46th Independence Celebrations

With Papua New Guinea celebrating its 46^th anniversary, songs like “WAN KANTRI” bring back what it felt to achieve peace, unity and independence.

The song was originally written about one person’s journey and then it progressed onto becoming an unforgettable masterpiece, that is performed everywhere by many.

WAN KANTRI was written by Glen Low and pieced together by Kanai Pineri and Donald Lessey of the Barike Band and it was recorded in 1982 and originally sung by the famous Late John Wong.

I look after my son’s printing shop in the village called Sango IT Solutions, a small business that has helped many with their printing needs in the village, so that they need not go far.

Working in my son’s shop, we have produced many different types of items from binding print copies, printing onto cups, caps, shirts and plates. Our biggest project yet was printing one hundred cups for Moresby South Member Justin Tkatchenko.

Taking into consideration the COVID-19 restrictions, the Administration was only able to put up a little show to recognize the day.

West Sepik Governor, Tony Wouwou was present to witness the ceremony. The day started with a short March, led by the Discipline Forces, public servants and selected schools to the main oval grandstand in town.

At the main oval grandstand, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force from the Forward Operation Base in Vanimo paraded in front of invited guests, dignitaries and the public who braved the rain to witness the small but significant event.

In paying tribute to Great Grand Chief Somare on Independence Day, Governor Parkop reminded Papua New Guineans to embrace and be guided by positive values and principles in their personal and public life.

He said Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare succeeded in moulding our leaders, people and country together because he was guided by strong faith in our people and he had vision, character and values.

Oro Governor Gary Juffa made these remarks at Biru Gaol outside Popondetta on Independence Day, recently.

“We pay tribute to our fathers and forefathers for bringing us this far and it’s now time for us to take lead and move this nation forward to prosperity despite the challenges.

“We must reflect on the last 46 years and we must look at how we can continue to improve as individuals, province and nation and contribute meaningfully to the rest of the world,” he said.

Independence celebrations in the DWU Wewak campus began with a church service led by Bishop of the Wewak Diocese, Bishop Jozef Roszynski, who blessed the day and reminded everyone to appreciate our natural environment, and to also remember how Independence was sought by the founding father, the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare.

Late Sir Michael was honored in the mass with a moment of silence, as well as before the Cultural Show in the Eastern Square arena, followed by the National Anthem and the National Pledge.

Different cultures from the four regions were showcased by the university students to mark the day.

UPNG Vice Chancellor Professor Frank Griffin in giving his independence address, emphasized on PNG’s strength in unity and diversity. He said PNG is composed of a thousand tribes, not found elsewhere in the world.

Professor Griffin also congratulated PNG on its 46^th anniversary of nationhood, adding this is the first national event without the country’s founding father.

In his Independence address to the people, he urged Papua New Guineans to work together and make PNG great as it has the potential to be.

He said to achieve this, power must be given to provinces with resources.

“We have been too patient. Things must change. That is why I have been talking so often lately about autonomy. Not because we want to break away from Papua New Guinea. No. To the contrary. Increased power for the provinces and the lower levels of Government.”

City residents today are witnessing an array of performances and displays at Ela Beach and the University of Papua New Guinea.

At UPNG, the event is being organised by the University Student Representative Council (SRC).

It started at 10:30 am with cultural groups performing various dances to entertain the crowd.

At Ela Beach, celebrations commenced last Sunday, where vendors have been selling goods and homemade crafts for display.

Banking is an essential part of nation building and BSP is proud to be at the heart of it all, encouraging people to participate in economic development through our SME products, while providing convenience and safe banking products and services to customers nationwide. 

BSP Group Chief Executive Officer, Robin Fleming said BSP recognises the country’s 46 years of Independence and the bank has contributed in so many ways, “with continuous improvement to our services to all areas of the country, from towns out to the rural areas.”