THE AMAZING PORT MORESBY 48 INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION LAUNCH
PORT MORESBY, THURSDAY 31st, AUGUST 2023: The media launch of the Amazing Port Moresby's 48th Independence Anniversary at National State Function Room of the National Parliament today officially marked the beginning of independence celebrations for the Capital City of Papua New Guinea.
Present to witness the occasion were the Minister for State representing the Prime Minister, Hon. Justin Tkatchenko; the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Hon. Timothy Masiu; PNG Tourism Promotion Authority Chief Executive Officer, Eric Mossman Uvovo; Director of Community and Social Services for the National Capital District Commission Ms Janet Haua and Director for Amazing Port Moresby, Ms Fazilah Bazari; representatives of various stakeholders, school children and the media.
Governor Parkop, in his speech, emphasized the significance of this year’s celebrations and the innovative events we are introducing that distinguish this year’s festivities from the past and take them to another level.
He said the theme for this year’s anniversary sets the groundwork for the 50th Golden Jubilee in 2025, building upon this year’s accomplishments to set the stage for 2025.
“This is our Independence Day – an occasion unique to us, where we stand amongst other nations, displaying our identity,” said the Governor.
As the nation’s capital, he added, “We have invested substantial resources into this important national event. It is our commitment to foster and promote national events, and our Independence Anniversary stands as a showcase of our entire nation’s diversity and unity.
He said this year's goals and objectives are threefold - celebrating the 48th year of independence, paving the way for the country’s momentous 50th anniversary and presenting events of such caliber to become tourist attractions, enhancing our city’s status as a tourist destination.
The PNGTPA CEO said, “We stand ready to support the NCD Governor and NCDC in all its efforts because tourism, at the end of the day, is everybody’s business. When we do it together, we will build an amazing City of Port Moresby, the City of a thousand tribes.”
“For the first time, PNGTPA will work with NCDC to showcase Port Moresby and promote, showcase and market Port Moresby as a tourist destination,” he said, adding there are challenges in the city that cannot be ignored, but everyone must work together to achieve and support this initiative.
On behalf of the City Manager, Ms. Haua said this year’s celebrations will serve as a fitting dress rehearsal for the greater celebration we aspire to achieve in 2025, our golden 50th jubilee.
She added the spirit of preparation is already in motion as we begin decorating our city and extended invitations to all business houses and residences to participate in the festivities.
Ms Bazari, in her presentation, unveiled the events that will be staged across the city from September 14th to 17th, featuring diverse events in 10 city venues. The events will happen around the city to spread the celebrations and make them accessible.
“We look forward to this four-day celebration working with NCDC, Governor and the Amazing Port Moresby team to give everyone from Port Moresby and around the country a chance to celebrate the 48 years of our country,” said Minister Tkatchenko and congratulated Governor Parkop and his team.
“On behalf of the Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, I say a big thank you to NCDC, Office of the Governor, Amazing Port Moresby, the National Events, and the National Government for celebrating 48th years of independence, continuously keeping the momentum and excitement, making us proud of who we are of what our country stands for now and into the future,” he said.