New govt gets colourful welcome

By SHIRLYN BELDEN
THE new government was presented a colourful welcome as traditional dances, singsings and bilas marked the opening of Papua New Guinea’s ninth parliament yesterday.
A Guard of Honour was formed by the First Royal Pacific Infantry Regiment from Taurama Barracks.
The combined Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the Correctional Services bands, neatly assembled in front of the flying provincial flags and facing the main entrance to the Haus Tambaran, played the anthem God Save the Queen as the leaders arrived.   
Fittingly, Chief Justice Sir  Salamo Injia and the judiciary band, fitted in bright national-coloured gowns, lined the podium. 
Even more colourful, one could say, was the event itself. It carried an air of nationalism, triumph, pride, solemnity and gratitude.
You could not miss the determination that was etched on faces.    
The new parliamentary regime was paid a 19-gun salute while the ensemble played the national anthem and students from the Eki Vaki Primary School broke into a rendition.
As if it were demanded, the occasion provoked unity.
Even onlookers stood motionless like the leaders.
That calming sense of dignity oozed pride, leaders and ordinary citizens stood as one, shoulder to shoulder, reminding anyone who needed to that the country, though democratic with self governance like many others, was indeed a truly proud nation.
Everyone who witnessed the opposition and the government at the chamber could say PNG has come a long way in its short history to make this ninth parliament, undoubtedly a strengthening democracy in all aspects.
Speaker Theo Zurenuoc welcomed Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio.
If loyalty, expectations and challenges had missed out in the underlying messages of the occasion, Sir Michael made sure of them in his speech to the MPs.
He outlined the action platform and strategies of development in the government under Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion.
Sir Michael said: “Now is the call for peace and cooperation for the service of Papua New Guinea.
“You must resolve to never repeat the same things again. The people must not be put through pain and uncertainty.
“You must create growth for the prosperity of PNG.” Sir Michael’s words could not have been simpler or clearer.
A special mention was made of the three female MPs.
Sir Michael congratulated O’Neill for including them in his government and reminded him of the input the women MPs could have. 
While members of the opposition were present, leader and Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah’s absence was obvious. 
However, the strong team was ably led by his deputy Sam Basil.
Also present in numbers were heads of government agencies, the diplomatic corps, families and friends of MPs and their supporting international partners.
Simply put, the ceremony to mark the opening of parliament was indeed inspiring.