Kava

culture

Madam, I was amused to read in your article on kava (PIM March) that after a number of years’ scrutiny the various responsi ble bodies in Australia still don’t know how to treat this mild Pacific (geographic as well as literal context) drink.

Over the past decade, kava has been the subject of numerous regional researches, reports and symposiums, and in the process has attracted more than its fair

share of journalistic opinion advocating its

virtues on the plus side; to being the bane of social order with some Australian abo riginal societies on the minus.

With kava, one has to apply the old principle of “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”. Visitors to the Pacific who choose to sample kava are advised to do so with proper regard to customary etiquette and any negative reaction is usually only attributed to its bitter taste. However, I have yet to come across a complaint from a visitor to Vanuatu with kava as the cen tre of contention.

So, I would like to propose a fresh approach for those continuing the search for an answer to the mystery of kava.

Along the principles of training pro grammes, researchers should spend some time in the islands studying the subject and consulting the experts - the farmers, dealers, shippers and probably most of all, the consumers.

A detailed study of the kava culture from their perspective will provide a much better understanding of how to control its abuse outside of its traditional environ

ment, thereby facilitating a more positive

and meaningful approach towards its trade.

Avoid the advisors as what they know probably came from a report!

Meto Nganga

Port Vila Vanuatu