Group plans celebrations

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Tuesday February 25th, 2014

 THE Bese Group, based in Cairns, Australia is hoping to celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 40th independence anniversary in a humble and cultural style.

Bese means “family” in Motu and suits the objectives and activities the group engages with.

PNG’s colours of red, black and gold will be flying high and the PNG community will be dressed in outfits meaningful to Papua New Guineans.

The executive group headed by Stephen English wants to ensure the event is well organised so it can be enjoyed by young and old.

Kori Toua, who was visiting there during the holidays, attended a small gathering of the group.

Other members of the executive committee are: Vice president Nadi Brey; secretary, Emily Suria-Leon; treasurer Mary Raka, adviser Eugene English and members John and Jean Brian.

English said in previous anniversaries, families celebrated on their own but this year was significant to commemorate “our origin of birth”.

He said the PNG community was talking to the Cairns City mayor about the celebration plans.

The executive committee is organising a major fundraising drive for the celebrations.