Simet: We are trying to feel our way through

Caption: Dr Jacob Simet

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, July 2, 2014 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

AFTER day two since the official start of proceedings in the 5th Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture- the organizers have said that they are slowly adjusting to changes that have occurred as a result of unexpected hiccups in terms of venue facilities, delegates, and logistical issues.

In a press conference update, Chairman of the festival and Acting Executive Director for the National Cultural Commission (NCC) Dr Jacob Simet, said that despite setbacks in venue preparations in Port Moresby on Monday, he was optimistic that they were feeling their way through the issues.

He revealed that as of yesterday the festival would now operate five venues in the city of the Festival Village, Gerehu Sports Oval, Jack Pidik Park, Konedobu Oval, and Laloki- including a makeshift venue at Elevala Village.

In response to media reports yesterday of inactive venues in the city set for the festivities- Dr Simet said that the issue was with those engaged to prepare the stages and electronic systems required to run them.

“There were disagreements on the amounts we were to pay those organizations setting up our venues, with some charging exuberant figures (expensive fees) for their services,” Dr Simet explained.

“But we have maintained to them that what we have agreed on stands, as we have to stay within our budget for expenses.”

“And as of today (yesterday) five of the eight planned facilities are now functioning and three of those will host night events, which are the Festival Village, Gerehu Sports Oval, and the Jack Pidik Park.”

Dr Simet added that with Vanuatu yet to attend and changes in venue schedules, daily updated programs would be finalized to cater for the alternations to the master program and distributed to delegates and the public.

“Apart from the official program we have changes on a daily basis, with the programs revised at 3pm daily and distributed,” Simet said.

He maintained that accommodation and transports issues were all sorted out with only minor hiccups from various local groups in terms of growing numbers of provincial groups taking part.