Thank you PNG, minister says

 By MALUM NALU

TOURISM, Arts and Culture Minister Boka Kondra has given a vote-of-thanks to everyone who helped make the June 28-July 11 Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture happen against overwhelming odds.

He said that at a press conference in his office last Friday flanked by festival chairman and National Cultural Commission executive director Dr Jacob Simet, as well as head of police security Kabib Lamu.

Kondra, who returned to Port Moresby last Wednesday after delivering the body of a festival participant to Suva in Fiji, refused to be drawn into a public battle with National Events Minister Justin Tkatchenko over the successes and failures of the event.

Tkatchenko last week described the event as an “international embarrassment” for the country and, said he would be interested to see a thorough audit of finances amounting to more than K20 million.

“Today marks exactly a week since the closing ceremony of the 5th Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture in Port Moresby,” Kondra said.

“I want to say thank you, firstly to the citizens and residents of Papua New Guinea for supporting us in word, thought and through your positive actions. 

“When I went public to announce the festival through a television campaign, I asked Papua New Guineans to receive and host our Melanesian wantoks as our own family members.

“While farewelling fellow Melanesians at the Jackson Airport over the past few days, many of us cried.

“Many left our shores with rich memories. 

“And for adding to those memories, I want to say thank you to fellow Papua New Guineans.”

Kondra gave kudos to Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, governors and MPs, members of the diplomatic corps, Simet and staff of the NCC, service providers, agencies of his ministry, provincial and district administrators, government institutions and schools, media, police, Port Moresby General Hospital, St John’s Ambulance, and people of Central and Gulf for allowing access to traditional materials.