The Moresby North- East District in the Nation’s Capital delivered the biggest number of shows to mark the 50th Independence Anniversary of Papua New Guinea.
In Moresby North-East District alone, a total of 21 shows and events were hosted including Independence sports competition in all the wards in the district.
The Independence Celebration program in the district started off on the 12th of September and wrapped up yesterday, Wednesday 17th September with the last show at Bushwara.
Speaking during the report submission meet yesterday at Manuti, Member for Moresby North-East John Kaupa congratulated all the 21 Chairmen for organizing and successfully hosting the 21 Independence Shows respectively.
“I am very proud of the outcome, your Show Chairmen have done tremendous job, and I look forward to working with you all come next year Independence.”
Mr. Kaupa highlighted that it is not good for one to travel far to celebrate independence when the show can be brought to the people, to where they live, where they are known, amongst people and place they are familiar with because safety and security is paramount.
“I want to congratulate the people of Moresby North- East for taking ownership, for celebrating peacefully and for showing the true spirit of unity.”
Mr. Kaupa highlighted that the National Government has allocated K2million and the North-East District Office has allocated another K1million, so a total of K3million was budgeted for the Independence show for the people of Moresby North-East.
“The money was allocated for the people, it’s the people’s money, therefore, it is the right thing to do to get everyone involved in the celebrations so that they too can at list benefit from the K3million.”
Furthermore, Mr. Kaupa highlighted that from the K3million, he had also given funds to schools and institution within the district so that they too could feel part of the big district family.
“All primary schools within the district were given K5,000, all secondary schools in the district were given K10,000 each, all tertiary institutions within the district were given K20,000 each and the Bomana Prison was also given K20,000, these fundings were given to assist in the 50th Independence celebrations.”
“My focus now is to look at all the show reports submitted back to the office by the Show Chairmen and I will sit down with my board and we will make budget breakups and fix payments according to the size of each shows, and we will not go wrong as we have officers visiting each show, and I as your member too, I have visited yours shows so you will be paid accordingly.”
Mr. Kapua reiterated that all who have taken part, in traditional bilas, sing-sing, traditional dance, creative dance, sports and all other activities that were part of the show will be paid an incentive as token of appreciation for their participation in the districts 21 shows for the 50th Independence Anniversary.
“I want to also thank the two police commanders, Inspector Henry Map from 7mile Police station as well as Inspector Leonard Wai from our new 9 mile Police Station and their officers including our good soldiers from Kiki Barracks here at ATW for providing security in the district, thus, the outcome was a trouble free and happy celebrations in the district.”