Association donates new uniforms to band members

THE Japan-Papua New Guinea association donated new uniforms to the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) military band in Port Moresby yesterday.
A total of 45 sets of uniforms were handed over the PNGDF’s 40 band members – each member would get a pair of shirts, hats and shorts with five sets in reserve.
Association director Akinori Ito said the donation was part of efforts to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
He said the association saw the need to provide the military band with uniforms as a good will gesture.
Ito said this was the third donation, the first two contributions were musical instruments and training.
He said Japanese military band (central band) had a mutual relationships with the PNGDF band and had contributed to its development since 2015.
Ito said a military band was a valuable part of any army.
Association second secretary Yasuyuki Sotomaru told the members to be proud of the uniforms and perform with confidence.
“We are proud of you because you developed your musical capabilities quickly and you successfully performed,” he said.
PNGDF deputy chief commodore Philip Polewara thanked Ito and the association for their commitment to improving the PNGDF, particularly its band.
“This is a memorable occasion for the PNGDF military band and the PNGDF, this is the first PNGDF band and it started with the undivided and tireless efforts of the Japan Ground Self Defence Force central band.”