Economic Potentials of the Language and Cultures will be the focus of the conference.
In his invitation message, Tinian Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz said Tinian is excited to be hosting the PIBBA conference and they are “looking forward to many stimulating discussions aimed at preserving and strengthening our valuable Pacific islands languages and cultures.”
“As a Chamorro living in the commonwealth, I understand the importance of preserving what makes us unique, what distinguishes us, and what identifies us as a community. We must proudly bear our banner through our distinct languages and cultures,” Dela Cruz said. The mayor said even while there may be a difference in the usage of language and culture these days than how it was used in the past generations, there is a better chance of the Chamorro identity to survive.
“Even in these tough economic times, it is important that we remain steadfast in being firmly rooted to who we are. We know that the Pacific region is vulnerable to the winds of change but we also know that our people are very resilient, resourceful and highly mobile at what challenges we face,” Dela Cruz said.
If the people here remain true, they will never lose themselves no matter where they choose to take root, he added.
Dela Cruz is also urging the delegates to visit the other historical and cultural sites of while on island, and enjoy some donni sali — Tinian’s famous hot pepper.
