National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop is renewing his call on city residents to be in their national colour, especially PNG flag and outfits on September 16, signifying unity in diversity as one people in one city and one nation.
He said during this month there were provincial day celebrations in the city to reinforce their ethnic groupings, cultural norms and traditions.
Mr Parkop, however, said on the National Day everyone should converge in a sea of red, black and gold lifting nationalism and patriotism to a new height.
“When we value and honour our nation, we learn to value and appreciate, and make all effort to take care of it, and make it a greater nation for our benefit and that of many generations to come,” he said.
He said the theme of the celebrations in the city; ‘Let us celebrate, PNG! Lead the change, NCD!’
Governor Parkop said the capital city will become yet another hive of activities to mark the day.
He gave an overview of the activities in the lead up to and on the Independence Day:
1. On September 12 the grand opening of Ela beach will take place, featuring Acrobatic performance, circus show, B boys’ dancers, traditional dancers, kite surfers, life band and fireworks in the evening;
2. On September 15 and 16, Paga Hill street festival led by battle of band finals and performances by Justice crew and Ansolam;
3.Jack Pidik and Unagi Oval will host massive performances of both traditional and contemporary and sky shows;
4.Pacific Adventist University and UPNG will also become a hub of celebrations and;
5.On Sunday 16th of September is the national day when the massive unity walk from Murray Barracks to join school children and brass band, and onto Paga Hill.
The Independence Day celebration in the city was dedicated to prisoners, persons living with disabilities, the sick, and those who passed away, according to Mr Parkop.
