By JOSH KAIS
It’s a common sight during Independence
and over the festive period in the National Capital District, Port Moresby.
Not so in laidback Manus where the act
of turning on Christmas lights along the popular NBC Beach front in the heart
of Lorengau captivated the local township.
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| Lorengau lights up.-Pictures by JOSH KAIS |
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| Jam session. |
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| Crowd continues to flock in. |
The festive season in the small maritime
province was lifted to another level by the mere flick of a switch, an initiative
of the Governor for NCD Powes Parkop.
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| Parkop meets the crowd. |
The idyllic township's inhabitants flocked
in the hundreds to
witness the blessing, and then turning on of Christmas lights along NBC Parade.
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| Crowd builds up |
People clapped, cheered and danced as
veteran musicians led by Philip Waiwai and Kenny Lucas rocked provincial
favourites to usher in the NCDC entourage.
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| Children among the crowd. |
This was followed shortly by Port
Moresby talent idols, who combined perfectly with the local band to continue
wooing the faithful in attendance with classic country, reggae and pop hits.
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| Waiwai and Port Moresby talent idols wow the crowd |
The crowd was ecstatic as Lorengau Town mayor Ruth Mandrakamu and Parkop
counted down, culminating in the splashes of colour across the beach front.
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| Blessing. |
His message was simple: “Let this
signify the turn of a new beginning for the people of Manus.”
Just as the lights in Port Moresby have
been a catalyst for its citizens to foster change in attitude, and greater
responsibility for the better, he hoped the same would be reciprocated to
enhance the spirit of goodwill, peace and responsible attitudes amongst the
people of Manus.
Mandrakamu thanked Parkop and urged to people
of Manus to exercise responsibility and look after this gift from the people of
NCDC.
The lights were a commitment by the NCDC
Governor following a visit from the Prime Minister to Manus in 2012.
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