Discussing Paradise or Bust: Programme IV
I thought it would be helpful to put into context (from our perspective on Vorovoro) some of the stories that were followed in last night’s documentary on BBC2.
TIMELINE
The first thing to explain is that the timeline for last night’s programme was approximately February – July 2007. The focus of the majority of the programme was on community problems on Vorovoro during that time.
The result is that six months worth of issues (alcohol/ dress/ pay/ hygene/ water/ local customs) tumble out one after the other during 45 minutes of fairly intense (for those of us involved at any rate) television.
Issues:
ALCOHOL
Yes there have been moments during the project where the social balance has not been 100%. These have been the exception rather than the rule on Vorovoro. As I said on the programme, visiting Vorovoro is about feeling free – and part of that means relaxing.
I feel that the ‘group’ of backpackers that were highlighted in this programme as being the culprits for disrupting the social balance is unfair. But from the documentary perspective it was a case of making the point that the arrival of more people bought more alcohol.
Tribe members are allowed to brign their own alcohol onto the island and consume in their own time. We have not had to ask anyone to leave yet for disrupting the community.
Having a bottle of (warm) beer at sunset or a glass of rum around the fire does not cause – on the vast majority of occassions – a problem. Learning how to share this alcohol within the community has to be done with care. We don’t for example allow alcohol and kava to be consumed at the same time (you can’t take a beer to the kava mat). We advise members that sharing a beer with those that you have worked with during the day or at the end of the week is ok, but remember that most of the Fijians have not grown up with drinking alcohol – although some of the older men appear to be experts!
We are and need to continue to monitor the balance between enjoying a drink in a beautiful location and disrupting the community and cultural balance.
DRESS
Following the guidance of Tui Mali and Ulai at the start of the project and subsequently Tevita as the community leader, we have advised visiting tribe members on-line and on-island of the importance to respect the local dress codes.
What has this meant?
1. In the Fijian Village: Sulu’s & shoulders covered (girls). Has this been followed – on the whole yes and certainly for any formal social event. This also applies to any village visit in Mali which has been followed extremely well.
2. In the tribe village: Casual village dress – boys/men, shorts is fine. Girls/women, shorts/skirts & tops but not bikinis is fine. Has this been followed? Almost all of the time yes – occassionaly on the beach in front of the village people have sunbathed and we simply ask quietly if they can move further down the beach. Sunday’s dress is more relaxed in the tribe village as none of the Fijian’s are present that day of the week.
3. Beach/Waterfall: Beach dress is acceptable further down the beach out of site of the villages and at the waterfall. The shots of the tribe members in bikini’s on the BBC programme were all filmed at the waterfall where it is accepted by everyone involved in the project that this kind of dress is appropriate. If a fishing boat turns up or any of the local children/ family walk down the beach we always make the effort to dress appropriately.
OTHER CUSTOMS
Other customs such as kava ceremonies have almost universally been carried out without offence. Our Fijian family are very aware that we are going to make mistakes and they quite clearly appreciate that unlike a lot of tourists in the country we are making the effort to follow their way of living, and this is in fact what the project has been celebrated for.
The incident of not blessing the land before the water tank was built was a learning process for all of us. We got it right with the wind turbine and it hasn’t stopped spinning since!
PAY
At the start of the project I took advice from Ulai and other local employers in the area and tourism resorts in Fiji as to standards of pay. We aimed to add approximately 10% on-top of normal rates of pay for kitchen/ labour/ building work. Those in management positions on the island are paid at least 20% more. We now pay all the workers Fiji National Providence Fund (FNPF) which is a further 8% on-top of their weekly salary that goes into a government saving (pension) scheme.
HYGENE
Water, toilets, kitchen – have different standards of hygene in rural Fiji to what perhaps most of us are used to. We have worked on this hard with members and the island team over the past year and the hygene levels have improved significantly. Week one of the project I found one of the girls chopping fish meat up directly on the kitchen floor despite there being chopping boards and prep surfaces available. So we’re talking about a big shift in behaviour in these areas and between us I think we’ve made real progress – our thanks for this have to go especially to Va, Francis, Chelly & Kesa, as well as everyone else who has helped on this side of the project.
