CS Pipes and Drums band gears up for 40th Independence Anniversary Celebrations

In preparation for the 40th Independence Anniversary the Correctional Service Bag Pipes and Drums Band has purchased new band equipment all the way from Scotland. Scotland supplier McCallum Bag Pipes Limited had received the payment orders from Correctional Service on 17th June this year at the cost of GBP 37,735.99 (K162, 165.83).

The equipment arrived two weeks ago this month through DHL Express (PNG) at the cost of K27, 543.51. Last week Friday (07/08/15) Band Secretariat Chairman and Director of Highlands Region jails - Assistant Commissioner Philip Eka made a payment of K17, 496.07 for the total freight charges to DHL and cleared 35 boxes containing the equipment. These boxes were later delivered to CS training college, Bomana on Monday (10/08/15) this week. 

Mr. Eka thanked Commissioner Waipo and the Correctional Service Executive Team for endorsing the Band’s plea for new equipment and allocating funding for the purchase.

“Since we will be celebrating our 40th Independence Anniversary on September 16, this is the appropriate time to purchase the equipment, so Correctional Service Band can participate in the celebrations with the rest of the nation,” Mr. Eka said.

The purchased items are 23 bag pipes, 19 drum pieces which include bass, tenor and side drums as well as all their accessories. This will be a boost to the band and will increase the total number of band members from the current 24 to 42. 

The new equipment will assist the band with their performances in national event’s sanctioned ceremonies, passing out parades, Commissioner’s parades, in-house training as well as rehabilitation training programs for detainees, youth and communities.

CS band was formed in 1967 by 1st Infantry Pacific Islands Regiment (1IPIR of Taurama Barracks) battalion of Papua New Guinea Defence Force. The last time band accessories were purchased was in 2011 from Highlands House in Brisbane – Australia. Since then there were never had any purchases of new instruments until this year.