At Reverse the Trend, we encourage youth to share their views on the twin existential threats of nuclear weapons through creative mediums.
For the upcoming 2nd Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, we are proud to sponsor a series of art pieces from the Pacific (Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and the Marshall Islands) and Canada.
We would like to thank Dr. Becky Alexis-Martin, Maverick Peter-Seda, RTT Pacific Coordinator; Benetick Kabua Maddison, and Dr. April L. Brown of the Marshallese Educational Educational Initiative for providing photos.
Kiribati
Between 1957 and 1962, the United Kingdom and the United States tested 33 nuclear weapons at Malden and Kiritimati islands in Kiribati. In August 2023, Dr. Becky Alexis-Martin, a prominent researcher and trusted community ally for the i-Kiribati community, visited Kiritimati and encouraged the youth to convey their views about the nuclear tests. Several of their paintings will be shown at our art event. All photos below are credited to Dr. Becky Alexis-Martin.
Journey to the 2MSP
To convey the urgency of nuclear justice through the arts, a group of i-Kiribati youth have traveled thousands of miles to New York to convey the importance of nuclear justice by raising awareness about the 33 nuclear tests that the British and American forces conducted on Kiritimati, their home. This group is available for interviews with the New York Press from November 27 to December 2.
Meet the i-Kiribati Youth
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Tarem Taukaro
My name is Taraem Taukaro, a lady of 24 years of age, and was born and raised in Kiritimati Island. I am married with 2 beautiful daughters. I completed high school in 2015 at King George V & Ellaine Bernacchi School, a public school based in Tarawa, the capital city. I was once a radio announcer in 2019 working in the government-owned radio station based in Kiritimati Island, the Broadcasting & Publication Authority. Singing and dancing are my personal hobbies, and I always enjoy singing birthday and marriage songs for my friends and families.
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Tinabora Ioane
My name is Tinabora Ioane, a 23 year-old beautiful girl from Kiritimati Island. I live in Tabakea village, a village designated for those who came to Kiritimati Island to work as coconut planters and cutters during the colonial times. I just completed my tertiary education from the University of the South Pacific in 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Land Management Development and Human Resource Development. I am currently working as the 4th Secretary in the Ministry of Line & Phoenix Islands Development since this year. I enjoy spending my personal times on my own - relaxing and watching movies. I also have a future plan in mind, i.e. to travel and explore the fun adventures of the world.
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Oemwa Johnson
My name is Oemwa and I am currently pursuing a double major in Biology and Accounting, with a minor in Pacific Island Studies at BYU-Hawaii. Growing up in a small island nation, I have witnessed the struggles that come with limited access to healthcare and resources. This has fueled my passion for studying Biology and pursuing a career in the medical field. Throughout my academic journey, I have been deeply moved by the impact that global issues have on the health and well-being of individuals and communities. One particular area of concern that has captured my attention is the proliferation and devastating consequences of nuclear weapons testing. This is why attending the United Nations Second Meeting on the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons holds immense importance for me and for the future of my country. The treaty is a significant step towards safeguarding global health and security. It does not only aims to prevent the disastrous humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear tests but also eliminates the risks associated with the development and deployment of such destructive weapons. As an aspiring doctor, I firmly believe in the fundamental right to health, and I am committed to working towards a world free from nuclear threats to ensure the well-being of current and future generations. Aside from all this, I love baking, dancing, sleeping and watching movies in my free time.
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Merose Adrian
My name is Merose Adrian and I am 17 years old. I was born in Tarawa, the capital city of Kiribati but my father is originally from Kiritimati Island. I am the eldest in the family with 2 brothers and 1 sister. I am currently studying at St. Francis High School in Kiritimati.
I attended high school at Sacred Heart Girls College since 2019 until 2021 in New Zealand when my father undertook his undergraduate study at the University of Waikato (Hamilton). I learnt to mingle around students and people of different backgrounds while in New Zealand.
I love sports and enjoy being on my own when I am free.
Solomon Islands
In solidarity with Kiribati youth, representatives RTT Pacific created powerful art pieces to show their support to the people of Kiribati who have suffered from the twin existential threats of nuclear weapons. RTT Pacific Coordinator, Maverick Peter-Seda of the Solomon Islands coordinated the retreat.
Marshall Islands
From 1946-1958, the U.S. government detonated 67 nuclear weapons in the Marshall Islands as part of the U.S. nuclear testing program. Equivalent to 1.6 Hiroshima-sized bombs detonated daily over the twelve year period, the tests have ongoing biological, ecological, and cultural consequences for the people of the Marshall Islands. Marshallese youth created a series of paintings to express their views about the humanitarian and environmental paintings of nuclear testing. More information can be found here: https://www.rmilegacynucleartests.com.
