Forgotten by distance, not by patriotism
They may be far from the centres of power, but the people of Green River have once again shown that distance cannot diminish their love for Papua New Guinea.
Communities from Abaru, Green River Station and Deo gathered at Green River Station to mark the country’s 51st Independence Anniversary, turning a last-minute celebration into a strong display of community spirit and national pride.
The celebrations came together despite delays in funding, which left little time for communities to prepare for the national occasion.
Ward 18 Commissioner for Abaru Green River Station, Koms Mangofia, said he was delighted to see the people still come together to celebrate their country despite the challenges.
The District provided K5,000 for every wards to celebrate the Independence , so Abaru and Deo put together their money, making it K10,000 for them to celebrate in a meaningful way. For Mangofia, the gathering was also an opportunity to remember the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, whose leadership helped shape the nation that today brings together hundreds of communities, cultures and languages under one flag.
He said the people of Green River may live in a remote part of PNG, but their commitment to the country remains strong.
The celebrations have already brought communities together through volleyball and basketball, with children’s sprinting and other traditional and fun activities to continue through Saturday.
But behind the celebrations is a broader appeal.
Mangofia is calling on provincial, district and LLG authorities to make Independence funding available on time, saying this would allow remote communities to organise celebrations on a larger and more meaningful scale.
Green River is one of the communities far removed from PNG’s major urban centres, where access to government services and development opportunities can be challenging.
Yet, when Independence Day arrives, the people still gather.
With limited resources, little preparation time and the challenges of remoteness, they have chosen not to let those circumstances silence their national pride.
Their message from the far reaches of West Sepik is simple: PNG belongs to every community — not only those closest to the centres of government.
The Green River celebrations will continue until Saturday.
Mangofia has extended his Independence greetings to the people of Green River, West Sepik and Papua New Guinea, wishing all citizens a Happy 51st Independence Anniversary.