East New Britain Governor Ereman ToBaining Jnr has applauded the leaders of the province to withstand the test of time and deliver to the people of ENB.
“The journey was not easy. Great leaders from the province have laid the foundation of what we have been enjoying today.”
ToBaining told Loop PNG that ENB, being the model province in the country, has gone through tough times and proven to be the best.
He said one of the contributing factors to the success of the province is unity among the leaders. Without unity, the province will not be in its current stage.
ToBaining added that after the volcano eruptions in 1994, the province suffered and lost all its development.
Looking back after 22 years, ToBaining said they are reaping the fruits of the work of the leaders.
“Leaders like Sir Paulus Matane, Sir John Kaputin, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, Oscar Tamur and others were some prominent figures the province had to drive its development plans,” said the Governor.
Kokopo at present has been dubbed the ‘little Cairns’ in PNG and that is through the hard work of the leaders, he stated.
Meanwhile, the people of ENB have celebrated the 41st independence in Rabaul, with more than 200 floats of vehicle around the city last Friday and continued to Saturday at the Frangipani Festival in Rabaul.