Present were Michael Walsh, the Honorary Consul to Kiribati, Teuea and Brucetta, Simon Seligman, the KTA secretary, and Hegnes and Keith. The informal event had to be arranged quickly because even Michael wasn't aware that the visitors were coming until a few days before, after they had left Tarawa. So, thanks to all those who made it along and sorry it was an awkward time and/or long journey for the people who would have liked to come. Just to be sociable, we drank your share of the beverages.

Hegnes was playing 'chief reporter' and found out quite a bit of what is happening on Tarawa and on some Outer Islands. Those of us with friends and relatives can or will soon be able to make direct dial calls and send emails to the islands in the Gilbert group (not sure if that's at 5p per minute). The usual country code (00686) will apply and the calls go through to the Island Council offices. There are five islands already on line (please check with TSKL directory for info) and the rest should be up there in the next few months.

Air services are on the verge of change. Air Pacific is already running from Honolulu through Kiritimati to Nadi; and, as soon as someone can supply a fire engine to Bonriki Airport, the aeroplane will call at Tarawa. Because the journey from Tarawa to Kiritimati (Christmas), is now only via Nadi (Fiji) and not Honolulu as before, a US visa is no longer required. Ditto anyone going east from here and travelling to (or from) Kiritimati via Nadi. However, if they travel from (or to) here via Honolulu (or anywhere else in the US), they still need the US visa. Air Nauru is still flying but its plane is feeling the strain.

The road along Tarawa is to be renewed under a Japanese project, although a super highway along the lagoon is not on the cards. The channel at Tanaea and Abatao is to be bridged and some paving to be laid a bit further up North Tarawa.

As most people may know, television broadcasting has commenced, with access to CNN and ABC. There is a daily two-hour local slot and programmes are wanted. So, we were asked, quite seriously, that any videos of KTA dance, Independence or other events that could be made up into a programme should be sent to the Secretary.

Natan and Tebwe left for another meeting in Canada the next day but will be back on Tarawa for the next session of the Mwaneaba ni Maungatabu in early December. Meteti was staying on for several more days to deal with shipping matters.

Hegnes Dixon
Newsletter editor