rp21 situational analysis - Pacific Health Voices

fermented toddy kaokioki and homebrews. 358
Lack of alternate activities and the associated
boredom are listed as reasons for drinking,
in addition to low self-esteem and social interaction.
The key informant for this analysis
reported in 2009 that many of these consumption
patterns remain the same. 359
It is worth reiterating that a reputation for
excessive alcohol consumption is deemed
an international disincentive for employing
i-Kiribati in shipping services. 360 The South
Pacific Marine Services and the Marine Training
Centre estimate that up to 4000 people
(increased from the current figure of 1000)
may be employed in the service of shipping
vessels if the issue of excessive drinking is
addressed. 361 In a nation with limited development
opportunities, this is a key concern, a
point highlighted in recent media reports. 362
Kiribati ‘sex workers’ known as Te Korekorea
are reported to fraternise with local men
and seafarers and exchange sex for alcohol
and other goods. In addition, they occasionally
drink to excess and become victims of
violence. 363 Young women are considered at
risk of engaging in sex work due to a lack of
employment and educational opportunities,
but no surveillance or behavioural research
has been undertaken with this group. 364
A local situational analysis in 2005 identified
concerns regarding links between
alcohol, family violence and sexual abuse.
The analysis was initiated after a call in 2000
for a community response following reports
of a series of incidents involving very young
children. No further information regarding
this issue has been identified and it is unclear
what measures, if any, have been introduced
to clearly identify and manage the issue. 365
Other
A 2005 government document reported that
Kiribati youth sniff benzene and drink methylated
spirits in addition to using a variety
of alcoholic substances. 366 The authors did
not identify any additional information to
confirm that this pattern persists.
75
358 H. Buchanan-Aruwafu (2007), Youth vulnerability to HIV in the Pacific. In C. Jenkins &
H. Buchanan-Aruwafu (2007), Cultures and Contexts Matter: understanding and preventing HIV
in the Pacific. Manila: Asian Development Bank.; see also above, fn.349.
359 Personal communication, July 2009.
360 Figures are said to have declined from a peak of 2000 to below 1000 in 2008.
361 Ibid.
362 Batiri Bataua, Kiribati seamen numbers plummet, Kiribati News, 16 April 2008.
; Kiribati’s Tong pushes overseas job
opportunities for i-Kiribati, Kiribati News, 23 July 2008, available at: (accessed February 2009).
363 H. Buchanan-Aruwafu above, fn.358.
364 Ibid.
365 Above, fn.349.
366 Ibid.
Kiribati