Namah calls for unity and change at Waromo’s 50th Independence celebrations

The Minister for Culture, Arts and Tourism and Member for Vanimo Green, Beldan Namah, closed the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations at Waromo Village, Ward 5 in Bewani Wutung Onei LLG, West Sepik Province over the weekend with a strong call for unity and change.

In his address, Minister Namah acknowledged Ward 5 Member and LLG President Hon. Steven Nikengu, the Independence Committee, people of Waromo, and visiting cultural groups from Milne Bay’s Trobriand, Goodenough and Fergusson islands, as well as Sentani in West Papua, Indonesia.

He praised the Waromo community for raising K10,000 towards the celebrations and in return presented K20,000 cash support, plus K10,000 to the Sentani group. Highlighting Melanesian unity, Namah said their presence strengthened family ties across the PNG–West Papua border.

Namah urged young people who dropped out of school not to lose hope, announcing K500,000 support for Flexible Open and Distance Education in Vanimo and pledging to cover tuition fees. He also revealed a partnership with Papua International University in Indonesia to further studies, with opportunities abroad.

The Minister reaffirmed his goal of delivering free education and health services in Vanimo Green, calling on communities to work together for change. As a gesture of cultural exchange, he pledged to send Waromo and Sentani groups to perform at the Milne Bay Canoe and Kundu Festival in November.

The celebrations ended on a high note with colorful performances from Milne Bay, Sentani, and Waromo, showcasing PNG’s rich cultural diversity and unity at 50 years of independence.