WATER
Yes we ran out of water and our tank building timing wasn’t spot on. But we now have 50,000 litres of water stored on site and the Airwell project will be ready for the dry season. This is an ongoing challenge not just for Vorovoro but for all villages on islands around this part of Fiji.
Finally I think its important to recognise that what we are collectively doing on Vorovoro is a real challenge – meshing two (and sometimes more) different types of cultures into the same environment. If issues like the ones tackled in last night’s BBC programme didn’t arise then I think we would all be very surprised. The fact they have surfaced doesn’t I believe, make us irresponsible tourists/ developers, it just means that we have to react appropriately. Its a balance – we are learning from each other and when it is shared on television hopefully a lot more are learning with us as well.
Would love to hear your perspective.
Ben
Comments
Ben,
I personally am very pleased about your response as I did have concerns after seeing the programme. I am sure the Fijian family members are concerned at any influences on the raising of their own children and the drunken group on the programme must have shook their faith a little. On the whole though I think you have achieved a massive amount in the time and I really hope it continues to be so for everyones sake. See you Monday at Sway Bar. Jay
Ben
I’m also glad you have written this. I felt disappointed last night how Shine had portrayed things in a negative light and out of context. Like you say, they made it look like those in bikinis under the waterfall were inappropriately dressed; they made it look like you were underpaying the kitchen staff when we know they have never been underpaid compared to the local economy etc. They made the curfew of dividing the locals and westerners at sun-set look like a permanent solution where as we know that curfew didn’t last and wasn’t appropriate. And as for the incident with Raina and SJ – that didn’t put Ben in a good light but I’m sure that was only one side of the story. I couldn’t help but shout at the TV last night for one-sided versions of events. I just hope it didn’t put people off joining and that the last episode will redeem the project.
And as a p.s I would like to redeem myself! Shine interviewed me quite extensively over the 18 months of filming. But out of all of my interviews/comments they have only shown me 3 times being negative about the project when in fact those 3 comments probably accounted for less than 5% of my comments/interviews. The other 95% I have been very positive about the project. But that is TV for you: if you are going to be filmed you take the risk of how they will edit you. And Shine are doing a job I guess – a one-sided version looks far more extreme (thus gripping / exciting) than a balanced view of each incident.
Still getting a lot of very positive emails from those watching the tv series, but handful have come in today from people obviously concerned with the content of last nights programme. Here are some of the comments. I have emailed them all with this blog.
As far as the documentary makers are concerned it was important for the observer to look at these community issues. And although I think it is hard for some of us involved, it does show the challenges of two cultures living and working together.
“I have only seen your programme twice and quite frankly I couldn’t believe it. Those poor Fijians. What a culture shock. I think there should be respect for the Fijians, their culture, their religion and their way of life. As with all countries if the locals do not like partial nudity then they should be respected, and it should not be, the girls should cover up.. If they are tea total then NO alcohol should be brought onto the island. It looks to me as if you are treating the island like a glorious Costa del Sol or Benedorm with your Club 30 behaviour.
You should all have reverence on the sabbath,they should not be bombarded with youths partying and playing stupid games until early hours of the morning. You are setting us such a bad example. The Fijians are gentle, respectful, caring and thoughtful to other and above all they have values.
I think they are brilliant putting up with you all in the hope of being left with something good, or will they be turned to bad ways??
I just think this is unbelievable. Leave them alone.”
I have been watching the BBC2 program with interest.
and have been pleased that the project has been
conducted with the local Fijian people.
Re episode iv shown yesterday (which was in 2007) -
However, I was very disappointed to see what happened
regarding the booze and partying; and the lack of
awareness of local customs and culture by tribe
members and staff. The project seemed intially to be
with good intentions and have respect for local people
and their culture – yet Ben stated that ‘it was not a
party village yet’ but it appears that it is becoming
one – & it is too late to wait till that becomes an
issue – and I feel that Ben is not really LISTENING to
the local people. and He should be making members
aware of this before their visit – re dress code, and
that it is not one big party – it is set up to work
with, respect and benefit the local people.
Poeple should be able to stay for a few weeks without
getting drunk and causing problems for other visitors
and the local people.
I also believe that if people are going to be visitng
Fiji they should be willing to take on / learn some of
the culture – trying out the local food – not pizzas
etc !! and Va’ could be making traditonal Fijian food
some of the time.
I hope that this has already been done and if not,
that these issues are addressed.”
