A WHOLE new cultural extravaganza is set to burst onto the PNG and world scene with the inaugural Southern Highlands Cultural Show planned for a major launch in early 2004.

The brainchild of former PNG Defence Force Iroquois helicopter pilot, James Pima, it has been fully endorsed by Governor Hami Yawari and his provincial assembly with financial backing of more than K1 million.

The Southern Highlands,popularly known the world over for its famous Huli Wigman has long been recognised as a melting pot for PNGs rich and diverse cultures but never fully explored since its agriculture shows in the 1970s at the DPI station at Oiyarip. Traditional dances and songs never before seen on the same stage will be showcased to the world during Easter 2004 in Mendi. Despite its much publicised political, financial and administration turmoil, Southern Highlands is a truly diverse province where over generations both highlands and coastal features have been intertwined into one. Bordering Gulf, Enga, East Sepik, Chimbu and Western Highlands Provinces people towards Gulf make canoes, beat sago for food, live on houses built on silts and sago thatched roofs as well as grow coconuts and betel nuts. The provincial government will provide transport and accommodation for traditional dancers from Mt Bosavi near the Gulf border, Kopiago and Strickland River towards the Sepik, Upper Mendi towards Kandep in Enga, and the last Wiru area neighboring Chimbu. Theres also the Lai Valley, Nipa, Pangia, Kutubu and Ialibu people, all with their unique costumes, headdresses and dances. Throw in the Huli wigman and you definitely have a show that is set to rival, if not be the best, compared to some of the established cultural shows anywhere, including PNG. Southern Highlands is diverse in its culture, its landscape and the people. We are probably the only province in PNG that has features of both the coast and the highlands and we anticipate about 50 to 60 different cultural groups will come from all parts of the province, said Mr Pima, who is the chairman of the Southern Highlands Show Committee. Mr Pima said the main objective of the show though, is to promote unity and a better image for the province given its problems, including the adverse media publicity.

Its all about unity we want to portray a better image to the rest of PNG and the world. Its about bringing together different ethnic and tribal groups from the far reaches of the province and breaking down those tribal and political barriers that have destroyed our beautiful province, he said. The SHP show will hopefully be an annual event, because the provincial government is serious about promoting the province as a tourist destination. Tourists can travel the length and width, visiting majestic lakes in Kutubu, savor the thundering roar of the Beaver Falls, wonder over endless rolling green valleys, go rafting over fast flowing rivers or just explore the jungles, bird watching or looking for orchids. Through this show, we want to open up Southern Highlands Province to the tourists. They can come and experience a real taste and hospitality of the Southern Highlands Province and in turn promote the tourism potential which has never been exploited in the past, he said. Mr Pima said instead of wasting up to four or eight hours a day playing cards, people will be encouraged to operate village based eco-tourism lodges or guest houses, hopefully, with the support of provincial government. Mr Pima has also called on business houses in the province to support the show by setting up stalls to promote their businesses or products. A budget for K900,000 is currently before the provincial executive council for approval before work on the show ground facilities can begin at Sumia Junction about 8 kilometers outside Mendi town. Twenty hectares of farmland would be converted into a modern show ground. It will feature a modern grandstand, amphitheatre, permanent fencing, security lights as well as shower and toilet facilities. Mr Pima said it will be money well spent considering that the show will be an annual thing and the all-purpose facilities will be utilised throughout the year for sporting and other activities. It will definitely be money well spent because at the end of the day, we want to get our people from all corners to come to one central point once a year to share jokes, mix around, share their experiences as well as experience each others unique cultures and thats what we want to achieve, unity and a better image for Southern Highlands, he said.

Mr Pima said a committee office has yet to be set up but people wanting more information can write to PO Box 397, MENDI, Southern Highlands Province.

