As the New Year opened, a call for unity and compassion for Vanuatu resounded across Papua New Guinea from Port Moresby.
The Governor for the National Capital District, Hon. Powes Parkop, announced a charity drive aimed at supporting Port Vila, the sister city of Port Moresby, which was devastated by a 7.3-magnitude earthquake on New Year’s Eve.
The disaster claimed 14 lives, left countless injured, and caused widespread damage, inducing landslides that crushed cars and reduced buildings to rubble.
At a press conference, Governor Parkop said: “Our sister city, Port Vila, has suffered a terrible tragedy. We stand in solidarity with the people of Vanuatu during this difficult time, and we are committed to doing everything we can to help them rebuild.”
The cornerstone of this charity drive is a music festival scheduled for the end of January at the Sir John Guise Stadium. Featuring renowned local talents such as Betty and John Toea, Makali Tau, and Fijian artist Elina Onno, the festival aims to unite the community in support of relief efforts.
“This music festival will be a celebration of community spirit. We hope it will bring people together to support a worthy cause and show the people of Port Vila that they are not alone.” He said.
To start the initiative, Parkop and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) have pledged K100,000. The Governor also acknowledged the national government’s commitment of K20 million to support Vanuatu's recovery efforts, thanking Prime Minister James Marape for his leadership.
Donations can be made to the Earthquake Relief Initiative by Hon. Powes Parkop, NCD Governor, through BSP Bank (Account Number: 1000962618). For more information, contact Melissa Brabar at 742 41055 or via email at melissabrabar88@gmail.com.
“Every kina donated will make a difference in the lives of those affected by the earthquake,” Parkop urged. “Let us show our sister city the strength of our compassion and support their journey to recovery.”
The Governor emphasized the importance of compassion during this season of giving. “As Christians, it is our duty to show empathy and solidarity, especially during the Christmas period. By contributing what we can, we can help our Melanesian brothers and sisters recover from this tragedy.”
Parkop emphasized the need for collective understanding and action, both domestically and regionally.
"We must look after our own people, but we can also extend our support to the global community, especially our regional neighbors. Smaller economies with limited resources, like Vanuatu, are often the ones most affected," he said.
The Governor also underscored the historical and cultural ties between PNG and Vanuatu, recalling PNG’s pivotal role in supporting Vanuatu's independence during the 1990s and noted the presence of a significant PNG community in that country, particularly in Port Vila.
"We are reaching out to our people there as well. Vanuatu has always appreciated PNG for its solidarity, and this is a moment to reaffirm that bond."
Beyond the immediate crisis in Vanuatu, Parkop stressed the importance of peace and reconciliation at home.
"Whether in personal life, community well-being, or national progress, peace is fundamental to achieving any goal," he said.
The Governor urged citizens to embrace the spirit of Christmas by uniting and reconciling as a nation.
"Our Golden Jubilee is an opportunity to think deeply about our journey as a nation. It’s a time to evaluate our progress and reaffirm our commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous country," he said.
"Let us recognize peace as an integral part of our gospel and a foundation for economic, political, and social outcomes. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for our nation and our region."