“I have just watched the latest program re your venture on BBC2 in England. I started watching the program, as I recall looking into joining the tribe when it first started!
I was, however, disappointed to see that there appears to be an Island divide between the new tribe and the existing island inhabitants. As for a Curfew being imposed upon the Fijians, I was appalled by this – and ashamed. How can we go to someone elses island home, and impose rules and regulations upon them? Until the Tribe Wanted rabble appeared on the Island, there was no alcohol – were you really that surprised by the fact that a bottle of wine went missing shortly after it was introduced? It would seem to me that the whole point of the Tribe Wanted has been lost somewhere along the way, and I am very glad now that I did not join. You would appear to have scored an own goal by making the program. Vagaries of youth, I suppose.
That said, I wish you luck, and hope that the ideal can be regained”
It was certainly edited for the story, the condensed nature of the show is always going to have that problem.
They showed Mike making a beer holder in the log, but that was at the end of a long hot day making shelves for the school, which they didn’t show.
it is indeed amazing to see what a bit of editing can do…but, as ben said, if we didn’t seem some bumps in the road, i fear the project and programme would be accused of being too good to be true or not showing the whole story. so, my guess is we’ll end on a better note – or at least i hope so!
it’s interesting to have the insights, though, as you realize how little context you have when you show up. my first visit was before the events in ep 4, and we didn’t have to cover up except when tui mali was around. a lot had changed when i returned in sept. but i think it’s all for the good. and it IS part of the learning exchange…which is what it’s all about. we know we’ll all keep working on it, and that’s what counts.
i keep thinking about that old adage “if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem”...and for those who send emails of criticism, they have a choice. they can either join the tribe and try to be part of something exciting and revolutionary or they can sit home and cluck. we know which is the more powerful choice. without risk, there is no reward.
Great update on how you are dealing with the issues raised. Lets hope that the episode gets people talking and potential new members onto the website to hear this side of events..
Of course there are going to be teething problems along the way. It is good to hear how they have been handled since the program was filmed. I guess it’s a steep learning curve for everyone on how different cultures live and everyone needs to learn respect for each other. Something unfortunately many people don’t take into consideration when travelling to another country.
Hey Ben, although I did think that the cockies might put people off (not me – I’m used to them in Brisbane), I felt the key factor of the show was that, yes there are difficulties with such a project and some issues will occur. But it did show the project’s learning curve and, crucially, the Fijians having decisive input when things weren’t AOK. Whoever said that a curfew was imposed was watching properly.
I know that the Fijians would never have allowed such a project on their precious island if they felt unable to handle problems/issues etc or would be taken advantage of.
I agree with Kaz, that if people are going to criticise after one or two shows, not have an open mind and realise that showbiz is showbiz, then they probably won’t be helpful being involved in the project. I thought it ultimately showed how Vorovoro is not ‘The Beach’ but an altoegther different fantasy destination.
Bring it on!
Er..wasn’t watching properly…I meant
Wow, 5 months in 1 hour, I bet there was a fair few good things they didn’t put in.
Just for a bit of current island perspective, the way things have been happening over the last few weeks is that the boys have been encouraged (amongst themselves) to all go back to their families at the weekend. This now means that it leaves saturday night to have a few beers round the fire without the danger of any anything cross cultural getting out of hand. Since I have been back drinking by the tribe during the week has been practically non-existant. The week nights have been spent on the kava mat, learning meke and local songs with the boys and having some truly incredible evenings.
Yesterday chief of the province came along with comissioner of the north of fiji and were both extremely impressed what was happening.
The current atmosphere (which I feel is well balanced) is as a result of lessons learnt from earlier in the project.
Also, we are always trying to make all new comers aware of local cutural sensitivities.
Whilst we still.have a lot to do, the balance at the moment seems a good one.
Good to read all the comments especially from current tribal members The first 2 shows were great,this one came from a different perspective and not all in a good light. I was a little unsure as to upgrade but in saying that I have today had my sabbactical confirmed at work and I shall be upgrading to come to the island for 8 weeks to be part of what I think is a fantastic project.
