Bougainville Day marked in Port Moresby

By Max Aumora Jr
Bougainvilleans living in Port Moresby turned out in numbers on Saturday to celebrate the annual Bougainville Day.
The day was a fun-filled and involved speeches and performances by traditional groups and live bands from Bougainville.
“The standout was the increased involvement of the Bougainville youths in traditional performances,” said the vice-president of the Bougainville Association in Port Moresby, Bruce Maller.
He said that reflected their search and awareness for self-identity.
Maller, who’s been involved with the event for the past six years, said “the celebrations this year was the best so far, with the crowds behaving themselves”.
Guests included Bougainville President John Momis, recently knighted Sir Mel Togolo and Cecilia Pepson.
“The Bougainville Peace Agreement between the ABG and the PNG government is a best agreement because it has lasted all these years,” Momis said.
Momis urged Bougainvilleans to unite and abide by the peace agreement so that the referendum process would run smoothly. He challenged the people of Bougainville to stand together during the referendum.
Highlight of the day was a rock performance by Jordan Opeti, the lesser known brother of the Vocal Fusion winner Morris Opeti.
The lesser known Opeti travelled to Port Moresby from Bougainville and performed for the first time in front of a large audience, winning rave reviews.