AFAWA CAVE TREKKING- AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE NEXT DOOR TO PORT MORESBY

The road is completely run down and almost impassible for motor vehicles. Villagers in Doe and neighboring areas have no choice but to walk 8 hours each day to get to Sogeri and catch a PMV to Port Moresby. And that is exactly what we did over the weekend when trekking up to Doe. For an adventurous weekend this seems like the alternative next door trekking where outdoor fanatics can enjoy the countryside views of the Koitaki farm and the Itikinumu grassland and beautiful savanna surroundings. Pam had organized local porters and guides from Doe village who accompanied us on the way. The first hour of the trek was fairly easy since we started early. But in no time the sun was up and heat started bearing down on us. The next three hours we were at the mercy of the sun and with unreliable supply of water on the way I had two water bags; one was in my backpack and lasted till we reached the next river. The heat was unbearable and I started to experience blisters on the soles of my feet. I took off my shoes while we stopped and started rubbing Vaseline on them. The pain was trivial but that didnt stop the heat. The ground we were treading on was hard clay but we soon encounter sharp stones on the way. For 40 kilomtres each way we were doing seven hours if not eight in a day and Pam had informed us that we had to make it to Doe before six. So that meant walking for the most parts and so little time for resting. Our first stop was by the bridge under a rewarding shade of clustered bamboo trees. We had some snacks and after a deserving rest we were out again in the sun. The blisters on my feet made it almost impossible for me to walk. I walked with difficulty and soon after that I was disappointed when my right knee and legs started to hurt. I was the last on the line and my porter was with me all the time urging me carry on. I stopped again for a while, took off my shoes and start rubbing Vaseline against the blisters. After that I started walking, and quite oblivious to my painful feet I pushed on ahead till I reached the other trekkers and then went ahead towards the river an old picnic spot, where the old bridge was. It was fine spot with evident brick walls and water pipes but overgrown with vegetation. This used to be a favourite picnic spot for expatriates and many who live in the city. People loved these place and every weekend like this you would see cars parked over there under the trees that was the parking area, Peter one of the guides said wishfully. Peter 35, from Doe had a car and used to enjoy driving back and forth from Doe to Port Moresby. His car has long broken down and he says it was useless to get another one since the road conditions were bad. Like everyone else he too walk all the way to Sogeri. After lunch we had a refreshing swim in the river, which was quiet deep. From here another four hours walk towards Doe village. We passed by old rubber plantations on our way and make our way to Mushgrave River for a boots-off crossing. The current here was quiet strong and the villagers explained that it is only twice as strong when it was raining. We reached Doe at 3.45 and had a good rest under the rain trees. I lay down on my back pack and almost went to sleep when Pam suggested it was time to go and visit the cave. Despite the pain on my knee and blisters on my leg and the nagging headache, I went with them since I didnt want to miss any of this. Mike stayed back while the rest of us headed for the cave. It was a horrendous 45 minutes steep climb uphill and downhill and across a few rivers towards the cave. We went through a garden and passed by a huge boulder on the way, crossed the last creek and then a grinding climb up towards the cave. When we neared the cave we noticed many gorges in between rocks we passed. Finally when we reached the cave it was just amazing! Afawa cave as the villagers call it was the highest peak of our adventure. It became a real thrill for me. From the mouth of the cave we couldn't see or make out who or what was beyond. It was just total blackness and you were lucky if you have your flashlight with you. To go through the entrance was bit of a hardwork. Big rocks blocked the mouth of the cave so we used cane support and one by one started to lower ourselves below towards the entrance. Two local boys went in first without using rope and waited below. Pam was the first to go down followed by me, Peter and Mark. Once I was down one of the porters directed me towards the entrance. A huge boulder lay blocking the entrance and I had to make my way around it, literally squeezing through to arrive at the main entrance - only this time it appeared real and very big with an eerie blackness beyond. From where I stood I could hear bats which may have been disturbed by our appearance, flying about inside. Having never visited a cave before I was a bit nervous but also very curious to see what was inside. I flashed the flash light I was holding onto inside the cave half expecting to see some figure inside the cave. It didn't help and went as far 6 feet from where I was. I was debating whether to go in or not when suddenly I saw tiny red lights like sparks of gold in front of me.

