Lae basks in peaceful day of celebrations

LAE residents celebrated the independence anniversary peacefully.
No major incident was reported over the long weekend, with about 250 police officers on patrol.
Acting Lae Metropolitan commander Fred Kaiwa said it was all “very quiet all along” since Friday.
“The sector response unit maintained their presence at their respective areas.” Kaiwa said the anniversary operation night shift started at nine in the evening. He said turnout at the stadium was very good, with more than 4000 people attending.
“A lot of mothers and children attended, unlike in previous celebrations. The atmosphere within the city and at the stadium was conducive, with most families having a good time witnessing parades by members of the disciplined forces.”
Defence Force soldiers and members of the Joint Forces College at Igam Barracks paraded and were inspected by Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu and Lae Lord Mayor Koim Trilue Leahy during the raising and lowering of the national flag at the stadium.
Kaiwa said that alhough some people drank alcohol during the day, not many incidents were reported.
The Lae superintendent operations said the attitude of most city residents during the day was really good.
He said police were planning ahead and looking forward to the next major event in the city — next month’s Morobe Show.