New Ireland celebrates in style

NEW Ireland celebrated the country’s 37th Independence anniversary in style, with fun-filled activities bringing together families and communities.
A crowd of more than 10,000 gathered for two days over the weekend with one of the founding fathers of Papua New Guinea in Governor, Sir Julius Chan.
Kavieng MP and Public Enterpries and State Investment Minister Ben Micah reminded the people that without the commitment, courage and respect of Sir Julius leading the delegation to stand and present to the United Nations the country’s credentials in 1973, PNG would not be celebrating independence.
Micah said Sir Julius addressed the UN, calling for a self-governing PNG and after 37 years New Irelanders must appreciate history
and be proud.
Provincial administrator Monovi Amani said “as we celebrate our independence we should all be reminded of a few remaining politicians that without them there will be no independence and that vision and statesmanship is a true blessing for New Ireland”.
Sir Julius said: “It was the greatest moment in my life to announce to the UN that Papua New Guinea is now ready for self-government and independence, and to see the Australian flag lowered and the PNG flag raised for the first time on Independence Day.”
In his independence message, he said the People’s Progress Party had been a driving force in policy making decisions since 1975, achieving milestones for the country and New Ireland.
“New Ireland must now speak with one mind, one voice and one vision to achieve autonomy, Bank of New Ireland, University of New Ireland and greater benefit sharing for our Papa and Mama graun and the province.”
Namatanai MP and Mining Minster Byron Chan addressed the celebrations on Sunday before leaving to share the festivity with his Namatanai electorate people.Micah officially closed the two days event, on Monday afternoon.
The two-day provincial celebrations ended on a high note with sporting events, games and family fun.