I must have stood still and stared at it for some time because Pam started urging me to move on and when I turned I saw Peter and Mark behind her. Wide-eyed, I looked to her and said: "Did you see that?" and start pointing to where the spark of light was. I was surprised when she and Peter burst out laughing. "Alison that is a light from a flashlight," she said explaining that one of the porters on the side of the rock was flashing it our way so we can go through. Once we are inside we hear bats though we didnt see them flying around us. I couldn't work out if they were big or not and one came so close I could almost feel it brushing past me. As we proceeded further in we surprisingly came upon a wide open space with huge pillars of almost white stones almost like sprouting forth from the ground and a roof top quiet as high as that of a castle. It was cold and eerie inside, bat droppings everywhere and we could see small openings on the rooftop and the light from outside. "Oh look at that!" Peter exclaimed and pointed towards the rooftop. Pam flashed her lights towards where Peter was pointing and he objected almost immediately. "No Pam switch of your flash lights and see there", he said directing us to where the light from outside was coming through the gap. "You can't see it with your flashlights on." And he was right. Two minutes later we watched in total amazement as almost huge wings flapped about above. If you watched closely you would see that the light from outside outline their figures perfectly.

Alison Anis works as a full time journalist for www.pngbd.com, one of PNGs most popular web site that provides daily exchange rates, thousands of photos, domestic flight schedule, and an online discussion forum. She has also recently walked the Kokoda Trail with the trekking team from www.kokodatrail.com.au.

VISITOR NUMBERS DOWN

THE number of visitors to Papua New Guinea between July and September 2003 dropped by 5% compared to the same period last year (2002).

The reason for such negative performance of our visitor source markets was attributed to the poor economic performance in the United States and around the world.

According to the Tourism Promotion Authority 3^rd Quarter 2003 Visitor Arrivals Analysis by Purpose of Visit, only 14,541 foreign nationals traveled to PNG.

The majority of these visitors came for business 8,482 (58%); followed by those coming for a holiday 4,742 or 32.6%; those visiting friends and relatives totaled 1,236 or 8.5%, while the rest for other purposes. All the segments recorded decreases during the quarter.

As usual, Australia provided the largest source of visitors during the quarter (7,853) followed by Japan (1,276), USA (1,093) and the other Asian markets (707).

The visitor markets with the largest increase compared to the corresponding period last year were the Asian market (Malaysia 27% up, Philippines 17% up, India 1.4% up and other Asia 33% up).

While all the other major source markets recorded decreases during the period. USA had the largest decrease (22.9% down) followed by the European Market (22.5% down). The Australian market also recorded a decrease of 0.7%.

The majority (28%) of the visitors were aged 40-49 years, followed by 50-59 years age group (23%), middle-aged group of 30-39 years (20%) and the older age people 60 years and over (12%). Madang received the most visitors during the period (7%), followed by Wabag (6%), Lae (5%) and Goroka (4%) respectively.

PNG TOURISM IN LONDON

PAPUA NEW GUINEAs tourism potential was showcased on the world stage at the World Travel Market in London from November 10 13.

PNGs High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Jean Kekedo took time off her busy schedule to assist Tourism Promotion Authority officers William Bando (Finance & Administration) and Helen Pokapin (Marketing) to promote PNG at the Excel Exhibition Centre.

It was the first time for PNG to participate at the WTM after a four-year absence after the European Union funding for marketing to the South Pacific Tourism Organisation was exhausted some years ago. PNG received a good number of visitors asking about products such as diving, cultural festivals and other special interests.

Ms Kekedo was impressed with TPAs efforts to promote PNG tourism abroad adding that she would continue to support future promotions there because the UK was a potential market for PNG. She also believes that unless we can lower the costs for land and air transport in PNG to international standards, tourism in PNG would excel.

She also called on TPA and the whole industry to vigorously promote PNG in UK and elsewhere. A total of 12,596 people visited the displays from 191 countries at the WTM.

PORT MORESBY - A PLACE TO VISIT.

PAPUA NEW GUINEAs capital city Port Moresby is set to be aggressively promoted as a tourism destination.

Apart from being the seat of government, Port Moresby is the gateway to Papua New Guineas rich and diverse cultures, flora and fauna. And the National Capital District Commission, which manages the city, hopes to cash in on that elusive tourism Kina.

NCDC is currently in the process of setting up a Port Moresby Visitors Bureau to drive its tourism market in order achieve its aim of making Port Moresby a Place to Visit.

