Momis begins New Ireland visit

By JEFFREY ELAPA in Kavieng

PRESIDENT of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville John Momis arrived in New Ireland for his first official visit recently to the province since he became president.

He was received at the Kavieng Airport by New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan and members of the provincial and Namatanai district administration, including Namatanai MP Byron Chan and Deputy Governor Florence Stocken, and school children.

Accompanying Momis was his wife and members of the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Other visiting politicians currently in the province are Western Governor Dr Bob Danaya and Sumkar MP Ken Fairweather. Both leaders were expected to join Sir Julius, Momis and the Namatanai MP in their tour of the province.

However, their trip was cut short due to Friday’s one-day parliament sitting to swear in Michael Ogio as the ninth governor-general of Papua New Guinea.

Momis and his delegation met with Sir Julius and members of the New Ireland executive council. They also  attended the second council of elders (village chiefs) meeting in Kavieng.

They then left for Namatanai with local MP Byron Chan to launch and deliver several projects in the district.
They also witnessed the delivery of three vehicles to Lahur Primary School, police and the courts.

Two LLG buildings and the local MP’s official residence at Namatanai station will also be launched.

The group traveled to Matanakala village where Momis was reunited with some of his relatives and friends.

Meanwhile, three vehicles were also been delivered to Panaras, Kulot and Mercy primary schools on Saturday.