Milne Bay geared up for Goldies festival

The Goldies Bird of Paradise Creative Festival in Esa’ala, Milne Bay, is all set for October.
The festival is funded with K100,000 support from the district development authority and is being held in partnership with B37 Multi-Media Consultancy.
District tourism initiative and festival chairman Mombi Onesimo said the aim was to promote tourism as part of Vision 2050.
“The Esa’ala Creative Festival is the first of its kind, particularly when it features the endemic species of Bird of Paradise called Goldies,” he said.
Esa’ala MP and Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Davis Steven said his district had a high crime rate.
“To address that issue, we need to introduce economic sector activities that will involve our people, particularly the youths,” he said.
“Since 2012, we started our Esa’ala District Tourism Initiative.
“We are showcasing the products that we have. We will piggy back on industry players.
“We are now moving it to coincide with the Canoe Festival to bring in island communities to this festival.”
The festival will also feature traditional dances, music, drones and digital media.
A video on canoe-making will be shown for the younger generation.