Bougainvilleans celebrate annual day

By OGIA MIAMEL
Bougainvilleans celebrated their annual Bougainville Day at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Organised by the Port Moresby Bougainville Association, the programme featured traditional dances from different parts of Bougainville and live bands.
Families and friends flocked to take a glimpse of the show and shop at a variety of stalls.
The stalls were selling printed t-shirts, arts and crafts, bags, necklaces and earrings made from shells and other traditional material.
There were plenty of food dishes, including the popular Buka tamatama which went K1 and K2.
Face-painting and bouncing castle were also a highlight.
Speaking at the ceremony, association president Paul Nerau told Bougainvilleans to work together in unity towards to achieve the referendum in 2019.
He said Sept 1 was a significant day in Bougainville because it marked the day they received their provincial status.
Central Bougainville MP and Minister for Bougainville Affairs Fr Simon Dumarinu said the signing of the Bougainville charter for referendum by Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae was a positive sign for them to  achieve their referendum.
Meanwhile, Morobeans celebrated their provincial day at Constitutional Park on Saturday.