Pre-independence celebrations continue in Daru town

Excitement is building in Daru as pre-independence celebrations continue as the countdown to Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary is few hours away. The week-long program, which runs from September 13 to 19, carries the theme “Celebrate Our History, Inspire Our Future.”

As part of the celebrations, members of the Provincial Independence Committee yesterday visited the Daru Hospital, police cells, and prison, where they donated food to patients and inmates. Provincial Independence Coordinator Rupert Tabua said the gesture was aimed at ensuring everyone felt included in the national celebrations.

This morning, students from Karakara Primary, St. Michaels Primary, and Daru Chalmers Primary led a combined march to the Daru Sports Oval, followed by a float parade around the island.

The program features a range of events, including Education Day, which displays education initiatives and youth engagement, and a Western Province Cultural Show to showcase the traditions of the province’s four districts. A combined church service was held yesterday, while the official flag-raising ceremony is set for tomorrow to mark Independence Day. Cultural performances blending traditional and contemporary styles will also be staged.

Mr. Tabua said the celebrations are an opportunity for people to reflect on PNG’s past, rejoice in its present, and look forward to a brighter future together.