The Governor for National Capital District (NCD) Powes Parkop highlighted the significance of ‘One City, One Country, One Future’ at the official launching of the PNG Story Month celebration at the Sir Hubert Murray stadium in Port Moresby city in the lead up to the 50th independence anniversary, beginning with the Southern Region.
The month-long celebration is part of a broader national storytelling initiative that began in May and continues through to September, exploring PNG’s cultural and historical journey through the voices of its diverse regions and communities.
Addressing crowd in attendance, Governor Parkop reflected on the Southern Region’s deep-rooted significance.
“Southern Region is where the PNG story began. In Hanuabada, the Union Jack was first raised in 1884, and from here, the journey to nationhood took root.”
He shared personal memories from his youth, starting school in 1968, witnessing his parents vote during the early days of self-governance, and singing the national anthem in 1973.
“We imagined a united country, despite our thousand tribes and languages.”
Calling on young Papua New Guineans to take ownership of the nation’s future, Governor Parkop posed a challenge to them.
“Our time is almost up, but your time is now. Where do you see your city and country in 2075?”
He reminded the nation of key Southern Region milestones, from Yule Island, where the national flag was first designed, to the Haus of Assembly, where leaders voted for independence.
“We achieved independence peacefully. Let’s keep that spirit of unity alive.”
Traditional songs, dances, and cultural displays from Central, Gulf, Oro, Milne Bay, and Western provinces became the heartbeat of the day, each performance offering a powerful narrative of identity, resilience, and unity.
Governor Parkop extended heartfelt thanks to the performers, the audience, and the organizing teams from the National Capital District Commission and Amazing Port Moresby for staging the successful launch event.
The spotlight now shifts northward, with New Guinea Islands Day set for Saturday, July 12, featuring cultural showcases from East and West New Britain, New Ireland, Manus, and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The PNG Story Month continues, honoring the past, celebrating the present, and shaping a future grounded in unity.
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