by Lesley Sanga

A Mini Trade Show hosted in Malaita Province’s capital Auki has attracted increased number of
visitors to Auki during the week as the province prepares to mark its second appointed day on August
15 th 2024.

A good number of small businesses have erected stalls at the show site to promote their businesses,
exchange knowledge, sell their products and services and create connections.

Since the official opening of the show on Monday, the venue has been bustling with people eager to
witness cultural dances, live band performances, and visit business stalls as well as to see unique
products from rural communities being sold around the site.

Jackson Olea who sells hand-made shell money, necklaces and other traditional shell products have
experienced an influx of visitors and buyers.

“Yes, indeed, this event has really benefited some of us. My main product is shell money, and I’ve
been involved in this since 1988,” he said.

Mr. Olea, who is from a village called Radefasu village in Central Kwara’ae bordering the
Langalanga Lagoon, said many of them make a living mostly from shell-money-making.
“I learned shell money making from my parents and have continued the practice and make a living
from that.”

However, he said finding a market for his products has always been a challenge.
“I usually go to Auki to sell my products, but it can be difficult because the market depends on
visitors coming into Auki from Honiara and other places.”

_{^{Jackson-Olea displays his shell money products. Credits: Lesley Sanga.}}

But he said participating in the mini trade show is worth it because he has seen an increase in his
sales.

“Since the show started on Monday, I’ve noticed that my products were selling much faster than they
usually do at the Auki market, that’s because we have seen an influx of visitors both from Malaita and
Honiara.

Another vendor, Janet Mae, who also participated to sell food products echoed same sentiments.
“I am making a lot of sales each day. People are buying cooked food products and I am delighted to
provide that service.”

Song-writer and lead vocalist of a local music group Solomon Alufo’oa also expressed positive
sentiments.

“The show provides the opportunity for us local musicians to shine. The daily events on the show
stage have provided the opportunity musicians needed. Thank you, organisers and happy Malaita Day,
one and all.”

The Show will conclude this weekend.