Big PNG contingent arrives in Honiara

MORE than 130 Papua New Guineans have arrived in Honiara, Solomon Islands, for the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts.
On arrival last Thursday, head of delegation David Taim expressed gratitude and honour at being part of the event.
“We have been part of this event in past years to showcase our culture with the other Pacific countries and that is something we greatly honour.”
Taim said they felt great to share with other Pacific Islanders and to celebrate together in this great event.
He said from symposiums to cultural shows, PNG was ready to rock the festivities.
PNG arrived with one of the largest contingents.
Taim said some of them were new to the Solomon Islands but they expected nothing new in terms of culture and climate.
“It is the same climate and our cultures are similar,” he said.
Festival chairwoman Doreen Kuper thanked them for coming to share PNG culture with the Solomon Islands.
“We welcome you to the Solomon Islands and hope you will enjoy your time here,” she said.
“For the wider Pacific region, PNG’s continued participation is important because along with other Melanesian neighbours including Fiji, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, we represent the last bastion of traditional Pacific culture.”
PNG’s cultural diversity will be showcased in traditional dancing and singing, carving, traditional culinary arts, fashion show, film festival, weaving and handicrafts.