By Fabian Hakalits – EM TV News, Buka
The Autonomous Bougainville Government has thanked the Airis Cultural Group of Tinputz for representing Papua New Guinea at the 12th Festival of Pacific Arts in Guam.
Bougainville’s Deputy Speaker, Francisca Semoso speaking at the welcome reception in Buka said the Airis Cultural Group has made Bougainville proud as ambassadors of arts and culture, for Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
“It’s always something to be proud of. When we see a group from Bougainville, representing Papua New Guinea in international events like the 12th Festival of Pacific Arts in Guam,”
Witnessing the occasion were also officers from the National Cultural Commission, John Uani, Jocelyn Karotsi Lolowa and Bola Noho.
“They did a good job and performed very well and the most admired. Whenever we went, people cheered them and showed their support,” said Uani.
Youths like Augustine Tola and Samantha Irei, where first time goers and told EMTV News that showcasing PNG’s rich and diverse cultural tradition in another country strengthens the trade relations in the Pacific.
“Some cultures are dying. We in Bougainville must uphold our cultures for our future generations,” said Tola.
“I was able to witness the culture and traditions from different countries,” said Irei.
