Newcrest Executive General Manager for Lihir, Craig Jetson, says living in New Ireland has helped him understand the challenges faced by locals in the Province.
Jetson said he and his wife, Teresa, have lived on the island for the last two years and believes he understands their struggles.
However, he also said he understood the opportunities locals had before them to turn themselves as a model community for Province and country.
Jetson said this when delivering sporting equipment to St. Thomas Primary and Upper School students.
He encouraged the students to learn life’s skills and promote the type of behaviour that will make a real difference to their school, home, community and province.
Headmaster, Otto Patorea, thanked Jetson and also challenged his students to study hard for a good future career.
“If you study hard, you will end up with a good professional job at the Lihir mine or anywhere in the world,” said Patorea.