Palau will be sending four people to Shanghai to serve as Pavilion staff. “They’re leaving Palau on April 16 and they’re going to start their orientation on the 19th,” confirmed Alexander. The staff will go through training all the way until the 31st where they will receive the final briefing.
“Right now, the Palau Pavilion is already finished,” said Alexander.
“There are just a few minor things that need to be installed.”
All 15 participating Pacific Island Countries will have one Pacific Pavilion within which each will have a booth. Palau’s booth is approximately 380 sq. ft. and was designed by the United Artists of Belau headed by Simeon Adelbai.
A huge portion of the $600,000 in-kind assistance which was provided by China, went to the construction of the building. Alexander explained that each participating Pacific Island Country shared the cost of the construction of the building and all the support items that go into it, like the wiring, cleaning and plumbing.
“It’s a one large building, and Palau’s booth is right by the main entrance,” shared Alexander. He added that the location is fairly convenient for Palau because it’s going to be right at the front line.
Palau’s booth is a single-sail structure, portraying the fact that as Pacific islanders Palauans are active people, they sail, they move around. The Lomograph art, which was put together by Dr. Wendy Capili, is already in Shanghai. Once they are cleared by the customs, the items will be installed in the exterior wall.
Inside the booth, there is a hut in the middle. “So that we will have a counter, otherwise, it’s just an empty space,” said Alexander.
“People can come over and sit. We also provided a TV inside so we can show the promotional videos of Palau courtesy of PNCC and PVA.”
Outside, people can see the huge poster of the Rock Islands. Inside more pictures about Palau will be on view aside from the arts and crafts that will be exhibited.
Alexander said the items that will be on exhibit were already sent to Shanghai. Tools and artifacts which are made of woods, clams and shells that people used in the old days, and which are important to the Palauan culture, are among the items that will be showcased.
“It portrays our theme which is ‘Ridge to Reef’ and how it plays a role in our country,” said Alexander.
The Bureau of Aging and Gender contributed a lot of items that will be on exhibit. Most of the items the elders have woven are those used in the household by local people as well as small pouches for the ladies, bags and purses.
The Belau National Museum also helped a lot, lending a replica of the Palauan money and the turtle shell. A number of local carvers also did some replica of canoes and war items that were used in the old days.
“We are thankful for all their help,” shared Alexander.
Palau’s Day is on October 23; and Alexander said they are planning to send a team of performers and a delegation to go with the performers in Shanghai.
This year’s theme for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo is “Better City, Better Life.”
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