AUSTRALIA’S Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed, together with the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Franklyn Wasi visited Amazing Grace Boutique Cocoa Farm in East Honiara this week. 

Grace Fekau, owner of Amazing Grace, shared her story of running a successful cocoa farm and tourism business and providing much-needed jobs for local people.  

The visit builds on Ambassador Mohamed’s work with Solomon Islands’ tourism operators Authentic Mala Tours, Tititu Eco Lodge and Parangiju who travelled to Australia earlier this year to share their experiences and discussed opportunities for further Indigenous tourism exchange between Solomon Islands and Australia.

As Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamad’s role is to ensure the perspectives, experiences and culture of Australia’s kastom landowners are part of all of Australia’s international work.

“The more I travel in the Pacific the more I hear kastom landowners tell me they want to grow our relationship,” Ambassador Mohamed said. 

“There is so much we can do sharing knowledge between Solomon Islands and Australia’s kastom landowners.” 

Ambassador Mohamed will be in Honiara throughout this week.

• AHC