Candles light up Christmas in POM’s Unagi Park

A SEA of candles flickering to lines …take your candle, go light your world… sung by  up-and-coming singer Sharlene Gawi, filled the night at the Unagi Park for the NCD Governors’ raging karaoke carols by candle light on Christmas eve last Thursday .
NCD residents  flocked to the oval in a show of the true spirit of Christmas to share in the night’s celebrations, the first of its kind in the capital city.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop said the gathering of residents since the opening last weekend, has seen many families coming out to enjoy the movies and other entertainment provided for them.
Mr Parkop said this year was a success compared to previous years in  the NCDC’s attempt to reclaim the night for Port Moresby residents.
He said though there were some successes in the Jack Pidik Park in 2007 and at Ela Beach last year, this year was by far, the most successful, with the fountain at 5-Mile and Gerehu roundabouts and the lights at the Unagi Park adding to the festive spirit.
Mr Parkop said though Port Moresby had a bad reputation for criminal activities and law and order problems, last week had shown that the people wanted a change.
He urged everyone to take responsibility of the changes happening in the city so the whole country would see Port Moresby change for the better and set the example for other centres to follow.
The Christmas carols by candle light were first led by the Debeinis Livingwaters children’s ministry of Gerehu and later by Ms Gawi and the Tonics Band.
Ms Gawi’s beautiful voice charmed the audience in age-old carols such as Joy to the World, O come all ye faithful, Mary’s boy child, a rendition of the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s Greatest Gift, and many more.
The night ended with a colourful display of fireworks lighting up the sky accompanied by Ms Gawi and the children singing We wish you a merry Christmas, and a happy new year!