Rabaul celebrates anniversary

 PEOPLE in East New Britain flocked to Rabaul last Saturday to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the twin volcanic eruptions.

Hundreds of people took part in the popular Frangipani Festival as part of the celebrations.

Rabaul Historical and Tourism representative Sussie McGrade thanked the people for showing that Rabaul was still alive.

“Rabaul is still alive. The Frangipani has not let us down. This is our town, the Frangipani town,” she said.

“Times are tough but we keep pushing through and we have come this far.

“And we and our children will continue to live in future.” 

Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion was a guest at the festival.

Deputy provincial administrator Levi Mano thanked corporate houses in Rabaul for making the festival a success.

He urged the people to reflect on the past 21 years since the volcano erupted in 1994, forcing people to re-settle further inland and businesses to close down.

The festival included a floats parade around Rabaul town, a traditional parade at the Malaguna Technical Secondary School and fireworks at night in Rabaul town.

Nonga General Hospital won the Entertaining Float competition while the Agmark Group of Companies won the Best Corporate float. 

Other corporate houses included Bank of South Pacific, Rabaul Metal Industries, Tropicanna, John J Seeto, Rabtrans andNivani.

The Rabaul district administration and local level governments also participated at the festival.