By Lorraine Jimal
Prime Minister James Marape said, the cost for PNG’s 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations is K50 million.
Marape said this after a question was raised by media personnel in a press conference at the parliament yesterday.
“In all this we have allocated almost K50 million or so in terms of all the programs nationwide to host this event.” Marape said.
He said this is a one-time celebration for some of us and its worth celebrating.
Marape called this is a time of reflection, unity and purpose.
“Each of us should ask our selves what are we doing for our country, what is your contribution to our country,” he said
He also confirmed that more than 10 head of the state and head of government from other nations will join the celebrations.
“President of the Republic of Indonesia, Australia prime minister and almost all leaders from pacific islands forum nations will be here with us,” he said.
Marape said that the security will as usual doing their job to ensure public safety.
“I’m 100 percent that the children of this country will not let the country down in terms of attitude on the big days of the nation same appeal goes out this is your country if you do not know what you can do for your country than the best thing you can do is respect the law of our country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkachenko highlighted the events leading up to September 16th.
Tkachenko said on the 14th delegations from Balkans, Australia, Indonesia prime ministers and the pacific islands nation leaders will arrive.
He said there will be a huge public concert on the 13th to embrace the sounds and talents of Papua New Guinea at Sir John Guise stadium.
“We will also see some international guests perform,” he said.
Minister Tkachenko said, there will be activities through out the city on the 14th as well hosted by NCDC and the NCD Governor Powes Parkop promoting PNG story.
“On the 15th we will have state dinner with his His Royal Highness and the world leaders”, the minister said.
“And on the 16th is going to be the day starting from 5 am with the flag raising ceremony with everyone to witness and the Prime Minister will address the nation.’
He added that other activities will be throughout the day and finale events in the afternoon with the flag lowering ceremony at Sir Hubert Murray stadium.
He said the Prime Minister will again address the nation and follow by fireworks and the other supervising activities.
Apart from the Sept 16th events new PNG currencies will be launched and the PNG Defense Week and the presentation of new colors for the military.
“Despite challenges we work together to move on and make our country bigger and better.” Minister Tkachenko said.
