Anton Newspapers publisher Angela S. Anton, as a member of the Science Museum of Long Island Expedition to Easter Island had another responsibility on the trip- an appointment by Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi to represent Long Island as honorary ambassador to Easter Island in an island to island show of friendship and support.

Easter Island is the most remote habitation in the world lying some 2,400 miles west of Santiago, Chile and 2,300 miles east of Tahiti. It is best known for its huge statues which were carved and erected by a people known as RapaNuit who, from Polynesian origins, settled the island around 400 AD. The island is now a possession of Chile and is governed by an appointed governor, Enrique Pakarati, and an elected mayor, Petero Edmunds.

"Ambassador" Anton presented her credentials to both the governor and mayor of Easter Island including citations from Mr. Suozzi and State Senator Michael B. Balboni. She also presented the Nassau County flag to the mayor where it later hung with the flag of Chile.

Ms. Anton, along with leaders of the expedition, Dr. John Loret, Bob Hemm and Marcelo Mendez, were invited to lunch and dinner meetings where ideas were discussed, including future possibilities for expeditions and cultural exchanges, particularly between the children of the "two islands." It is felt that the island exchanges could offer each other unparalleled educational and cultural opportunities for its children - and adults.

Easter Island has gone through ecological and political disasters from the past which left the island, once covered with trees, barren, with little sustainable growth to feed its growing population. Today, the island has rebounded, with trees planted, increasing agriculture and beautiful beaches, and is a wonderland of some 840 statues and a warm and caring people who are determined to preserve their unique culture.

"We feel there is much to be learned by Long Island from Easter Island's experience in its use of its natural resources," said John Loret, executive director of the Science Museum of Long Island. Easter Island Mayor Petero Edmunds, is a leader with many missions including a "Cultural University" under construction, with plans to invite scholars and teachers and to share philosophy and practical living applications.

A first step of friendship was shown to the children of Easter Island when Ms. Anton handed out gifts to the school children, including calculators, clothing, medical supplies, etc. Coordinating with Joe Dixon, administrative director of the Kornreich Technology Center, National Center for Disability Services and the expedition's cameraman, Marcelo Mendez, the visit was filmed including a greeting from Mayor Edmunds. The overall production will be shown at the school and will be played on LI Television.

The Science Expedition was a huge success with discoveries of a three headed statue unearthed at an archeological dig and also a new uncharted habitation was discovered. Both will be a major part of another expedition by the Science Museum of Long Island in April of 2005.