Kutubu community in Morata mark Independence in own way

WITH all the attention on the major areas throughout Port Moresby during the 34th Independence Day celebrations last Wednesday, a small community on the backstreets of the notorious Morata settlement celebrated in its own special way.
“Despite the harsh realities of life, we’re proud to mark the anniversary with dramas, songs and sports,” community leader Steven Samaro said.
Mr Samaro said while all the attention was on major events, the Government, through NCDC must also support people in settlements, who could not afford to participate in those activities.
In a timely gesture, their celebrations were funded by the Foe Association Incorporated of Kutubu, Southern Highlands province. 
Asi Ibusubu, the association’s general secretary, when handing over K2,000 to the community, urged the Government not to forget that there were people living in settlements and rural areas.
“These people also have a right to celebrate Independence Day and, as such, we are more than happy to assist their initiative and we will continue to do so,” Mr Ibusubu said.
The Kutubu block, located on the fringes of the settlement, past all the sealed roads and where all Government services come to a stop, started of their celebrations with the National Anthem and the National Pledge.
Following that, youths put on a drama focusing on the various stages PNG has passed, from colonial times until today.
Children also performed dances and songs before kick starting their Independence Day basketball tournament with six teams competing. 
Women representative Hosta Tai, in between tears, said that over the years, people living in settlements had suffered and had been neglected.
She called on the Government to ensure that this would not continue.