News

Papua New Guinea marked its 50th Independence Anniversary this morning with a grand flag-raising ceremony at Independence Hill, honouring the legacies of two men who shaped the nation’s identity in Thomas Shacklady, composer of the national anthem “O Arise, All You Sons”, and George Aibo, the soldier who first raised the national flag in 1975.

14 students and six teachers from one of Papua New Guinea’s most remote corners have shown extraordinary determination, trekking 10 hours on foot to join the nation in celebrating its 50th Independence Anniversary.

Thousands of people flocked to Independence Hill as early as 4 a.m. today to take part in and witness Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Flag Raising Ceremony.

As Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary, Alotau District has honoured the nation’s founding leaders with the unveiling of a monument featuring busts of late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Sir John Guise in the heart of town.

The Daru Correctional Institution launched its 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations today with traditional dancing and sporting activities, bringing together inmates, staff, and the wider community in a program that will run until Friday.

The people of North Fly District turned out in record numbers as the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations continued in Kiunga, filling the township with colour, pride, and unity.

Aitape Lumi District has proudly joined the nation in celebrating Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary, launching festivities today with a vibrant display of unity and patriotism.

More than 50 kilograms of marijuana, homemade firearms, and large quantities of homebrew have been destroyed in Madang, as police and the courts deliver a clear warning to offenders that drug trafficking and illegal weapons will be met with severe punishment.

Papua New Guinea is mourning the passing of Morobe Governor and People’s Labour Party (PLP) leader, the late Luther Asikawa Wenge, whose death comes just two days before the nation marks its 50th Independence Anniversary.

Excitement is building in Daru as pre-independence celebrations continue as the countdown to Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary is few hours away. The week-long program, which runs from September 13 to 19, carries the theme “Celebrate Our History, Inspire Our Future.”