Melanesian arts festival kicks off

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, June 29, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

The 5th Melanesian Festival of Arts opened up on a high note with an array of culture exhibited from throughout the Melanesian region, with the addition of Indonesia through the West Papua province.

Giving of gifts from various contingents from the Solomon Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, and West Papua, minus contingents from Vanuatu and the Torres Straight Region and the Timor Leste.

Various valuable symbolic gifts from participating countries and groups were presented to the Governor General Grand Chief Sir Michael Ogio.

Special guests included those from MSG (Melanesian Spearhead Group), Ministers of Government and other national MPs.

Minister for Tourism and Culture Boka Kondra stated that it was fitting that the 5th member of the MSG and the biggest nation in the group complete the cycle of hosting the cultural event.

"I am the driver of this festival, and am going to drive you to a destination where we all will become mad and crazy in our arts and culture," Minister Kondra said.

"I would like to give special thanks to the O'Neil-Dion Government for their tremendous support towards the hosting of the event."

In his address the Director General for MSG Peter Forau extended his gratitude to the people and government of PNG .

"25 years ago the original founding members of the MSG signed agreements to cooperation and the preservation of culture and I pay tribute to our founding fathers of the organization."

"We need to protect and promote our traditional arts and culture."

Mr Forau, however, reminded those present that its was celebration and also a reminder of some cultures that were being lost as he spoke.

The MSG head also announced officially of the satellite venues in the four regional centres of Wewak, Hagan, Kokopo, and Milne Bay.

Today’s activities for all participating delegates will have a mass service at the Sioni Kami Memorial Church at 5 Mile.