PNG Public Service day falls on the 24th of August every year. The day is set aside to remind public servants of their duty and responsibility to the people and the nation.
During the commemoration, New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan paid a visit to the home and grave site of the late Stephen Poti Mokis at Luburua village, in the Kavieng district.
The late Stephen Mokis was a highly respected senior public servant and the first chairman of the Provincial Autonomy Committee, who sadly collapsed and passed away while he was giving a speech to public servants on the 23rd of August, 2012.
“When we were fighting to get autonomy, people in Papua New Guinea thought our bid for autonomy would be in vain. But you are right, autonomy has sprouted,” said Sir Julius.
“And it came from a New Irelander, and we turned something that people have no belief in, into an Autonomous New Ireland.
“Today represents the work Stephen Mokis did, we mark autonomy, for the people have got back their rights to their land both under and on the ground, and in the sea.
“Mokis is a creator. I came here to pay respect to a New Irelander who turned autonomy into an Autonomous New Ireland.”
Sir Julius conveyed to the family members that it is also a big achievement on their part for standing alongside their father, uncle and brother and ensuring the seed of autonomy has sprouted.
“You are carrying the future of New Ireland, you are charting the future of New Ireland, like Moses is leading the people of Israel into the promise land of tomorrow,”’ said Sir Julius.
This is the sixth year the Governor, who was a witness to the untimely passing, has visited the home and gravesite of the late Mokis on the anniversary of his death.
Sir Julius also visited the gravesite of another high achieving public servant on Thursday, the late Margret Elias.
In Madina, he spoke to her family including husband John and presented them with an outstanding New Irelander medal for her contribution the public service, education and autonomy.
The New Ireland Provincial Government usually marks public service day with a special service in the morning and sporting activities in the afternoon, but that did not eventuate this year after members of the public service last year went on strike against the administration.
Sir Julius has urged all public servants to uphold the principles and virtues of the offices they hold. He applauded those like the late Stephen Mokis and Margret Elias who worked diligently and tirelessly to ensure the public service is efficient and productive.
Meanwhile, Sir Julius, on his way to Huris last week, made a stopover at the home of Opat Bokos to award him his outstanding New Irelander medal for his services to the community.
Sir J also made time to inspect the Poronbus road and meet with People’s Progress Party supporters in Namatanai before travelling on to his home in Manmantinut.