Good exposure for dancers, poor management

WHILE I commend the Milamala dance group for showing off the vibrancy of the Trobriand dance and culture to the outside world, I also sympathise with the young dancers.
There have been many reports and disclosures by previous and current participants that the money paid to them are being misused.
There are also allegations of the young girls being harassed by the male dancers and officials, especially those who are married.
We should not be mistreating our young girls who are enthusiastically promoting our cultural heritage and tradition.
The Trobriand islanders depend on such activity to make an income apart from subsistence farming and fishing.
Finally, if the dancers can sacrifice their time and leave their families in order to promote our culture, I urge the officials accompanying these youths to the city to look after their well-being.

Jim Boii
Via email