US ambassador welcomes revival of chiefly system

UNITED States ambassador Teddy Taylor has welcomed New Ireland’s initiative to revive the traditional chiefly system.
It provides the opportunity for the young and old to discuss issues and adopt values to give youths confidence in taking up leadership roles.
Taylor said chiefs had the responsibility to ensure their communities benefitted from the delivery of services such as schools for the children by talking at their level with elected leaders.
Taylor was among dignitaries, including Governor Sir Julius Chan, who gathered with traditional chiefs and women leaders from Lihir at Pangoh village for the closing of their three-day conference last week.
Taylor was humbled by the welcome performed by the chiefs and encouraged by the initiative in NIP to tap the wisdom and strength of traditional leaders.
He urged chiefs to discuss with children important issues and impart values to them.
Taylor said although USAID did not provide direct bilateral assistance to PNG, the US provided significant aid through the World Bank, the United Nations and Asian Development Bank.