Prime Minister James Marape has congratulated the people and government of East New Britain (ENB) on the province’s 49th anniversary, describing ENB as a model province whose resilience, unity, and vision set an example for Papua New Guinea.
This historic milestone marks 49 years since East New Britain was officially recognized as a province of the independent State of Papua New Guinea.
Celebrated on Sunday, May 31st, the anniversary was marked with deep reflections on governance, service delivery, and community strength.
“This event has marked a significant milestone as we celebrated ENB being officially recognized as a province of the independent state of Papua New Guinea,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“This day serves not only as a commemoration of governance but also as a reminder of the resilience and unity that define your province.”
In his address, the Prime Minister paid tribute to past leaders whose foresight and dedication laid the foundation for ENB’s political journey and development.
He also acknowledged the vital role played by churches and the private sector in shaping the province’s progress over the decades.
Noting that East New Britain has consistently shown remarkable resilience in recovering from major challenges like volcanic eruptions and natural disasters, Prime Minister Marape emphasized that this spirit of perseverance is what makes the province truly special.
He added that the occasion was a time to celebrate achievements and look ahead with optimism and purpose, urging ENB to continue building a prosperous future for its people while contributing to the strength of a greater Papua New Guinea.
The Prime Minister’s remarks echo those of the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources and Member for Gazelle Jelta Wong, who also commended ENB residents for their unity and forward-looking outlook.
To ensure the province keeps advancing and delivering for its people, the National Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting East New Britain through continued investment in infrastructure, economic growth, and disaster resilience.
