Rabaul

Those in the large crowd which started arriving as early as 3am from all over the Gazelle Peninsula were made to wait for hours as the Kinavai, which traditionally ends on the beach before sun rise, came ashore about 8am.

The tubuans then headed for the festival grounds at Ralum in Kokopo, for the next part of the ceremony which included the kanovo and ngunungut and the varlapang which involves the giving of food and tabu (shell money) to the tubuans. The tubuans will entertain the festival goers throughout the next few days with the gunugu or tubuan dances.

The large crowd which started arriving as early as 3am from all over the Gazelle Peninsula were made to wait for hours as the Kinavai, which traditionally ends on the beach before sun rise, came ashore around 8am.

The tubuans then headed for the festival grounds at Ralum in Kokopo, for the next part of the ceremony which included the kanovo and ngunungut and the varlapang which involves the giving of food and tabu (shell money) to the tubuans.

The tubuans will entertain the festival goers throughout the next few days with the gunugu or tubuan dances.

The presentation was witnessed by commanding officer Captain Melanie Merrick during a welcome ceremony held on board the floating hospital.

Manuai welcomed the USNS Mercy and her personnel to ENBP on behalf of the Member for Rabaul Dr Allan Marat, Governor Ereman Tobaining Jnr and the provincial government and wished them a pleasant and memorable stay in Rabaul.

He thanked them on behalf of the people of Rabaul for the gesture of kindness they were giving the people.