NCD Governor Powes Parkop

NCD Governor Powes Parkop shared his vision of a well-lit Port Moresby during CPL’s Christmas lights launch.

Before officially launching CPL’s Christmas lights at the Waigani Central Stop N Shop area on Sunday evening, Parkop said since taking up the Governor’s office, he has been using all occasions to uplift the image and standard of Port Moresby.

“And one of the occasions we’ve been using is, of course, Christmas,” he stated. “Christmas is important to all of us; it’s an important part of our calendar and our faith. In fact, it is the cornerstone of our faith.”

He made this statement during the advanced commemoration of World Youth Day on August 11. The event is also part of the #amazingportmoresby initiative by NCDC.

Governor Parkop said work is in progress to establish a Youth Advisory Committee to tap into the potential of the youth population in the city.

Speaking at the end of the weekly Walk and Yoga for Life at Paga Hill Ring Road, Parkop said the celebration was not only to recognise the achievements of youths in business, arts and music, employment, politics and others, but also to appreciate the challenges they face.

Governor Parkop, an advocate of women’s rights and equality, reminded the crowd at a recent Walk and Yoga for Life event to step up to ensure women feel safe and empowered in their own City.

“Our womenfolk must feel free to walk in their city without fear of harassment and intimidation. They must feel safe to go to the movies, night clubs, shops, schools, churches and markets freely.”

The walk on Sunday was dedicated to all the mothers in Port Moresby, and city dwellers were also reminded of the importance of keeping healthy and active.

Parkop said this after meeting the Members of the Security Force, together with National Parliament Speaker Job Pomat, Minister for Finance James Marape, Minister for Police Jelta Wong, and other ministers yesterday afternoon at Sir John Guise Stadium.

“Government has agreed to settle the allowances as soon as possible and we all agreed to return to duties to restore calm and normalcy to the city with immediate effect!”

He said this during the swearing in of the MKA Assembly members at Hanuabada on Friday.

The ceremony was attended by NCD Governor, Powes Parko, Moresby South MP, Minister for Lands and APEC, Justin Tkatchenko, Police Minister, Jelta Wong, and Motu Koita Villagers.

It was a huge turnout as locals witnessed a change of guard from the last 10 years.

Dadi Toka Jnr said the result of the MKA Election was a solid confirmation of the need for change, with only three members form the previous 17 returning.

We need to challenge ourselves to make PNG even better than it is today, says NCD Governor Powes Parkop.

Parkop led the Unity Walk this morning, where participants were reminded to lead the change.

Residents hit the road in high spirits in spite of the wet and dull Port Moresby morning.

Before the walk, Governor Parkop highlighted that we have to respect what has taken us this far.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop wants this commitment from the city dwellers while he, in partnership with fellow MPs, will do their part to make the city great, safe, peaceful, liveable, active and clean for everyone to enjoy a high quality of life, as is the case in other cities overseas.

“It is the small things like these that are impeding our progress. This is the biggest challenge I have as your leader,” Parkop said.

“It is your business now to say no to buai, violence, graffiti and plastic bags.

He said apart from making the environment look untidy, plastic bags are just too harmful.

Parkop’s statement follows the international theme for the World Environment Week, “Beat Plastic Pollution”.

“We are developing a bad habit, bad culture and bad attitude,” said the Governor.

“We are making money more important than the natural environment.”
Parkop said 18 months have been given to plastic firms but after that, he urged Minister Pundari to ‘just ban it’. 

“No more excuses,” said the Governor.

Although times have changed, NCD Governor Powes Parkop is ensuring everyone can watch the State of Origin by providing live and free sites in and around the “can do” city of Port Moresby.

The three-game series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons starts on Wednesday, June 6, in Melbourne.

Game 2 is on Sunday, June 24, in Sydney and the third and final game is on Wednesday, July 11, in Brisbane.