By Staycey Yalo, EMTV News, Port Moresby
It was a historical moment for the people of Lakekamu as the ship docked at the Lakekamu river.
Villagers turned out in numbers, singing and dancing to welcome the navy ship, Her Majesty’ PNG Ship, Lakekamu, named after the Lakekamu village, in Malalua, Gulf Province.
The ship arrived from Cairns, Australia, to be christened and released to service.
The name of the ship, Lakekamu, signifies the relationship the people of Lakekamu and the PNGDF.
The ship cruised along the river where it was met by warlords of Mailovera at Lalafuru.
This was done to signify their forefathers who assisted the alliance forces in the WWII by blocking off the supplies of the Japanese forces who used the Lakekamu River to transport supplies in their attempt to capture Port Moresby.
It is also customary for the people along the Lakekamu River to send out their worriers to ask who attempt ring to enter their territory is. The village chief, upon hearing who the outsiders are, decided if they can allow passenger or not.
At Houpoe village, the Paramount Chief Hiae & paramount chief Irikovu together with Chief Toaripi and chief of Moripi welcomed the Gulf Governor, Chris Havieta and delegates and the PNGDF navy.
Gulf Governor, Haiveta says the ship will give priority to the people of Gulf Province, in terms of transporting supplies.
He challenged the Gulf Provincial government to be transparent and change their attitudes to pave way for a positive change in the province.