I was worried that last night’s programme might have a negative impact, and it seems I was right to worry. I think Shine were irresponsible in the way they edited the programme, without allowing Ben or anyone on TW to point out how issues had been addressed. We now have to contend with the impression that Fijians are teetotal (really? with the sales of Bounty and Fiji Gold at the levels that they are); that we have been disrespectful and somehow disturbed a community (really? on a practically deserted island?); and that we are somehow cavorting away while the Fijians go to church (no mention that the church we saw was on Mali, so any cavorting on Vorovoro was hardly going to disturb the service). I could pick holes in the programme for hours, but I won’t bother. It was poorly, sensationally edited, providing a biased an inaccurate depiction, and I expected better of Shine.
Ben,
After watching all the Paradise or Bust documentaries so far . I at first could understand why Shine had cut so much out and could understand why and how they had to cut so much positive stuff out. I also understand why they showed so much negative stuff last night. They are creating a TV drama, which gets them contracts and deals. Even though I did not agree.
My opinions now have changed. Shine had a chance to portray a group of people trying there best to make a big difference to how people and major global companies exploit the beautiful places in the world for profits in the travel industry and how a group of no-bodies had joined a Tribe to do differently.
I brought into that idea as many others did. In there cutting rooms, Shine have mainly never shown anything about this. We also where told by them that the tribes story would be told. I can’t see that story being told at all. The only story I seem to be watching is one of Ben Keene and the problems he has come up against to for fill a business dream.
So shame on Shine for that and it brings me back to my fears from a long time ago, that , is this not about what we have all been sold and believed in, but about others selling us all those dreams for a bigger personal gain.
You should know me by now Ben , I don’t mince my words. Maybe only time will tell the whole story, but to be honest at the moment, all I’ve see after my absence , both in the documentary and online about future developments, it all saddens me. Accept for the innate goodwill of the individual Tribe members.
Maybe now that I’ve signed up to Marks ‘Have You Got The Nerve TV’ I should do my own documentary interviewing Tribe members in a behind the scenes of Tribewanted and donate all the profits to the Fijians.
Please don’t confuse the above to where and how I well at present personally. As that would be another mistake that the Tribewanted powers that be, would make.
Ben I do respect you and what you have achieved, but please , please, get back on track , if only for the Mali Tribe and bring this project back to it’s true message. It’s not about, Books, Documentaries, Profits or becoming a celebrity .
IT’S ABOUT CHANGING THE WAY PEOPLE TRAVEL AND STOPPING THE EXPLOITING OF BEAUTIFUL PLACES AND PEOPLE. PLUS SHOWING HOW A FEW PEOPLE WHO CARE, CAN MAKE A DIFFERENTS AND LEAVING THAT LEGECY TO THE FIJIANS
If it is not, then I and others have made a big mistake buying into it.
Dying old warhorse,
Poques
Thanks for posting that Ben, it did clear a few things up. I was on the island during this time and featured in last night’s episode quite a bit and feel my time on the island has been completely mis-represented. I understand they wanted to make the point ‘more numbers, more problems’ and as you say it would be a surprise if there weren’t teething problems but I feel like they really focussed on negatives too much last night – and exaggerated and sensationalised the truth.
I was there for 2 weeks and I recall 3 nights where we drank on the island, and I seem to remember the Shine crew actually buying us some Bounty Rum to say thanks for taking part in filming. I don’t know who edited this and how involved John / Jenny were so I’m not going to point the finger at them.
As I say they focused on the negatives too much in my opinion. Where was the coverage of Children of Fiji Day, where was working alongside the Fijians to build Ben’s Bure, where was the coverage of the Music workshop I did with the kids in the school. It didn’t show Mikey taking it upon himself to try and build extra water collecting devices to catch more water… it didn’t show Laura, Alex and Sophie’s and other members working on the vegetable garden or us talking to the WWF represenatives who came to island to discuss the impact we’re having on the coral.
All the points about the dress / hygiene etc have been covered so I won’t go there. I do feel like I’m defending myself and the other members who I shared my time with on Vorovoro (‘the alcoholic backpackers’) which is a real shame.