Port Moresby is no stranger to tourists given its many sights and attractions including the House of Parliament, National Botanical Garden, scenic Fairfax Harbour and of course, the popular Hiri Moale cultural festival. However, imagine walking down memory lane and the corridors of power at a renovated and redeveloped former House of Assembly, where Papua New Guineas Constitution was born. Or feed hungry crocodiles at a revived Moitaka Wildlife Sanctuary during lunch and then travel to the top of Paga Hill to savour Port Moresby night skyline. These are among some of the tourist attractions, NCDC would like to develop once its visitors bureau is up and running.

Culture and Tourism Minister Nick Kuman has welcomed the idea of a visitors bureau saying while the concept should have been developed a long time ago, all stakeholders should now support NCDC to develop Port Moresby into the tourism capital that it should be. Mr Kuman was adamant that NCDC involves landowners, city residents and more importantly the service providers in the city so its community orientated. He has also urged NCDC to create niche markets for tourists in Port Moresby for tourists to go out and enjoy instead of just staying in their hotels. Tourism will last a lifetime and thats what we have to develop vigorously, he said.

Tourism Promotion Authority chief executive officer Peter Vincent said TPA was excited about the concept and would support NCDC. Mr Vincent said NCDC should now consider setting up booths at the Jacksons International Airport to provide valuable information to tourists and other visitors about Port Moresby and other parts of PNG.

City manager Bernard Kipit said once a Bill to set up the bureau is adopted as law, tourism development will be integrated into NCDCs functions.

ACTING LOCAL TOURIST

By Alison Anis PNGBD

They came with a Lonely Planet Guide Book on Papua New Guinea that was totally outdated 1993. But nothing stopped the two Kongkongs from Taiwan, Frank Lin, a very rich and successful businessman and his friend Tom from experiencing first hand, PNG cultures, the natural beauty and lifestyles through their humbling tours around Madang, Goroka and along the Sepik River.

Both men arrived in Port Moresby on September 7 and fly direct to Wewak, capital of East Sepik province. Speaking and understanding English was abit difficult but that would not stand in their way as an obstacle as both boys had a crowd of admirers wherever they went. The friendly and ever smiling faces behind the two Taiwan boys earned them a lot of local friends who somehow seemed at ease with the Kongkongs. The locals joked, laughed and chatted with Frank and Tom as if they were long lost buddies. In Wewak the boys had checked in at Windjama Hotel with its rare entrance artistically shaped into a crocodiles jaws and facing the beautiful beachfront. Frank and Tom were picked up from the airport by a minibus following their flight to Wewak that afternoon. It was difficult to organize a tour that evening as they were not able to contact guides. A trip to the Sepik River was organized the following morning by Steven a local businessman who travels about 2 kilometers each morning from his home to pick up the Sepik River tour messages. Steve works closely with Windjama Hotel and organizes tour groups up the Sepik River. Frank and Tom had a four-day package tour with Steven which cost around K2000 for two packs. The boys got on a PMV between Wewak and Angoram then had a three-nights stay at the villages and a two-day cruise in lower Sepik River area, with a feast of meal each day. They ate, showered, and slept as the villagers did and were not even bothered by the mosquitoes of the Sepik River. We had a wonderful time with the villagers. They were very friendly and were great hosts during our stay. These people are very happy despite their hard lifestyles, Frank said.

CAVES REVEAL JAPANESE REMAINS

THE theory that Japanese soldiers may have traveled as far as the highlands during World War 2 can now be confirmed with the discovery of two caves which contain the remains of Japanese soldiers.

This follows the discovery of a Japanese bunker, old pistol cases, rifle rounds, bullet cases, helmets, chains and bombs in the caves located at the foot of the Gurupoka Mountain near Korokoreto village outside Asaro station in the Eastern Highlands Province.

The National newspaper reported on November 12, 2003 that local tour guide Paul Kumba made the initial discovery in October this year, and that the caves also contained human remains believed to be of Japanese soldiers.

An old man from Korereto village, Seiki Barakove who was a young child during the war recalled escorting the soldiers into the cave seeking refuge when Australian and American soldiers struck.

According to Barakove the soldiers hid in the caves and he and the other village children brought them food and water, Kumba told The National.

