Independence celebrations in NCD commenced on the 12th September when Papua New Guineans joined the Unity Walk from Spring Garden Rd-Gordons to Ela Beach.
PNG’s Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae led the walk together with NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop, Governor from Oro Province Hon. Gary Juffa, Member for Moresby North-East Hon. John Kaupa, NCDC line managers, General Managers for Business organisations and representatives from UN and various Government Sectors in the first Independence Celebrations without Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare.
The Unity Walk portrayed PNG moving forward together for 46 years in unity regardless of cultural transition to modern developments, economic growth struggles, ethnicity and the diverse cultures from 22 provinces, 4 regions of PNG. The Unity walk complimented the 46th Independence National Theme: “LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND” and NCDC theme: “One People, One Nation, One City”.
Women groups from 11 communities in the nation’s capital joined the walk performing the Unity Dance whilst walking at Spring Garden Road, Paga Ring Road, Konedobu and Ela Beach. A dance that consisted of movements from cultural dances from the 22 provinces and 4 regions of PNG.
At Konedobu 30 schools from Secondary and Primary schools in NCD joined the walk including sporting groups to promote an active PNG with the NCD Moni plus vipers.
Before reaching the APEC House and Ela Beach, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Band joined the walk playing PNG songs.
The walk ended with an official program at Ela Beach, where the Queen of Paradise Orchestra played the national anthem. The 56 Children’s orchestra from Vanimo was specially invited by NCDC to join the celebrations in Port Moresby.
Other performances including Independence Poetry reading by school children, the Unity dance, a choreography by Poly Crew, the Western Highlands Pipe Band and dances were presented to commemorate the launching of Independence Celebrations in the city.