The most Ironic part for me was when I was shown sat on the beach with Epeli, Tevita and a few other elders drinking Kava. I’d awoke on my last morning and wandered down to the headland for one final time. On my way back I strolled through the village (making sure to announce my arrival with the traditional ‘Bongi’) and I was invited in for a delicious breakfast of cocunut rice, cake and lemon tea with Francis, Poassa, Epeli and Va. They told me how they would miss me, especially at night around the Kava bowl when I spent the nights singing songs and trying to learn Fijian songs. Epeli asked me to meet him and a few of the elders down on the beach for a goodbye round of Kava. I met them half an hour later and they sat me in the chiefs position. They explained they were ‘burying my footsteps in the island’ which meant that I would never truly leave. It was the proudest moment of my life and Tevita said I was the first person from the Tribe (that he knew of) to receive such a ceremony. On the programme they showed this moment whilst they were talking about relationships with the Fijian’s being at an all time low. I know its editing but to be honest… it hurt.
I’m gutted to be honest but I will not let it tar my memories of our beautiful island, the people I shared it with, ot the amazing experience I had while I was there.
Vinaka
Spud
Wow that’s great to hear your actual amazing experience – hope to hear tomorrow night at the mini meet.
Let’s just wait til next week’s show hey and see how TW is portrayed then – it might be uplifting and positive! I can understand though that people who were there at the time taking it personally. But you know the reality and boo to the naysayers who can’t see the wood for the trees… :-)
I think it’s important not to get carried away here and remember that we did have these problems on the island.
A lot of the documentary to date has been extremely positive about the project.
But this was 6 months of island community problems in 45 minutes of tv – its not surprising it was heavy going.
Lets wait to see how the documentary resolves these issues in episode 5 next week.
For now I’m moving on – lots of work to do!
I was initally concerned with last night’s programme, especially after I had just booked my flights out to Vorovoro. The last thing I wanted was to be involved with something like a party island. The social mix was so different to what we expected we were shocked. I appreciate that mistakes were made and hope that it is nothing like that now. I also appreciate how judicial cutting can put a negative perspective on any project. However I have gone ahead and booked 2 weeks on the island with my son. I must admit though I would be feeling much happier if I hadn’t seen last night’s programme.
Bula Tribe,
So here it goes, I have not seen the episode since I am in America but I know of what has been discussed. As Ben says, this one episode has been trying to combine everything over a long period of time, therefore; you can understand that many things can be taken out of context and manipulated etc. One thing that I know that appeared on the show as of now was SJ and my conversation from what I have read from other responses. All I have to say is that you must understand that myself, Ben, Kimbo and Sj were all working and living together on a small island for 4 months. Yes, of course problems occurred and we didn’t always get along, but can you honestly tell me that the same doesn’t happen to you with your co-workers occasionally. I believe that SJ is truly an amazing person and has done so much for this project but we are different people and therefore we do not always see eye to eye, but that does not change the respect that I have for her. Media is media and they will show what sells and what people want to see and also they cannot have bias and must show both sides of the story. And when it comes to blame there is no one to blame. We must remember that we signed a waiver saying we can be filmed and also that shine does not have full control of the content that is shown because BBC are the big guys and have the final say. I am not sure how I am portrayed, but I know that I have full faith in Shine and all those that I worked with the one island. I think for the position that we were all in we worked well together and Im sure that all those who were on the island understand what I am saying.
As for the drinking etc. I am also not sure what was shown, but I can honestly say that all the “backpackers” were not there just to party. They were all amazing people whom I believe to be inspiring. Im not sure if Spud was shown in the wrong light, but if you read my old post from when I left you will see that I pointed out one of my most memorable moments as the night when he sang a song he made for Tribewanted. I feel as though him along with all the other backpackers who came to Vorovoro just had this spunk about them. They always wanted to help and get involved with what was going on around them. They dug in deep and truly understood the project and left there mark when they left ( but in such a great way). They really did just open up and let it all in and they bonded with the locals much like I felt I did.
And on that topic of the island being split between locals and members I can’t think of one moment when that happened. I couldn’t even imagine someone who actually traveled to island being able to say that when they left. The bonds that you make with the locals are ones that you will never forget even if you don’t return (but believe me everyone always goes back). Vorovoro was a second home to me and whether it was watching movies and making bracelets withe the girls or laying on the beach all night hanging out with Api and Tale, they were a big part of my life and always will be.
So Im not sure what else I can say at the moment except remember what this project is all about, it is not about us it is about Fiji and people all around the world recognizing how amazing this project really is and how it can change our lives and the way we live. So take a deep breathe and remember why you joined and the future ahead.
Vinaka and if you have questions feel free to ask,
Raina
Keep the faith everyone!
