National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has announced that Port Moresby will host the Pacific Community Day this Saturday, May 16, from 12pm to 9pm at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, with major local and regional artists set to perform.
Speaking during the official announcement yesterday at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, Governor Parkop said the event is a continuation of the national community celebration program that began last year during Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Related news: https://pnghausbung.com/port-moresby-set-to-host-pacific-community-day-on-may-16/
He said last year’s celebrations included months dedicated to sharing the Pacific story, the Asian story and Papua New Guinea’s own story before culminating in the country’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations on September 16.
Parkop said the Pacific Community Day would now become an ongoing annual event because of its importance to Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific region.
“The Pacific story is equally important to our own story. It has defined our people, our journey and our development,” he told reporters.
He said one of the key reasons for continuing the event is to recognize and continue telling the Pacific story and acknowledge the major contribution Pacific Islanders have made to Papua New Guinea’s history and development.
Governor Parkop said Pacific missionaries from countries such as Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Tuvalu and the Cook Islands came to Papua New Guinea during the colonial era, despite not knowing the challenges they would face, and helped shape the country’s spiritual and social foundations.
He pointed to the London Missionary Society, now known as the United Church, as one of the lasting legacies of Pacific missionaries, saying the church has grown into one of the country’s largest Christian denominations with members throughout the Highlands, Momase, Islands and Southern regions.
Governor Parkop also highlighted the contribution of Pacific Islanders to the establishment of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary around 1921, saying police officers from Fiji and the Solomon Islands formed part of the foundation of the police force.
He said Papua New Guinea must continue to appreciate and acknowledge the role Pacific Island nations have played in the country’s journey and development.
He said Pacific Community Day is also intended to strengthen regionalism and project Port Moresby as more than just the nation’s capital.
“The city can become a regional hub and a Pacific city,” he said.
Governor Parkop said Papua New Guinea, as the Pacific’s largest economy and population center, has responsibilities beyond its own borders and should continue supporting neighboring island nations.
He said the country must rise above internal problems such as corruption and poor service delivery to become a stronger and greater nation capable of leading in the region.
Governor Parkop also spoke about the deep historical and cultural connections between Papua New Guinea and other Pacific nations, saying anthropological and biological studies show many Polynesian and Pacific peoples lived in Papua New Guinea thousands of years ago before migrating across the Pacific.
He said Papua New Guinea has contributed to the DNA and heritage of many Pacific peoples, making the regional connection even more significant.
Parkop said another important purpose of Pacific Community Day is to promote Port Moresby as a progressive city focused not only on infrastructure and services but also on culture, arts, recreation and entertainment.
He said the city’s growing population of more than one million people creates a strong market and platform for artists and entertainers from Papua New Guinea and across the Pacific.
He revealed that the National Capital District Commission is planning to build a 5,000-seat performing arts theatre along the Port Moresby boulevard as part of efforts to develop the entertainment industry.
He said not everyone would become doctors, lawyers or engineers, and there must also be opportunities and platforms for artists, performers and creative talents to succeed.
Mr. Parkop said Papua New Guinea can become a major entertainment and cultural hub for the Pacific, allowing artists from countries such as Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa to perform and build careers in Port Moresby rather than always travelling overseas.
He said Pacific artists are important cultural influencers within their communities and should be given opportunities to showcase their talents to wider audiences through live performances and digital platforms.
Governor Parkop also used the occasion to reaffirm Port Moresby’s readiness to host major international and regional events, including the PNG Chiefs joining the NRL in 2028, despite criticism and doubts from some observers overseas.
“We are going to show them in 2028 that Port Moresby is ready,” he said.
He said initiatives such as Pacific Community Day are helping create a safer, more inclusive and more liveable city while building pride and ownership among residents.
He invited the public to attend Saturday’s celebrations and support Pacific unity, culture and entertainment.
Artists performing at the event include Kronos, Mereani Masani, Rhee and Sharzy from the Solomon Islands.