Melanesian ministers here for talks

 CULTURAL representatives of the Melanesian Spearhead Group are in the country for the Melanesian Council of Arts and Culture meeting.

The meeting was opened by Culture and Tourism Minister Boka Kondra in Port Moresby yesterday.

The MSG ministers meet tomorrow.

Kondra said if supported with cultural exchange programmes within the Melanesian countries, the festival could effectively preserve, protect and safeguard the Melanesian culture.

“There is a great need for Melanesian countries to look to each other for support and assurance to maintain and promote their traditional arts and culture,” he said.

Kondra commended the MCAC for its efforts to protect the Melanesian culture.

Previous MSG meetings had called for the protection and promotion of Melanesian arts and culture.

The festival will be held in PNG next year. The government estimated it would cost about K53 million to stage the festival.