A Basketball court and a few raintrees provided the perfect venue and shade for the 49th Independence celebration at Hohola No.3 in the Moresby Northwest Electorate of the National Capital District.
In fact, it’s the 3rd year the residents of Casuarina Place who reside behind the Headquarters of PNG Power have enjoyed independence celebrations in their neighborhood. Surrounding Hohola communities including Murray Barracks also joined in the festivities.
The annual independence event is organized by the Native Youths Association made up of youths of Casuarina Place. Despite NCD Governor, Powes Parkop announcing K500,000 funding distribution to the three Electorates in NCD; Moresby South, Moresby Northwest and Moresby Northeast to conduct independence activities in their communities, this Hohola community received no funding.
President of Native Youths Association, John Sarwom said, “we haven’t had any support externally or from business houses but we managed to pull through, thanks to our families and Native Youths.”
Dance groups organized fundraising nights consisting of coffee and finger food sales leading up to the big day. Funds raised enabled them to gather head-dresses, kundu drums, grass skirts and other accessories to complete their traditional attire.
Dancers as young as five-years-old, teenagers and young adults all took part; there were dance practices in the weeks leading up to September 16. Parents and elders in the community ensured the children were well prepared to represent the various performing groups.
This year, 10 groups representing, Kairuku, Goilala and Rigo Districts in Central province, Kiwai Dancers of Western Province, Tawali of Milne Bay, Gulf province, East New Britain, West New Britain, East Sepik and Morobe province put on show; singing and story telling dances. The Tawali dance group of Milne Bay explained that their dance told the story of the early days when a fisherman or gardener tends to court a woman but is rejected.
Each group were also tasked to explain the make up of their traditional attire and the symbols on their provincial flags. These gestures were educational for all participants and spectators, each learning another’s culture and tradition.
Organiser John Sarwom said, the idea to host Independence activities within the community is to avoid the risk of individuals and families being harmed by opportunists at other celebration venues.
“We decided to host it here, so everyone can participate and enjoy the program, it’s been a success and we hope to do better next year.”
It was an enjoyable day for everyone. Hohola Police Station were on the look out for any trouble makers while the community also had volunteers who controlled the movement of crowds.
Parents who rolled down their mats and brought chairs to sit on, had a fun filled day watching their children perform.