PAPUA New Guinea’s absence at the upcoming Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival scheduled for the 19th-30th of July in Port Villa, Vanuatu is about to create a regional embarrassment if the country does not participate. The government has just under three days left to avoid this scenario, knowing well that the Melanesian Spearhead Group is headed by a Papua New Guinean, Leonard Lauma, as the director general.
A concerned officer (named) with the PNG Tourism, Arts and Culture office revealed to this newspaper that for PNG being the ‘bigger brother’ in the Pacific, not attending the upcoming festival will bring more embarrassment.
It was alleged that the Treasurer Ian Ling Stuckey promised the organisation that funding will be made available to send the delegation and so preparation was well underway until the organization learnt only this week that the funds promised was the Tourism Promotion Authority’s (TPA) monthly grant.
“An initial budget of K3.5 million was submitted to the Government to take 150 participants, however after the submission was approved it was later learnt that the submission was reduced by the Department of Treasury to K1.5 million.
“After learning of the initial budget cuts, necessary changes were made by reducing the number of participants down to 80 from 150 participants.“We also made necessary arrangements for the charter to take the PNG delegations to participate with Solomon Airlines and Vanuatu Airlines because our national airline, Air Niugini was down with fleets but all our efforts has come to a halt,” this officer said.
This officer said all the Melanesian countries have confirmed to participate including Taiwan, Timo Lese, West Papua and Torres Strait.
“PNG known as the big brother to other Melanesian countries, what message will our withdrawal send out to all our small Melanesian brothers and the entire Members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group,” this officer asked.He said the Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival is more than just a cultural event; it is the celebration of the diversity, richness, and vibrancy of Melanesian traditions and customs.
“As a platform for the exchange of cultural knowledge, the festival offers an opportunity for Melanesian Spearhead Group member States and their Pacific partners and allies to showcase and celebrate their unique cultural identities.
“This festival serves as a reminder of the important roles that culture plays in shaping our shared human experience and through this celebration of customs, culture, and traditions, the festival helps to promote regional cooperation, mutual understanding and appreciation for the rich diversity of the Pacific,” he said.
Asked if there is enough time available if the government intervenes anytime, this officer said there is enough time.
