A very full and overwhelmed croud celebrated the Rainbow Warrior arrival in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Although this was not an official government ceremony the dancers were asked to enter the port to perform for the dedicated crew of the Rainbow Warrior. The TAFEA community and other groups celebrated in support of the arrival of the vessel which bought 2 x 20ft containers from Australia filled with donations and goods, such as tarpaulins and blankets sourced by ASSI.PJ.

Tafea men dancing for Captain Mike Finken and crew of the Rainbow Warrior – Port Vila docks 18-05-2015

The women of registered organisation the TAFEA Australian Community Connection rallied together from 6.00am yesterday morning 18-5-2015 to dress in tradition and face paint each other for a ceremony welkam in appreciation of the arrival of the Rainbow Warrior to Port Vila.

Emelda and ladies painted from TAFEA province.
Actionaid board member Sonia Zavesky and worker William Gray with Emelda Davis and Josephine Fred, Vice president of TAFEAACC.

Described by captain Mike Finken as being met by ‘a face of rainbows’, he stood at the entrance of the docks receiving gifts and praise for the support given by the Greenpeace crew.

The following weeks will see distribution of goods to the Tanna Island province who were devastated by cyclone Pam some two months ago.

The docks saw a frenzie of activity which also included Actionaid, Greenpeace and community volunteers unload the containers from the ship and repack ready for their depart to Tanna sometime today.

The docks saw a frenzie of activity which included Actionaid, Greenpeace and community volunteers