Barakove who is about 60 years old said their ancestors used the cave to hide during tribal wars in the 1920s.

Local villages slaughtered several pigs last month to appease the spirit of the dead in the cave before opening it to the public as a tourist attraction.

UNESCO CONFERRENCE EFFORTS IMPRESS MINISTER KUMAN

A PNG Ministerial delegation has just returned from the 32nd UNESCO Conference held in Paris, French this year very impressed. The delegation included Culture & Tourism Minister Nick Kuman, his First Secretary Wilson Thompson and Director of National Museum & Art Gallery Soroi Eoe. The Conference which was held from the 26 September to the 17th of October 2003 was to discuss a wide range of global issues, all of which affect Papua New Guinea directly. Minister Kuman said he was impressed with the representations and subsequent resolutions passed in relation to issues which particularly concerned PNG. He made particular mention of Kuk agricultural site in the Western Highlands Province which has been considered for 'World Heritage Listing.' Mr Kuman said the site of the first known agricultural site was funded and after technical reports were finalised, the site will be listed on the 'World Heritage Listing.' The Minister said other issues discussed at the conference include; Intellectual Property Laws, especially on Culture, Return of artefacts to countries of origin, Convention on Restitution of Tangible Cultural Material, Ecotourism (handcraft, artefacts etc for tourism purposes). Following the successful conference, the Minister has renewed calls to re-establish Papua New Guineas UNESCO mission in Paris so that PNG can be represented to UNESCO and also the Republic of France and accredited to Spain, Portugal, Italy so that PNG can benefit from economic relations as well as promote our cultures and to ensure PNG is promoted as a total tourism destination. Mr Kuman said the UNESCO mission was important for PNG as it dealt with issues that bordered on the cultures which was the heritage and very existence of the country's peoples which is necessary for our tourism industry.

MUSEUM GOES HIGH TEC

PAPUA New Guinea's colourful oral and written history at the National Museum and Art Gallery can now be easily accessed following the presentation the latest state-of-the-art Sony equipment by the Japanese Government on Friday, November 28, 2003. Tourists and visitors including Papua New Guineans will now read and view PNG's diverse history and cultural heritage on television and computer screens. Speaking at the opening of the K1.1 million studio, Culture and Tourism Minister Nick Kuman said unfortunately, many of the country's oral histories, customs and rituals are not properly recorded and preserved for the future generation. And what has been recorded has either being taken out of the country or is not accessible by the general public. Describing the museum as the "spiritual house" of PNG, Mr Kuman said it is one of the biggest in the South Pacific region excluding Australia and New Zealand. "Our Pacific neighbours do not have a museum like ours, they have cultural centres," he said, "yet year after year, funding support from national governments have being on the decline." He said the NM&AG plays a significant role in educating Papua New Guineans and others of the country's cultural and historical heritage as well as promoting tourism in PNG. The Sony Audio-Visual Equipment consists of an editing control unit, a multi-media system, a duplication system, a video theatre and a video camera. President of the museum's board of trustees Sir Paulius Matane said sadly, some of us were taking on cultures that are strange to our own and that the equipment would help record and preserve many of PNG's dying cultures. "Cultures are important because they determine the type of person we are," he said. Japan's Deputy Chief of Mission to PNG Tamio Tomino in hading over the equipment said the occasion represents a milestone in the growing friendship between Japan and Papua New Guinea. He said the Japan Government hopes it would help PNG preserve its cultures. The opening came a day after Parliament passed the War Surplus Materials (Amended) Act 2003, giving the museum more authority over PNG's abundant war relics. The PNG Government funded the K200,000 costs towards the building of the studio.

The National Museum and Art Gallery situated next to the National Parliament in Waigani is open to the General Public from Monday - Friday (8:30am - 3:30pm) and Sunday (1pm - 3pm). It's closed on Saturdays except for organized visits. The Museum Bookshop sells PNG artifacts like bilumwares, handmade carvings, paintings, 'T' Shirts, necklaces, books, postcards and other miniature items during museum opening hours. For further information,
Ph: (675) 325 2422
Fax: (675) 325 1779
E-mail: pngmuseum@global.net.pg