By JOEL K ANDREW
THE 2023 annual JT Fishing Tournament was officially launched in Vabukori village by Member for Moresby-South Justin Tkatchenko.
A total of 52 dinghies are set for this tournament commencing from 8th and finishes on 10th December.
This is the second edition of the tournament since its inception in 2022 and will continue on in the years to come.
Tkatchenko said the prime purpose of funding and supporting this community based tournament is to maintain people’s culture through promoting unity and togetherness.
“The purpose of this event is to gather people together and celebrate Christmas as we commemorate the life of Jesus Christ,” Tkatchenko said.
He said fishing has been an essential part of the lives of Motu Koitabuans in the past and it is even practiced today.
“This fishing tournament will help us to maintain our culture, as well as becoming an avenue for our local people in Vabukori and other villages to make money.
“When the tournament is complete, we will award different prizes to all winners, but the fishes that we catch must be sold here in the village or at our Koki Fish Market to earn extra money.”
Tkatchenko added that the Moresby-South District Development Authority is also looking at hosting various competitions in different sporting codes for all youths in the district to actively participate during this festive season.
He also embarked on the seasonal worker through the labor mobility program resulting in 100 men and women from his district being sent to Australia as seasonal workers to work in farms.
“Many people may contradict this scheme with different perspectives, but I am working towards giving equal opportunity to my people who are uneducated so that they earn money, save up and take care of their families.”
The MP also stated that first six women in his district were sent to Australia for Old Age Care after completing training their training in PNG.
He said these six women were well trained to help and assist old people in Australia with general care, housekeeping, nursing and basic medication etc..
