And knowing you're in love with me

 

Australian High Commissioner Jon Philps (left) sharing  light moment with the White Cane band members Maggie Mami, Michelle Muru and Kamen Wasup during Christmas of 2020 in Port Moresby,

WHITE CANE BAND IMPRESSES AUSSIE HIGH COMMISSIONER

WORDS & PICTURES By BIG PAT

With the North Pole getting icy cold and lapun old Fada Krismas ramping up his rusty snow balled sleigh to head south for the warmer climes of the equator, Port Moresby is slowly weighing down on its Christmas trees.

December being playful Rudolf the red nosed reindeers favorite month of frolicking amid delivery of presents, the glitter of tinsels and jingle bells are out to mark the coming event.

In a small, almost forgotten corner of the Port Moresby general hospital yesterday, the sound of Christmas came early for the Assembly of Disabled Persons, their supporters and family in Port Moresby.

Celebrating the International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities, the White Cane Band reminded all in attendance of Christmas when they harmonised Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers famous hit duet rendition of 'Dawn is slowly breaking'.

Hearing impaired students Boni, teacher Rose, Ruth and Allan.

Dawn is slowly breaking
Our friends have all gone home
You and I are waiting
For Santa Clause to come
There's a present by the tree
Stockings on the wall
And knowing you're in love with me
Is the greatest gift of all

Their very important guest at the ceremony was the Australian High Commissioner to PNG Jon Philps who was blown away by the sweet sleek voices of the three vision impaired singers.

To the accompaniment of keyboardist Kaman Wasup from Mendi, the silky vocals of Maggie Mami from Sepik and Michelle Muru from Morobe had the HC tapping his foot to their Christmas spirit.

Asked what he thought of the performance of the White Cane Band, HC Philps said: "I think they are terrific, I hope we can work with them at some point, I'll come back and meet them again."

The Australian Government, through its Incentive Program and Australian Awards Scholarship Program, does spend a lot of time and funds in improving the lot for persons  and especially kids living with a disability in PNG.

Two people at yesterday's gathering were Rose Launch, a sign language teacher, and Peter Wasape, who is vision impaired.

Through Australian Government scholarship, Launch completed a three years Degree in Disability and Community Inclusion from the Flinders University (2017-2019) while Wasape holds a double degree in Social Justice and International Relations from the University of Southern Queensland (2016-2019).

AHC Jon Philps greets Patrick Samar, a speech impaired person.