Sir J: We must unite

The National National
Students from the Joy Day Care Early childhood learning centre in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands with their teacher and security guard dressed in national colours. – Nationalpic by JILL MIRR

New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan says Papua New Guinea is 47 years old and it is amazing as the “last man standing”, he remembers very well the first day the country became independent on Sept 16, 1975.
Sir Julius said he also remembered the founding fathers who were there with him including Sir Michael Somare, Sir John Guise, Thomas Kavali, Maori Kiki, Ebia Olewale and others who had since departed.

New Guinea Islands contestant for Ms Lae Primary School, Pulukhal Katien, dancing into the arena at the Salvation Army Primary School. – Nationalpic by BRADLEY MARIORI

“And here we are, 47 years later, but this independence, we also have another reason for celebration,” he said.
“I have been in politics for some 50 years now; I have seen projects, big and small, come and go.
“I have seen the Poreporena Freeway constructed as well as the Jackson, Tokua (East New Britain) and Alotau (Milne Bay) airports designed and constructed,” he said.
He had also seen the transformation of Lae from a small port into a modern, busy shipping centre as well as Ok Tedi mine (Western), Ramu Sugar, RD Tuna cannery (Madang), Oil Palm, Lihir Gold (New Ireland) and scores of other huge projects being implemented.

Mamose students bringing in their contestants Chrisanto Bagi and Dianne Kero for Mr and Ms Lae Primary School (LPS. Kero (front third from left) was crowned the Miss LPS at the Salvation Army Primary School. – Nationalpic by BRADLEY MARIORI

“We should be proud that we are still one people, one country and one nation.
“I want to thank you all, the people for bringing this nation this far, because it’s not a one-man show.
“No man is an island, it’s the people coming together.
“I give praise to all my people of New Ireland and PNG for working so hard during the last 47 years to bring us together.”

Students from Salvation Army Primary School in Morobe representing the New Guinean Islands region moving into the arena to perform. – Nationalpic by BRADLEY MARIORI

Acting Prime Minister John Rosso said the country had overcome a lot of challenges and would prosper as a nation.
Speaking at a flag raising ceremony to mark the country’s 47th anniversary in Port Moresby on Friday, Rosso said the 47 years of nationhood showed growth and resilience as a nation.
The national flag was raised to full mast and after the national anthem and national pledge, the flag party was lowered to half-mast followed by a 96-gun salute in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.
Rosso said PNG marked the 47th independence anniversary with sorrow of the passing of its head of state Queen Elizabeth II.
“On this occasion we must acknowledge the passing of our head of state, Queen Elizabeth II, who our constituent assembly in 1974 invited to become the head of state, of a newly emerging nation of PNG,” he said.

Students from Waigani Christian Academy School in Port Moresby representing two districts in Central – Abau and Rigo. They sang some familiar tunes like “Kekere Manu” from the Aroma Coast. Central was the only province to have more than two cultural groups on the day. – Nationalpic by YVONNE KAMBIBEL

“When we all come together, it shows our pride as Papua New Guineans. Until such time that our people in remote Lagai village in Menyamya, Mougolu village in Western and Pataku Island in Manus can access a fully stocked aid post and a
fully resourced school, only then can we have a reason to celebrate.”
The beating of the retreat and flag lowering ceremony were held at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in the afternoon.
Organisations and schools nationwide also hosted events to mark the country’s 47th anniversary.