Volume 1 Number 8
January 14, 1997
ON EASTER ISLAND:
The facts reveal several interesting aspects. First is the lack of communication between park guards and the central office of CONAF... For this reason the the guard had to fight the fire alone for 4 hours before he went to the village to get help.
The immediate conclusion is that such situations should be avoided in the future.
The second aspect was the reaction of the Vice Governor on the island who stated that in his opinion certain authorities and communication media magnified the size of the fire and its effects on the moai. The version given out by archaeologist Jose Miguel Ramirez, head of CONAF, was that the fire affected an inner crater of Rano Raraku, where there were 97 unfinished moais. These did not receive great damage, but 46 were affected by the heat, soot and smoke. This expert said that damage is visible, especially on one of them, and there may be invisible damage inside the monuments from the flames...
A third reflection points at the means of preserving the natural attractions of the island. Evidently, there are not enough personnel nor equipment to properly ensure the conservation of the monuments. According to the expert, it would cost US$15,000 to chemically treat each statue properly.
Another conclusion concerns how the island is managed. The excessive number of cattle in the park was denounced . Also, it appears that there should be a limit on the number of paved roads on the island, since they destroy the natural ambiance and divert rainfall. Also, there are too many vehicles, plastic elements, and non-recyclable garbage, which is bad for tourism.
The lamentable fire has served to call attention of the Chilean people to this part of the nation that enjoys universal recognition, and which should receive more attention from us.
- El Mercurio de Valparaiso, December 13, 1996
LAND ON EASTER ISLAND WILL BE DELIEVERED ONLY TO ETHNIC RAPANUI
RESORTS CANNOT BE BUILT ON EASTER ISLAND
The initiative to safeguard the cultural values of Rapa Nui was presented by Christian Democrat senators Juan Hamilton and Andres Zaldivar, to assure that state land on Easter Island passes effectively to members of the Rapanui community. It was approved by an ample majority of members of the United Commisions of the Government.This proposal signifies that it will not be possible, as some in opposition have suggested, to build highways, 5-star hotels, and other works far from the culture & mentality of the ethnic Rapanui . This will impede what has happened on other Polynesian islands, whose territory has been acquired by foreigners to build resorts without regard to the natives.
The law will modify articles 66 and 69 of the Law of Indigenous People which said that anyone who has cultural links with the island can acquire property. (That would include someone who knows how to dance the sau-sau, cook a curanto, or assist in the Sunday mass.)
According to the Office of National Real Estate on the island, 382 properties are inscribed, 368 of which correspond to ethnic Rapanui, 2 to non-Rapanui, and 12 to "law persons" {literal translation} Currently there are 536 solicitations for legal title by persons currently in possession of land. Also pending are 443 solicitations for rural land and 25 for title to "urban" land.
- El Mercurio de Valparaiso, December 16, 1996
(2)- The local Easter Island telephone number prefix will change from 223 to 100.
(3)- The Easter Island telephone service will become fully incorporated into the national system of multiple, elective, long distance carrier services.
BEGINNING ON JANUARY 19, 1997: To call Easter Island from anywhere in the State of Valparaiso, simply dial the local island number desired. E.g.: 100-325.
To make a long distance national call from any other part of Chile, dial: The Code of your chosen Long Distance Carrier + 32 + 100-###.
To call Easter Island from outside Chile, dial in the manner appropriate for your country, using the following codes and prefix:
Country Code for Chile :56
Area Code : 32
Easter Island number : 100-###
- Robert Weber,
Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
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