THE famous Gogodala Canoe Race officially launched the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Balimo, filling the district with vibrant culture, unity, and excitement.
Residents awoke to the sound of traditional war cries as racers gathered at the District Office waterfront, where the canoes were assembled. From there, the fleet paddled out through Kabili Lagoon to Kimama Village, where the race commenced, before returning to finish at the District Administration waterfront in Balimo town.
A total of 22 canoes competed, 19 in the A-grade division and 3 in the B-grade. Each canoe, adorned with bright colours and traditional clan emblems, proudly displayed the identity and heritage of its people. Crew numbers varied by size, with the three longest A-grade canoes carrying up to 70 paddlers each.
Every ward from the Aramia Gogodala LLG was represented, while thousands of spectators journeyed from surrounding villages to witness the grand spectacle.
The last canoe festival was staged in 2020 during the late Roy Biyama’s term as MP, with Prime Minister James Marape officiating.
NORTH Fly District celebrated Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary in grand style on Tuesday, drawing thousands to witness a program filled with parades, cultural displays, and inspirational addresses.
The day opened with a solemn prayer before the Discipline Forces led a march from the North Fly District House junction.
A general salute and flag raising followed at the main field, greeted by cheers from the crowd. Local schools then staged an impressive pattern march, displaying discipline and unity in honour of the golden jubilee.
In his keynote address, Hon. James Donald, Member for North Fly District and Deputy Opposition Leader, commended the cultural diversity of the people and urged them to uphold the spirit of unity.
“We are one people, one nation. As we celebrate 50 years of Independence, let us carry forward the spirit of unity and continue to build a stronger Papua New Guinea,” Donald said, to loud applause.
District Administrator Mr. Greg Isau delivered an emotional reflection, recalling his personal memory of the nation’s first Independence Day in 1975. Then a four-year-old child, he vividly remembered watching the national flag being raised. Now 53, Isau described it as a privilege to witness the golden jubilee alongside his people.
“I am grateful to celebrate this milestone together with our people. Let us continue to uphold peace and unity in our communities,” he said.
The official program set the tone for what would become one of the most memorable Independence celebrations in the district’s history.
AS the country celebrates its 50th year of Independence, East New Britain witnessed a very significant and momentous event, the unveiling of the “Somare Memorial Birth Site” monument, the birthplace of the founding father of Papua New Guinea, who led the nation into Independence.
The “Somare Memorial Birth Site” monument, is at Rapindik, situated within the perimeters of the Matupit Hotsprings, at the foot of Mt Tavurvur in the Rabaul district of East New Britain province.
The Memorial site was developed by the Provincial Government under the leadership of ENB Governor Hon Michael Marum as a token of appreciation from the people of East New Britain to honor Sir Michael Somare’s contribution to the Nation.
Governor Marum thanked the clans and local leaders from Matupit who cared for Grand Chief Somare in his early days, stating their generosity helped shape the man who became the founding father of PNG.
Arthur Somare was the guest of Honor at the ceremony, who also unveiled the “Somare Memorial Birth Site monument”
Governor Marum acknowledged Arthur Somare and his wife and daughter for choosing to celebrate Independence with the people of ENB at the very place where his father Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Topalangat Somare was born.
The unveiling ceremony was the main highlight of the Independence activities in the province and the district apart from the famous annual Gold Spot Frangipani Float Parade and the annual commemoration of the twin Volcanic Eruption.
Governor Marum also highlighted that celebrating 50th was a great milestone and also a golden moment in the nation’s history, a time for reflection and to honour the past, to take stock of the present and to look with hope towards the future and lay a strong foundation for generations to come.
Guest of honour of the ceremony was Arthur Somare and family, Gazelle MP Jelta Wong, Kokopo MP Ereman Tobaining Jnr, Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat, Provincial Administrator Mr Levi Mano and the staff of the ENBPG, elders from the tubuan society and other cultural groups, church leaders, community leaders, youths, and people of East New Britain.
Also present was Mr Douglas Eremas from Rapitokj village, the person who lowered the PNG flag in 1975 and also Mr Ekonia Puki from Watom Island, the longest serving close protection Officer to Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
THE Festival of a Thousand Tribes is happening today, September 16, 2025, at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby, as one of the Independence events organized by the National Capital District’s Commission.
This event showcases Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural diversity, featuring traditional performances, costumes, and dances from 22 provincial cultural groups.
The festival aims to promote national unity and celebrate the country’s independence, with the highlights of the Festival includes Cultural Performances, Traditional singing and dancing.
Different singsing group and dances from around the country all joined the excitement to celebrate this momentous occasion of PNG’s Golden Independence Annivesary.
PAPUA New Guineans and Port Moresby residents are flooding into Sir John Guise Stadium for the main 50th celebrations.
The stadium is set to come alive with festivities marking the country’s golden jubilee.
The commemoration officially kicks off with a historic performance by the Queen of Paradise Orchestra Project, the country’s first-ever orchestra.
Established in 2018 by Father Miguel de la Calle, an Argentinian priest, in Vanimo, the orchestra is a significant addition to Papua New Guinea’s cultural landscape.
The PNG Defence Force Military Band which was formed by the former chief of PNG Defence Force Major General Gilbert Toropo takes the stage after the orchestra, playing energetic renditions of “The Final Countdown” by Europe and other popular songs to entertain the crowd as they continue to pour into the stadium.
The atmosphere is electric, with the stadium’s surroundings colored in the national colors of black, red, white, and gold.
