Churches take lead in independence celebrations

As Papua New Guinea celebrates its 51st Independence Anniversary across the country, churches in Northern Province took the lead in the celebrations at the provincial capital today.

The Body of Christ marched as early as 7:00am around Popondetta town to the Independence Oval for the main program.

A parade was later staged by the Correctional Service and Police Force for the flag-raising ceremony, followed by a Guard of Honor inspected by Northern governor Garry Juffa.

Speaking at the small but significant low-key celebration, governor Juffa thanked the churches and the people of Oro for coming together to mark the occasion.

“Let us look back and thank God for how far this country has come to 51 years,” he said. "We are a country of a thousand tribes yet united as one.

"As we celebrate 51 years of our country’s independence, we should reflect on the past and look forward to what the future will bring for us.

"I thank the churches and people of Oro for staging this small but significant low-key celebration in the heart of Popondetta.”

He also called on the province to remember those affected by the ongoing El Nino conditions.

"In the meantime, as we celebrate, we think of our people who are severely affected by El Nino in our province,” Juffa said.