The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) this morning, officially launched the Amazing Port Moresby Independence Festival to commemorate the country’s 48th Independence Anniversary. The Festival, which will involve a number of organized events by the Amazing Port Moresby team that will occur from the 14th-17th of September. The Amazing Port Moresby Independence Festival 2023 Program is as follows: 1. Craft Markets at Ela Beach 14th-17th September, 2. Unity Walk from Murray Barracks to Ela Beach 15th September, 3. Amazing Port Moresby Festival at Ela Beach 15th-17th September, 4. Craft Market at Unagi Oval 16th September, 5. Amazing Port Moresby Festival at Unagi Oval 16th September, 6. Amazing Port Moresby’s Festival of a Thousand Tribes at the Murray Barracks 16th September, 7. UPNG Cultural Show at UPNG Campus 16th September, 8. Flag Lowering at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium 16th September, 9. Independence Fireworks at Ela Beach 16th September, and 10. PAU Cultural Show at PAU Campus 17th September. Governor for the National Capital District (NCD) Powes Parkop said that the Amazing Port Moresby Festival was a warmup for the bigger celebration which is the 50th National Independence on September 16th, 2025. “September 16th is our day. It is the story of our people. The story of our country. Story of the past. Story of today, setting the platform for tomorrow.” “I want to emphasize the significance of this year’s celebrations and the innovative events that we have introduced that distinguishes this year’s events from the past and take them to another level.” Governor Parkop announced that the theme for the nation‘s 48th Independence; “Celebrating 48 years, Preparing for the Golden Jubilee in 2025”, sets the groundwork for our nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary. He also announced that the goal for this year is to celebrate independence, paving the way for our momentous 50th golden anniversary and to present our national event to such a standard and caliber, so that it becomes equally a tourist product that can be harnessed to create opportunities for the people. The venues for the celebrations are Ela Beach, Unagi Oval, Pacific Adventist University, UPNG and three new venues introduced this year are Murray Barracks, the Independence Boulevard and Bomana near the police college. Governor Parkop extended his Gratitude to the Murray Barracks commander for allowing The Amazing Port Moresby’s Festival of a thousand tribes. These additional venues will contribute to the expansion and diversity of this year’s celebration. This event is designated by NCDC to be an annual event. “It is to be a significant tourist attraction, a magnificent show of diversity of our culture converging in one location in one event.” “The innovation part of our events this year is aimed at igniting our sense of patriotism while unveiling the beauty of our culture and the resilience of our people which is amplified by the Amazing Port Moresby Independence parade designed to showcase our government, our nation and more importantly our people’s journey, achievements and advancements. Governor Parkop appealed to the people of this nation and its citizens to go out and take part in this year’s Independence Celebrations. “I want to encourage your active participation in this parade. Be it through a group performance, to come and walk, marching, showcase in the float and in the activities that you have been doing in your business or in your school. Each of us can come and make this independence parade a real patriotic parade and showcase the diversity but at the same time, unity of the people in our nation.” “As we march forward in unity, we celebrate our history, our milestones and our collective journey and with it, the challenges that we have overcome and to showcase and inspire us for an optimistic future.” Governor Parkop believes that this event will ensure the continuity of our cultures, our songs and dances that it will be something we can hold on to and cherish for the years to come, and he has urged Papua New Guineans around the nation to join in the celebration of the nation’s achievements no matter how big or small. He concluded with a recollection from his days as a student, the melancholic feeling of being unsure what the future held with enthusiasm and hope for independence. “I’m proud to be a Papua New Guinean. Despite all our trials and tribulations, challenges and whatever dramas we have, I can’t see myself being from another country. I’m proud and I’m ready to celebrate 48 years preparing for 50 years of independence in 2025.”