A constant stream of visitors came through the gates of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community's headquarters at Anse Vata, Noumea, during its recent Open Week leading up to a Grand Open Day on Saturday 23 June.

The theme of the week, which was part of the celebrations for SPC's 60th anniversary, was 'SPC, at the crossroads of cultures and communities'.

Feedback from visitors and SPC staff alike spoke of a huge success. The programme for the week included guided tours of SPC's facilities and activities and special events for school children. At the Open Day on Saturday, visitors were able to watch cooking demonstrations using local ingredients, have their eating and exercise habits assessed by a team of health specialists, learn how to protect themselves against diseases such as HIV, dengue fever and leptospirosis, find out more about the ecology of coral reefs, test their knowledge of sea safety, and learn about SPC's activities to ensure the sustainability of the Pacific's resources and people's livelihoods.

A special feature of the day was a yam planting ceremony, where culture, tradition and science met. Women from Kouaoua, Northern Province, performed a traditional yam dance and gifts were exchanged with the Customary Senate before six yam species were planted in a ceremony attended by representatives of the New Caledonia government, diplomatic corps, SPC and the people of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. New Caledonia's Yam Conservatory, which was set up to conserve the genetic resources of local yam varieties, was also on display at the Open Day. SPC has a programme to conserve regional plant resources and is assisting the conservatory with this work.

Exhibits of art and handicraft gave visitors the opportunity to admire authentic examples of weaving, tapa, jewellery and wood carving from all over the Pacific. Visitors were also entertained by a Vanuatu string band and dancers from French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna.

Acknowledging New Caledonia's unwavering support for SPC since it first set up its headquarters in Anse Vata in 1949, SPC Director-General, Dr Jimmie Rodgers said, 'Sixty years have passed since SPC's inception, and New Caledonia and Noumea, our host country and city, have played major roles in our history, development and growth.'

Dr Rodgers thanked everyone who had attended the Open Week, saying 'The changing architecture of the region has tremendous implications for the work of SPC and how it conducts its business. We welcome your questions, your opinions, and your contribution to these discussions, which will help us better meet your expectations and better position ourselves at the crossroads between ideas and people.' SPC, 28/06/07.