North Fly district celebrates 50 years of Independence in style
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.
The highlight of the second day was the spectacular float parade, which was described by many as one of the most exciting and memorable moments the district has witnessed in years.
The celebrations were officially launched by Member for North Fly District and Deputy Opposition Leader, James Donald, who declared the program open with great happiness.
In his address, he praised the show of unity among the people and organisations, noting that the spirit of togetherness was the true strength of Papua New Guinea as it marked half a century of independence.
District Administrator Greg Isau, who welcomed all participants to the celebrations, was particularly moved by the presence of a Mekeo cultural group who had flown in from Port Moresby to join the festivities.
“This is an emotional moment for me,” he said. "Seeing our Mekeo brothers and sisters travel all the way to Kiunga to celebrate with us is a sign of real unity and pride in our district’s golden jubilee.”
The float parade added flair and excitement to the occasion, transforming Kiunga’s main streets into a vibrant arena of creativity. Residents say it is a feast for the eyes after a long while without such a public showcase.
The Ok Tedi Mining Limited [OTML] Kiunga team stole the show with a magnificent float modeled after the Fly Resilience Copper Ship, symbolising progress and strength in the Fly region.
The Ok Tedi Development Foundation [OTDF] contributed a beautifully designed dinghy float, paying tribute to the Fly River, which continues to sustain the lives and cultures of the district.
Other community groups also joined with their own floats, decorated in traditional motifs and local pride, making the convoy an unforgettable display of unity and creativity.
“The float parade was truly something special,” said one Kiunga resident. “It’s been a long time since we saw this kind of excitement and colour in our town. It brought everyone together to celebrate independence in the best way possible.”
As the floats rolled past cheering crowds, the atmosphere was charged with energy, songs, and dances, leaving a mark of joy on the golden jubilee celebrations.
With cultural performances, church programs, sporting events, and community gatherings still lined up, the North Fly District’s 50th Independence Anniversary is set to be remembered as a milestone of pride, resilience, and unity for years to come.