He told the newsletter editor that he was having an interesting and challenging time in his ministerial position. The RERF and KPF were again rising in value with upswings on the international capital markets and the country’s finances were buoyant. Several investment projects are continuing in education, health, transport and other important areas. Ways are being looked at to provide private domestic finance so that local groups can expand their manufacturing and supply activities and establish new ones.

As regards international transport links, Nabuti had heard that Air Nauru are apparently planning to acquire a new aeroplane after their faithful old 737-400 was seized by an agency of the government of the United States of America (see http://www.southpacific.org/map/airnauru.html). They are still operating a limited service to Tarawa, along with the service recently instated by Air Pacific.

As regards migration, the opportunities for I-Kiribati to visit overseas in search of work are again increasing, including to Australia and New Zealand, whose demand for labour is again on the increase.

Teuea and Brucetta played host on behalf of the KTA and the minister was delighted and pleased to meet some of the KTA members who could make it, mainly those living in London and nearby towns.