Agreement hopes to help restore lost customs, cultures

THE National Cultural Commission (NCC) and the West New Britain (WNB) government want to restore customs and cultures that has been wiped away by Western influence.
They have triggered proactive initiatives by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Port Moresby yesterday.
WNB Governor Sasindran Muthuvel said the MoU was significant for the province to practice various cultural festivals.
“It is a good initiative by the provincial administration and NCC to bring culture direct to the local level government,” he said.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Isi Henry Leonard said the MoU was about promoting the rural sector through art and culture.
“The MoU will enable us to work in partnership to preserve, safeguard, protect, develop and promote our cultures and art in the province,” he said.
Leonard said the MoU would pave the way for the Government to take ownership of cultures, art, cultural resources, cultural festivals and facilities and establishments in the province.
“It paves the way for us to help develop and build cultural centres,” he said.
Leonard also pledged K1 million towards the building of a cultural centre in WNB.
WNB is the fourth province to sign such a MoU with the NCC.