Singer apologizes to Solomon Islands

Grace Andrew.  Photo Solomon Star

TEENAGE singing sensation, Grace Andrew has apologized for what was described a disgraceful backstage interview on New Zealand television which has caused uproar amongst many Solomon Islanders.

In a letter emailed to this newspaper and also posted on social media site Facebook, the seven-teen-year-old singer apologized for the interview which she said was misinterpreted and then shown on live television (TV).

“To all my people from the Solomon Islands, I am truly deeply sorry for how my interview backstage showed up on television.

“Mi no expectim for olketa puttum up wat mi talem about wat me herem during tension (I did not expect them (Television) to put up what I said about what I heard during the tension). The way the interview really happened was not what you heard,” Ms Andrew said.

She said that the interview backstage which happened on the 10th of August 2013 and only televised last weekend was fabricated, and that she was misquoted and misinterpreted by the producers.

“During the interview they asked me about my life in the Solomon Islands, my school, my singing and my family.

“Here are my answers for the questions.”

About my life:

My life back in the Solomon’s is really good. I have 6 siblings in my family, my older brother and sister, already married. I have 4 nieces and 2 nephews.

About my school:

I go to St John community high school in Rove.

About my singing:

I started singing when I was 5. My dad is a country singer and he always helped me with my singing. I was born and raised in the Solomon’s. I love singing, my dream is to stand on a stage and sing.

About leaving the Solomon’s:

I am so happy because I try a different lifestyle, and the chance to join New Zealand’s Got Talent. I told them that joining this competition is a really huge thing, especially for me and my country!

About the tension:

During the tension, I was a little girl. I don't know what's going on. As I grew up I heard that that there's killing, fighting, murder and kidnapping.

Ms Andrew explained that she referred to the killing, fighting, murder and kidnapping according to stories she heard of the tensions, as she was still a little girl during the height of the tensions.

She added that she was also asked if teenagers go around freely during the tensions in the country.

“I answered them honestly; I said no. During the time no teenager was allowed to go anywhere. If they go somewhere, they have to tell their parents or take their phone with them for safety. That was what I heard of what it was like during those times,” she said.

The singer also said that she only wanted to do her family and nation proud by attempting such a prestigious and big show as the New Zealand Got Talent.

“I am proud to be a Solomon Islander and I love my country.

“I was so shocked when I saw the show and saw how my interview had been changed in a way that was so hurtful to my wonderful country.

“Any pride I might have had in my performance was entirely overtaken by embarrassment and sorrow.

“I am truly sorry it happened this way. I am really sorry from the bottom of my heart, please forgive me,” Ms Andrew said in the letter.

By Jeremy Inifiri /Solomon Star