Province farewells Davis

By ELIAS LARI
LEADERS in Enga have farewelled the outgoing Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis who served more than four years in the country.
Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, Wabag MP and Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Lino Tom and Kandep MP Alfred Manase made farewell speeches on Monday during Davis’ last visit to the province.
The trio farewelled him during his last ground breaking ceremony of the new K10 million Wabag market, funded by AusAid under the Papua New Guinea-Australia partnership programme.
Manase said Davis’ presence in Enga alone had seen the image of the province change through the funding and assistance in building infrastructure and initiating projects.
He said Enga had benefited from the AusAid programmes and Davis had paid the province several visits becoming a honourary Engan.
Manase said the relationship Davis had formed with the people was strong and they would miss his presence and support.
Tom said Enga was one of the most challenging provinces to develop but Davis and the people of Australia had contributed to making it a better place.
He said the provincial government, under the leadership of Sir Peter, developed a strong relationship with Davis which had seen them receive great support.
“We will continue to maintain this strong relationship with the Australian government through the AusAid programme,” Tom said.
Sir Peter said AusAid had funded major projects in the province such as the Enga Teachers College, Nursing schools and others.
“We have received a lot from the Australian government and its people and we will continue to maintain that relationship,” he said.
“Bruce Davis has been a brother to me and true friend who knows our culture and lifestyle.”
Sir Peter, on behalf of the people of Enga, thanked the people of Australia for their support towards his province.
“This support through AusAid has brought much light into my province.”