Bougainville marks Patriotic Day

The boat stop in Buka town, this is where you jump on one of those water taxis that ferry you across the Buka Passage to the mainland of Bougainville. It's less than 5 minutes (NBC News)

A public holiday is being observed across the region with celebrations underway in Buka today to commemorate the Bougainville Patriotic Day.

The Patriotic Day marks a historic milestone when the founding leaders of Bougainville declared a Universal Declaration of Independence [UDI] of the Republic of North Solomons on September 1^st, 1975, preceding Papua New Guinea’s independence.

Today’s dual celebration is also to commemorate 24 years of the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, which is on August 30.

A dawn service was observed in the morning, and boat floats across the Buka Passage from Kokopau and Sohano Island.

A vehicle float led from Buka Town up to the Hutjena Oval for the celebrations.

There will be a parade from the Bougainville Police and Correctional Services, Pathfinders from the Seventh Day Adventist Church and schools.

Boat float on the Buka Passage (NBC News)

A flag-raising ceremony will take place, and speeches will come from the Chairlady of Tsitalato Community Government, Hotence Kiroha, designer of the Bougainville Flag, Marilyn Havini and local chiefs.

The keynote address will come from ABG Minister for Community Government and the Member for Taonita-Tinputz, Morris Opeti.

Cultural dances, bamboo bands, contemporary music and drama are also among activities to celebrate this year’s Patriotic and Bougainville Peace Agreement commemorations.