THE Duke of Gloucester and Grand Prior of the Order of St John arrived in Wewak yesterday to a rousing welcome by hundreds of people who travelled from the districts of East Sepik to welcome him to the province.
The road starting from the airport to the town and along the West Coast to Cape Wom Memorial Park was packed with people, who lined up along the roads to welcome and catch a glimpse of the royal visitor.
Prince Richard, who arrived on a PNGDF CASA, was met at the Boram airport by East Sepik provincial administrator John Alman, Wewak MP Jim Simatab and the British community in Wewak.
He inspected a guard of honour by members of 2RPIR at the airport before paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare’s provincial assembly office.
He later visited the Cape Wom Memorial Park in the afternoon, where he unveiled a plaque and laid a wreath in remembrance of those who fought and died during World War II.
The duke told hundreds of people who gathered at the memorial service that the occasion “reminded us of solving our disagreement in a peaceful way”.
He said the ceremony also reminded the people of the sacrifices that many went through to bring about the peace enjoyed today.
Prince Richard later visited the Boram General Hospital where he officially opened the St John Ambulance office.
He also paid a visit to the Blood Bank and the Special Care Unit to mark the 50th anniversary celebration of the Order of St John Ambulance in PNG.
He said the Order of St John Ambulance had grown over the years with the introduction of the new communication technology, adding St John will provide the best health care and ambulance service in PNG.