Despite the termination of the 2016 academic year for the University of Papua New Guinea, the UPNG New Ireland students were able to stage their provincial day.
The celebrations were staged in Port Moresby with over ten traditional singsing groups taking part.
UPNG New Ireland Students Association President, Martin Bomuna, said regardless of the challenges the students faced in organising the event, he is grateful the event eventuated.
“New Ireland Day is always celebrated every year and we knew we had to stage it this year, even though classes at UPNG were suspended for this year. This event was organised by just ten students, because the others were sent back home,” Bomuna said.
New Ireland Province is famous for its white sandy beaches and the drongo bird. The drongo bird is a New Ireland representation and is distinct on the yellow and blue flag.
On a political level, the province is seeking Autonomy. It has two members of parliament and a governor.
Yesterday’s event attracted thousands of young people to the Constitutional Park to witness the celebrations.
The second part of the celebration will be a Battle of Bands scheduled to occur in August.
