UNITY PARADE LAUNCHES NCD’S 51ST INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL

HUNDREDS of Port Moresby residents turned out at Murray Barracks this morning for the Unity Parade, marking the official start of the National Capital District’s 51st Independence anniversary celebrations.

At 6am, NCD Governor Powers Parkop led marchers dressed in red, black and gold from Murray Barracks, along the Freeway, past Hubert Murray Stadium, and on to Ela Beach.

During the parade, the Governor emphasized unity as the key message for this year’s commemorations.

He called on city residents to celebrate the country’s 51st anniversary by reflecting on past achievements and the challenges facing the nation today.

The Unity Parade kicks off a week of Independence activities planned for the National Capital District.

Later today, the Ela Beach precinct will be swaying to the sounds of kundu drums and chants welcoming canoes coming in to shore in a display of traditional significance of the Hiri trade. The event also marks the Hiri Moale festival which will be staged at Ela Beach today.

The Hiri Moale festival also sets the Stage for the Amazing Port Moresby Arts and Music Festival that will continue on for the next 5days till Wednesday September 16th.

Other major Independence Events organized by the National Capital District Commission include the Festival of a Thousand Tribes at the Sir John Guise Stadium and the One City, One People, One Country Festival, a 2 days of shows and performances at Unagi Oval from the 15th to the 16th of September.

Same celebrations will be hosted simultaneously at other locations in NCD at the University Of Papua New Guinea, Pacific Adventist University, Erima Mambu and Bomana.