Casper Damien

Formerly based at Boroko, the move was to ensure efficient coordination with other partners such as Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and National Museum Art and Gallery (NMAG).

This follows a directive from the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Emil Tammur.

Executive director of the NCC, Casper Damien, said the directive was a good one.

“This is good because we have to work together and at least there is coordination.

“The Minister’s office is in that same building, resulting in easy communication with the Minister,” said Damien.

Acting executive director of NCC, Casper Damien, on Wednesday said their punctuality and attitude towards their duties as public servants have to change if they were to bring their organisations to another level.

“Cooperation, change of attitudes and approach towards one another at work is important. We need to be punctual at all times and show some attitude towards our work,” he said.

Damien said there has to be some kind of orderly manner, including decent dressing, presentation and changes in attitude.

They did not hold back tears for the fatherly figure who nurtured most of them for the last 23 years.

In a small but moving ceremony, the staff of the National Cultural Commission (NCC), the Institute of PNG Studies (IPNGS), the new acting executive director, Casper Damien and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry officers, farewelled outgoing director, Dr Simet, who led the organisation for the last 23 years.

The NCC is his brainchild.