​NCC farewells Dr Simet

​Staff of the National Cultural Commission and Institute of PNG Studies were in tears on Tuesday morning as Dr Jacob Simet rose to speak to them for the last time.

They did not hold back tears for the fatherly figure who nurtured most of them for the last 23 years.

In a small but moving ceremony, the staff of the National Cultural Commission (NCC), the Institute of PNG Studies (IPNGS), the new acting executive director, Casper Damien and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry officers, farewelled outgoing director, Dr Simet, who led the organisation for the last 23 years.

The NCC is his brainchild.

Dr Simet was called in back from Hawaii to head the organisation after he was tasked to put together the off-cuts in 1993. This was after the Tourism Development Council (TDC) was abolished and the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) was created.

The staff of the NCC farewelled him while welcoming the new acting executive director who will lead the organisation for the next three months.

Dr Simet said NCC came a long way, experiencing its fair share of challenges. He thanked the staff for being with him during his tenure in the office of the executive director.

Dr Simet urged NCC and its institutions to accord Damien the same respect and cooperation given to him.

Damien, while farewelling Dr Simet, said he would seek advice from him whenever he needs to because of his vast experience.

He said he would continue from where Dr Simet left but would try to bring NCC to another level.

To take this organisation to the next level, Damien said he needs everyone’s cooperation; he wants to work as a team.

(Outgoing executive director Dr Jacob Simet and new director Casper Damien sharing a moment during the farewell ceremony at the NCC office.)