As I’ve said time will tell. And as Ben has said I’m a very emotional guy.
All I can finish off saying is, ‘ I believed in the dream of Tribewanted and still do’
If you all do, then I’ll shut up and watch you all create the dream I brought into and believed in.
Long live the Tribe and it’s beliefs.
Poques
Hello people.
I wasn’t going to say anything until I read posts from people who were thinking about joining but haven’t yet. Hopefully these people are still following this blog as it rolls out, and are getting to see the reactions from the people that were there and how they are feeling upset at the grossly unfair editing that the BBC did. I was Chief for September 2007, which was the marking of the 1st anniversary as well as the busiest time on Vorovoro. I left at the beginning of October, only to return in December to stay another 4 weeks and spend Christmas and New Years on Vorovoro, and that was all because my first 5 weeks were the best 5 weeks I’ve ever experienced.
Not once in my total 9 weeks on Vorovoro was there ever a problem that got to a point where the westerners would have been accused of being disrespectful. Yes there were times when there was a lot of alcohol consumption, but there were even more times when the Kava consumption went on longer and louder, and that was with the company of Tui Mali.
As Chief I was also privy to knowing the wages for the workers and after talking with other Fijian’s through out Lambasa and the surrounding area I can say that workers on Vorovoro are compensated well for their work. I’m a union worker from North America so trust me I can appreciate fair wages.
All and all it has been a learning experience. One that saw no real conflict that would ever jeopardize the welfare and culture of the Fijian people or its land. During my first meeting with Tui Mali and Tevita we spoke about the first year of the project and how happy they were, and that they felt the second year was going to be even better. When I left in October I knew this was to be true; not only because that is what Tui Mali said to me, but being there and experiencing it you just knew.
So if you were thinking about joining and decided not to I have to say that is a very big mistake. Vorovoro is a place that will always stay with you. It is truly a second home and a second family. If you don’t believe me I have 45 gigs of picture and videos to show you.
CHRIS
Thought those following this might be interested to know that the regional chief (Tui Macuata) visited Vorovoro this week on his own initiative as he had heard such good things about the project. He subsequently presented a tabua (whale’s tooth) to Tribewanted to thank them for their work in the area.
If you have any more questions about the project as seen in the episode please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Most people who watched this week’s episode of P or B realises that it was just sensationalist TV, that’s what gets the ratings up right?
I’m sure no one got involved with this project without thinking that there would be problems. I read somewhere recently that ‘only those who can adapt quickly to change will survive’ or words to that effect. Adaptation is the name of the game for both visitors and Fijians and as long as we learn from these mistakes then the project will be nothing but a success. Most of us realise that managing a project like this was never going to be easy, financially and culturally. Keep going Ben, we are all (well mostly all) behind you.
Just to add my voice to many others – no one should feel cheated by the way the tribe was portrayed in the doc. Viewers simply won’t tune in to watch a bunch of people all getting on in paradise – I had one friend who couldn’t even sit through prog.1 ‘cos it just reminded her of what she was missing. Shine have succeeded in keeping an audience with a strong documentary, not an extended publicity video.
I really enjoyed the episode. A whole part of this project is that it is an experiment, something new for everybody involved. Of course things will go wrong and of course issues will be raised that were never imagined at the beginning, but that’s all part of. It’s like a patchwork quilt; without the different colours and textures it’s just a bit, well, bland. Tribe wanted would be pretty dull and serve very little purpose if it was easy and everything just ticked over without controversy. It’s the mistakes, debates and challenges that keep us alive, keep things exciting and keep us evolving. I loved the “cultural clashes” that were raised that likely never occurred to us to be strange ways when we turned up in Fiji. I will never forget the scene of the tribe learning yoga being closely observed from all angles. ‘This is something new we are experiencing, we have never seen such a thing, what is it they call it?? Yoga!’ Can you imagine the utter confusion that the Fijians were thinking watching all these people rolling around in the Bure for seemingly no reason whatsoever? Then the reaction to the clothing was an absolute classic “they wear these shorts, and you can see their buttocks and their panties!” The Fijians observe us on every level and we are more different as tribes than we ever imagined we would be. I think it’s brilliant to see how we all observe each other and learn how we all think differently and spend our time and thoughts in different ways. Watching the Fijians embrace the project is as exciting as embracing it ourselves; the new TV and generator they were proudly displaying, the new books that the school now have and lessons the children are learning, the new lighting and improved accommodation, and was that a Malvern tea towel I saw on the wall?? On a general level culture can be observed through the Kava ceremonies, the rituals etc, but it is through the tiny details that we are really learning how differently the two tribes think and go about living their lives. The programme focused on how we learnt these lessons, but what everybody will really take away from the project is what they have learnt. In my opinion it is the mistakes, arguments and controversy that build up this project and help it evolve just as much as the successes. Without these challenges tribewanted would not only make rubbish telly, but it would make a pretty rubbish project too. Watch the episode again and see the positive points that came out of what the editors might have wanted us to see as factors that were breaking us down. What you’ll see is a very exciting project being born that continues to progress and evolve for a whole host of different cultures across the world. Then look at how hard the team work for us and for tribewanted; this is something that really impressed me when I visited Vorovoro. Ben, Sarah Jane, Kimbo and Raina worked so hard not only for the vision of tribe wanted but in order to ensure that each member enjoyed their short stay on Vorovoro, and for that I can never thank you enough.
