There is a standard allowance of VT12,000 for individual participants in the Arts Festival.

Director of the Cultural Centre, Richard Shing, told VBTC News this to clarify confusion over the amount given to custom groups.

Mr. Shing explained that VT12,000 is the set allowance for each participant.

“We have a standard allowance that we pay to every group,” Mr. Shing said.
“We cannot favour one group over another because if we do, it would mean saying the culture of one island is better, nicer, or more powerful than another.”

Mr. Shing said when he spoke with chiefs, he never mentioned the allowance.

“I don’t know where the figure of VT2,500 per day came from. I never said anything about that allowance.”

Today North Ambrym Culture Group staged a silent protest walk to the Cultural Centre in Port Vila over dissatisfaction with the VT12,000 allowance each they received for the Arts Festival.

Secretary of Malmemele Area Council on Ambrym, Chief Molwakon, said they were promised VT60,000, but it never happened.

“That made us stay in Vila to do other activities to raise money to return to the island,” Chief Molwakon said.

A local from Central Pentecost, John Paulwyn Taripoh, told VBTC News they were promised VT34,000, but because the group had around 40 members, the payment came to VT12,000.

Today, a member of the Public Service Commission, Stephen Bong, showed support by providing 41 bags of rice.

Despite the challenges, the Rom dance went ahead for friends and family to watch and support.

Mr. Shing said all participants of the Arts Festival on Tanna were settled before their return, and chiefs in Malvatumauri should be aware there is no fixed allowance for the festival.

He said the normal allowance rate for custom groups is VT1,000.