The Governor General Sir Michael Ogio concluded his three – day visit to East Sepik Province on Tuesday.
As part of his official duty, Sir Michael handed overthe Queens Colours tothe soldiers of Second Pacific Island Regiment at Moem Barracks.
The Regiment Colours were supposed to have been handed over by Prince Charles and wife Camilla,the Duchess of Cornwall duringtheir visit last year but was put off due totheir busy schedule.
Also present wasthe East Sepik Governor and Former Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare. The soldiers displayed discipline asthey paraded; normal protocols appllied.
According totheWorld Bank-run Urban Youth Employment Projectthere are 17,500 disadvantaged urban youths in PNG To engagethem, Governor General suggestedthey be put through military training to makethem useful members ofthe community.
The Second Pacific Islands Regiment is now custodian ofthe Queens Coloured Flag. This means it is part ofthe Royal Regiment.
After concludingthe day’s formalties, Sir Michael Ogio and wife Lady Esmie were treated to a feast atthe Officers Mess. The dinner was well – attended by host Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and wife Lady Veronica, with a handful of guests.
thers includePNG Defence Force Commander Beigadier General Francis Agwi, andthe Minister responsible Dr Fabian Pok. The Former Prime Minister usedthe opportunity to emphasis discipline inthe force.
Sir Michael remindedthe Defence Hierarchy andthe soldiers that as it celebrates its 62nd Anniversary this year, it must upholdthe Military traditions adopted fromthe United Kingdom because as custodians ofthe Queen’s Colours, it is tasked to do just that.
Beidgette Komatep, National EMTV News
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