Carols by the Sea Reinforces National Unity in a City of a 1000 Tribes and 860 Languages

 PORT MORESBY: Thousands of city residents converged last night at Ela Beach for the 3rd ‘Carols by the Sea’ event joining NCD Governor Powes Parkop to celebrate Christmas and send off the year on a high note with amazing firework show.  

The carols event marked the culmination of all the programs, other events and activities initiated by NCDC and the Municipal Government throughout the year. 

The whole day event started with Governor Parkop leading hundreds of city residents for the final Walk and Yoga for Life program. The walk was dedicated to the World Human Rights Day themed "Walk for Peace and Reconciliation."

The day then proceeded with launching of the “By her, For her supported by him’ art campaign comprising of female artists in the city making a statement for equality and ending violence against women and girls. Following that, afternoon sports shows and entertainment at the beach started from 4 pm before the evening carols. 

This highly-acclaimed and most-participated vent attracted New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan with Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta and Government MPs led by Prime Minister James Marape to have come out of their camps to join the festive feeling and interacted with the people. 

The residents comprising of PNG citizens of thousand tribes with 860 languages, various faiths, business community, diplomats and expatriates with their families also attended the event. Other notable individuals include Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko, City Manager Bernard Kipit and, NCDC board members and workers. 

The carols program is aimed at providing fun and family-oriented entertainment for the city residents during the festive season. It is designed to provide a program to celebrate the diversity of our cultures, uniting in the peaceful spirit of Christmas.

A show of Christmas songs combining choirs with prominent artists broken down in 3 segments:  Nativity Story, Peace, Love and Unity and Christmas Celebration. 

The event finished with an extravagant fireworks and decorated the downtown skyline followed by a concert of original songs by The Vibe, Estapacifica and Archie Tarzy.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Parkop said ‘what a statement it is’ for political leaders and city residents of different ethnicities, races and tongues coming together in peace and in unity. 

He said the city and the country has persevered to have overcome the Covid-19 Pandemic.

“It has been a bad year. We have overcome the pandemic and have persevered. We are still here going strong. Tonight, you all are here. You all represent our people and our country. Your political leaders despite the challenges that are going on, we are here with you all our people here from 1000 tribes, 860 languages, 89 districts and 21 provinces. This is the powerful statement tonight. This is the statement that we should take with us back to our homes. 

“We all belong to one country and this city belongs to all of us. We share it with our Motu Koitabu people. Tonight, I am happy that our political leaders came and addressed you all. Despite many challenges and many barriers, we are a great country and a great city, and I am proud to be your governor. 

Let us be united, Port Moresby. Let us overcome our challenges. Let us be like our ancestors, who were resilient and create a better world for our city and our country. 

 “Port Moresby! I am proud of you all. We have come a long way and it can only get better from now on,” he said.

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