Kapen family observes Golden Jubilee with painted faces

As the country gets ready to celebrate 50 years of independence on September 16, some proud Papua New Guineans are becoming very creative in how they commemorate this important national day.

Some are hoisting the national flag on their houses or fences, others have lined their streets with flags, whilst some, like the Kapen family of Madang Town, have painted cultural murals on their residential fences.

NBC News had a short chat with the father, Daniel Kapen; yesterday, and he explained why he was painting his fence.

The Kapen family is also welding garbage drums that will be distributed to fellow residents along the Regina Avenue in the Kalibobo area. This, he explained, is a community service gesture.

Mr Kapen's appeal to fellow Papua New Guineans is to celebrate the nation's 50th Golden Jubilee with pride and respect.

He said that despite widespread negativity, especially about the government and the country's state of affairs, we must celebrate as true Papua New Guineans and respect our leaders who worked hard to make Papua New Guinea an independent country.