Potential to grow cultures, tradition

 MINISTER for Tourism Arts and Culture Boka Kondra urged the Government to industrialise culture and tradition as it had potential in the economic development of the country.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 5th Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture at the Sir John Guise Stadium, in Port Moresby on Friday, Kondra highlighted the importance of culture and tradition in the economic sector.

He said arts and culture could generate more income if proper mechanisms were in place to cater for the marketing of arts and craft.

“On a global scale, the film, music and book industry are developed by developed countries with little culture background but PNG is unique with its diverse culture background and has the potential to creating such an industry,” he said.

“We Melanesians have recognised our traditional and cultural value as an economic resource since last year and we have a potential to back it in a big way.”

Kondra said having such an industry would not only help the growth of the country economically but promote culture and tradition throughout the world.

He said PNG culture and tradition were part and parcel of the people’s identity and should be preserved

“Our culture and tradition is our right, identity and foundation that strengthen us Papua New Guineans as Melanesians and is the strength of our destiny,” he said.