Meanwhile the Prime Minister James Marape and other dignitaries are expected to arrive soon to officiate the program.
Also, a thrilling aerial display is expected to happen featuring a military flyover, parachute show, and commercial flyovers.
AS Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary, the Madang Provincial Health Authority (PHA) has pledged to continue improving healthcare for all in the province.
PHA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Martin Daimen, who also turns 50 this year, said the milestone is a time to celebrate achievements and reflect on health sector challenges.
“We have faced many difficulties, but we have also seen successes that have improved the lives of people in Madang and across PNG,” Dr. Daimen said.
He thanked health workers, government agencies, NGOs, churches, development partners, and community leaders for their support. “Your help ensures people get the care they need,” he said.
Looking ahead, Dr. Daimen said the PHA will continue strengthening services, training staff, and making healthcare accessible to everyone.
THE Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward was at PNG’s Murray Barracks this morning to officially retire the Queen’s Regimental colors and present the new Kings Regimental color to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (RPIR).
Colors in a military context means ceremonial flags (banners) that represent a regiment’s identity, honour, and links to history.
The Regimental color specifically to the regiment; it’s insignia, battle honors and heritage and Kings color symbolizes loyalty to the Head of State.
Present at the ceremony was His Excellency Governor General Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae and the PNGDF Chief Rear Admiral PhiliP polewara who were there to witness the parade and the retirement of the Queen’s colors and the presentation of the King’s color by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward.
Lieutenant Colonel Ezron Dekae Tavara on behalf of the Chief of Defence Force Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, expressed gratitude and honor in the presentation of the regiment’s and the King’s color.
Also present to witness the momentous ceremony are the PNGDF, their families, and the public.
A host of international dignitaries from Papua New Guinea’s international partners and members of the Pacific Island Forum [PIF] arrived in country today. Following a successful one week meet in the Solomon Islands, most of PNG’s Melanesian partners arrived in PNG upon invitation from Prime Minister James Marape to commemorate the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Leaders include;
Vanuatu Deputy Prime Minister Johnny Koanapo
Fijian Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele His-royal-highness, Prince Edward Duke of Edinburgh also arrived today representing the British Crown and the Commonwealth of Nations on behalf of his-royal-highness, King Charles III.
Aside from the arrival of the Melanesian leaders and His-royal-highness, Prince Edward the Duke of Edinburgh, France’s Ambassador to the Pacific, Her Excellency, Veronique Roger-Lacan will arrive late this evening to represent not only the French Overseas Territories of New Caledonia but France as a whole.
The milestone celebration of PNG 50th Independence Anniversary will see leaders from across the Pacific region and beyond stand in solidarity with the people of Papua New Guinea, reflecting on five decades of nationhood and strengthening ties for the future.
Port Moresby is set to host a series of official programs, cultural showcases, and national events marking this golden jubilee, with visiting leaders joining Prime Minister Hon. James Marape and the Marape-Rosso Government in honoring this proud chapter o
TOUCHING down at exactly 5:15pm, his-royal-highness, Prince Edward Duke of Edinburgh, brother of his majesty, King Charles III has arrived in Port Moresby.
Flown in by private jet, the Prince was welcomed at the Apec terminal by members of the government led by foreign minister Justin Tkatchenko, Secratary of State, Ivan Pomaleu, British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Anne Macro, Police Commissioner David Manning and the Commander of the Defence Force [CDF] Commodore Phillip Polewara.
HRH was welcomed to the Jackson’s International Airport with ceremonial Guard of Honour of PNGDF and Australian Defence Force Personnel and a gun salute from the PNGDF Artillery Division.
Prince Edward’s visit underscores the enduring ties between Papua New Guinea and the British monarchy. His participation in the national celebrations is a symbol of friendship, history, and shared progress over the past five decades.
During his stay, His Royal Highness is expected to take part in official ceremonies, cultural events, and community engagements. He will meet with local leaders and representatives from key sectors including agriculture, culture, and education, acknowledging the nation’s achievements since gaining independence in 1975.
This royal visit not only honors PNG’s independence milestone but also serves to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the people of Papua New Guinea and the Crown.
IN a significant and spectacular display last night, the National Fisheries Authority while celebrating the Nation’s 50th Golden Jubilee Gala Dinner, also celebrated its achievements on its 25th year anniversary.
The event celebrated at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby was more significant with the launching of two-milestone strategies the “Papua New Guinea National Tuna Domestication Strategy and the Papua New Guinea National Aquaculture Development Strategy 2025- 2030.”
Present to witness this momentous occasion, was Prime Minister James Marape and Lady Rachael Marape, together with other Pacific Islands leaders, the Cook Island Prime Minister, Tuvalu Prime Minister and President of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Speaking at the event, the Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong says the momentous occasion was to recognise the 25th anniversary of NFA and also to reflect on the success of the fisheries and marine resource sector.
Minister Wong says, NFA has evolved over the decades championing a balance between sustainability and equitable development that has revenue flourish, ensuring fisheries remain vibrant and plentiful for future generation.
He says, the new policies launched the “Papua New Guinea National Tuna Domestication Strategy and the Papua New Guinea National Aquaculture Development Strategy 2025- 2030” marks a pivotal moment in the fisheries sector, and is designed to enhance local production, elevate pathways for food security, reduce dependency on imports and promote a sustainable use of all aquatic resources.
He further explained that the Fisheries industry has grown from humble beginnings, growing its food security, economic strength and international trade.
