Groups complain at missing Games action

 TWO groups of dancers from East Sepik have complained about having to leave for home so soon after taking part in the Pacific Games opening ceremony.

The Korogu cultural group made up of Sakisim and Arere dancers from Chambri Lake and Wosera Gawi were disappointed that they were not given any opportunity to watch some Pacific Games events.

The 31 participants who performed during the opening ceremony were disappointed by the decision to rush them home.

The Sakisim group arrived in Port Moresby on June 28, while the Arere group arrived on July 2.

Korogu coordinator Hendry Sambin and Sakisim drum-beater Sebie Sondis said East Sepik Governor Sir Michael Somare and the provincial government had given them K93,000 to cover for their travel expenses, food and accommodation.

Sambin told The National that a company responsible for organising their trip had used only K71,200 of the funding – K38,700 for the airline tickets and K32,500 for food and accommodation.  They had stayed at the Papua New Guinea Education Service compound.

“We don’t know how the money has been used and we cannot even stay a day or two to watch the Games,” he said.

Sondis said they were not happy because they had to be rushed home just a day after the opening.

“We just had two days of rehearsal and a day’s performance before we are sent back,” he said.

“We should be at least given a chance to watch few games.”