Bank South Pacific Financial Group Limited (BSP) has continued its support for the Hiri Moale Festival with a K100, 000 donation made to the organizers of Port Moresby’s premier cultural event.
The cheque was presented to the organizing committee at the Ravalian Haus by BSP Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Mark Robinson on Friday 1st March, 2024.
The Hiri Moale Festival has its roots in the traditional trade voyages that took place between the Motuan people of the Central Province and the people of the Gulf Province.
Mr. Robinson stated that BSP has had a long tradition of supporting cultural activities not only in Papua New Guinea, but throughout the wider pacific community.
“Festivals such as Hiri Moale are an important way to bring people together and to promote tourism. The festival provides an excellent platform for people to not only share their culture and traditions, but also pass them down to the next generation.”
“We congratulate the organizers on reaching this important milestone and wish them all the very best with this year’s event.”
Receiving the cheque on behalf of the event organizing committee was Mrs. Molly O’Rourke accompanied by 2023 Hiri Hanenamo, Miss Kimjosh Damuri.
Meanwhile, the festival is a celebration of Motuan culture and features a range of activities, including traditional dances, canoe races, and handicraft displays.
This year will mark a milestone for the festival, fifty years on from the inaugural event under the leadership of Janetta Douglas, MBE.
Janetta was one of the earliest promoters of PNG as a tourism destination and worked tirelessly to preserve the cultural heritage of its people.