The Hela Gimbu Association saluted the retiring Governor of East Sepik, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare for keeping his word and support to push for a new Hela province.
HGB chairman Damien Arabagali thanked the country’s first prime minister and wished him good health in his retirement from politics.
Arabagali in a media conference this morning also paid tribute to Lady Veronica and the people of East Sepik for supporting Sir Michael in his 49 years in politics.
He said the National Alliance Party headed by Sir Michael who was then prime minister kept the parties commitment gaining new provinces for Hela and Jiwaka.
Parliament approved in 2009 the creation of two additional provinces by 2012: Hela Province, which would consist of part of the current Southern Highlands Province, and Jiwaka Province, which would be formed by dividing Western Highlands Province.
The two new provinces officially came into being on 17 May 2012.