People urged to stay on course

The National National
Queen’s Paradise Vanimo children’s orchestra students performing after the Independence anniversary unity walk in Port Moresby yesterday. – Pictures supplied

By PETER ESILA
NATIONAL Capital District Governor Powes Parkop says unity in diversity is important for Papua New Guinea to prosper.
Parkop said this after the unity walk in Port Moresby yesterday.
He said despite challenges, the people needed to embrace Papua New Guinea’s history and journey as it celebrated its 46th Independence anniversary this week.

Participants during the Independence anniversary unity walk in Port Moresby.

He walked alongside Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae and his family, Northern Governor Gary Juffa, Moresby North East MP John Kaupa and others.
Students also took part in the unity walk.
“A lot of activities will be taking place in our country, but the most important thing to know is that this journey is not an easy one, there are so many challenges that we have overcome and we are still here,” Parkop said.

From left: PNG National Rugby League national coaching director Michael Marum, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae and his family with others during the Independence anniversary unity walk.

“The journey of any nation is not an easy one, all the countries in the world never went through a smooth journey, it has never been easy for this country, especially for such a diverse country.”
Parkop said PNG was only four years away from its 50th independence anniversary and this would be another milestone “despite all the challenges and problems we have we continue to celebrate and be grateful for our country that has so much potential, the opportunity for us to live our dreams and pursue our goals, this is what we must all remember”. “We are still walking together in this journey, growing, developing and gaining and we must celebrate all the big and small achievements,” he said.

Participants during the Independence unity walk in Port Moresby yesterday.

“Many of us want to see PNG transform overnight; the reality is that some things we (can) achieve quickly, others will take years or decades.
“We must stay on course – celebrate all little achievements because these all contribute to a greater outcome that we want to reach for ourselves today, and also for our children and for our many generation, they depend on us to stay on course.”
Parkop announced city hall’s programme for this week which includes:

  • ELA Beach hosting a small to medium enterprise market and street festival which started yesterday and ends on Independence Day;
  • INDEPENDENCE carnival Port Moresby on at Ela Beach;
  • INDEPENDENCE cultural float parade and second unity walk Port Moresby at Independence Boulevard; and,
  • INDEPENDENCE evening programme at the Boulevard on Thursday.