Ps I think that the Shine team have made a great TV series in Paradise or Bust
Wow… now I am more intrigued than ever to see these episodes. But not having seen them… and having just ready everyone’s responses… can I offer a suggestion?
Let it roll off.
Raina, Ben, Lorren and everyone who participates in TW…. we know who we are, we know the true value of what we have said, done, or tried to do. A television show that will be forgotten after next week is not going to change any of it.
All of us involved in the project know that we have gotten an ENORMOUS amount of positive press worldwide; did that change much at TW? We have gotten maybe 4 or 5 negative articles written about us and that is all we seem to worry and fuss about.
But we know who we are. More importantly Tui Mal and the people of Fiji know… isn’t that the best part?
I knew that once we were being filmed that no matter what we said, did, or hoped Shine was going to edit the show the way that they needed to (or were told to) in order to get viewers. After all, we are talking about a Murdoch owned (or run) business enterprise. This isn’t NOVA or National Geographic we are talking about. To that end… I also accepted that everything we did and said was open for scrutiny and use.
Did they make it sensationalistic? Yes. Did it actually have to happen in order to be filmed? Yes. Do we sometimes have bad moments? Yes.
Is that all there is to us or our project? Hell NO!
Every viewer in this Big Brother, American Idol, reality show world knows that TV is manipulative. Maybe some people’s first reaction was a bit of shock… but if they took the time to write, than they are most likely interested in the truth and will allow it to show itself.
It almost always does.
actually a lot of people do believe in what they see or read. they do believe in Big Brother. they do believe the Daily Mail. they do believe in sensationalism (is that a word?). and that I find the most disappointing: that so many members of our society are apathetic in a media saturated environment.
I am find it patronising that some members have written posts elsewhere on the site demanding that the project ends immediately because of the cultural impact on the ‘poor’ Fijians. They’ve claimed that the project is harming their culture by introducing things such as alcohol. The details of that have been mentioned above but what I will say is that no culture or society of people is static. The Fijians are 21st century people with a different heritage. Whilst it is always a concern that dominant groups of people have had a tendency to push their cultural values on to another there is a lot of potential for cultural growth through the mutual appreciation for others. (Also, bear in mind that Europeans settled in Fiji in the 19th century and the country is a member of the Commonwealth).
I think the documentary has been useful for generating interest and healthy debate. These discussions and disagreements are essential for driving this project forward and making it a success for both tribewanted and the Fijians.
I have found all the TV programmes really inspiring. It’s been great that they haven’t portrayed some unreal paradise – but have shown major problems arising, and being worked through and resolved, in a really positive way.
When two groups come together, and ideas are shared, there are always going to be issues to deal with. The TV programme showed people acknowledging this, and working through them with open hearts and good intention. I have huge respect for all the Fijians and the Tribewanted members shown on the programme – what you’ve acheived is massive and inspiring.
Its just how convincing the documentary producer puts this together. I truely believe in this concept, however someone asked me this.
He doubts the vision behind the green dream and sustainability management.
Why did TW wanted thousands of people to visit a tiny fragile Fijian island, flying from the other side of the planet – knowing what the impact would be on the environment, the reefs etc..?
Mart.
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