New Ireland

When officially welcoming Sir Michael into the province, Micah said no one in PNG can match the leadership qualities of Sir Michael and New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan.

He said it is their fight for independence that really stood out against all other leaders.

He further thanked their families especially their wives for giving them the strength to push for the country's independence.

Sir Michael was invited to New Ireland to be farewell by Sir Julius in a New Ireland way.

The Grand Chief retired from politics after serving the nation for 49 years.

Sir Julius said Sir Michael’s farewell is truly a day to reflect on the past and all they have been through.

“For we have been through much and share many memories.

“We were both elected to the second house of assembly in 1968 and have known each other for more than fifty years. What a journey it has been,” Sir Julius recalled.

He said they both decided on the form of government we should have to adopt a constitution and established a financial system by creating a Central Bank and our own currency.

Sir Michael was invited to New Ireland by Governor Sir Julius Chan, to farewell him the New Ireland way.

The elders and Maimais (chiefs), including Sir Julius and other New Ireland MPs, were at the airport this morning.

Sir Michael, who flew in on a chartered plane was given a motorcade around Kavieng town.

School children and residents lined the streets, chanting "thank you Grand Chief for giving birth to PNG”.

This is from Nautilus Chief Executive Officer, Mike Johnston.

The PSV is to be used by Nautilus and its PNG partner, Eda Kopa (Solwara) Limited, for its seafloor operations planned at the Solwara 1 Project site.

Johnston said “Nautilus’ objective remains to develop the world's first commercial high grade seafloor copper-gold mine and launch the seafloor resource production industry.”

The communities live on Tigak and Tsoi Islands and have been working with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Papua New Guinea program to sustainably manage their marine resources.

WCS New Ireland’s fisheries management team conducted four workshops across these communities to forge fisheries management plans in January and February.

The main aim of the workshops was to get community leaders approval on the management rules to be included in their plans.

Pomio MP Elias Kapavore asked the Prime Minister in Parliament today if the district will get their outstanding District Service Improvement Program (DSIP) funds for 2013-2014.    

The Prime Minister said: “The outstanding DSIP will be paid, that is funds due to the district and the district is entitled to these funds.”

 O’Neill said the system of governance in releasing funds must be changed so people do not miss out on services.   

“Also I see shortcoming system where a member loses office somehow all these funds come to a standstill.

The weather office has issued a renewed strong wind warning and isolated showers for all coastal waters in these provinces.

Strong northwest surge of 25/34 knots are expected to continue for the next 24 hours causing rough seas.

People are urged to take precaution when traveling out to sea.

All small crafts and boats are also urged to take necessary precautions before going out to sea.

He expressed confidence in the performance of Newcrest in his province, by announcing a new era of constructive relations between Newcrest and the people of New Ireland.

Sir Julius made this statement when he officiated at the Lihir Secondary School graduation last week.

The ceremony also coincided with the opening of the school’s 76-bed boys’ dormitory built under the PNG Government’s Tax Credit Scheme (TCS) and valued at K14.67m.

Word going out about value of mangroves

http://www.looppng.com/content/word-going-out-about-value-mangroves

The Climate Change office and the waste management section of the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) will be conducting a cleanup among the mangroves of Tuna Bay at Taurama outside Port Moresby.

New Ireland to participate in Kenu and Kundu festival in 2016

Previous celebrations to mark New Ireland Day coincided with Remembrance Day but this is the first time, the day will be observed as a public holiday within the province.

The Provincial Executive Council passed a decision for the Declaration of New Ireland Day, on the 27^th of July every year as a public holiday.

New Ireland Day celebrates the first time in 1977 that the New Ireland Provincial Assembly met upon receiving the Provincial Government Charter.