Images on these pages were taken at Highlands Day on July 19
“We can’t change the last 50 years but we can shape the next 50 – that is your challenge and your opportunity”
draped in Manus, Bougainville,
years in driving the national conversation on identity, unity and self-governance – from the 1970s push for nationhood through to Bougainville’s independence activism. Along the concourse, SME stalls sold shell money, mats, Manus string band CDs, lamington-sized kulau (young coconut) buns and smoky “aigir” fish parcels from New Ireland. Highlands Highlands Day was next on the schedule on July 19, with Sir Hubert Murray Stadium hitting capacity (officials estimated 20 000+) before noon. This was the first of the festivals to raise security concerns, with Prime Minister James Marape admitting “crowds got out of hand” when space ran
New Ireland, and East and West New Britain
regalia – leading the float parade
Jarahn (Bialla, WNB/ Kokopo, ENB) detonated the crowd with “Bad Manners” and “DukDuk”, Tolai legend Nathan Nakikus
and “Black Baby”, and Tonton Malele (Lihir, Kavieng, NIP/ ENB) closed the night with crowd-pleasers “Maris No Katigu”, “Vavina” and “Pikinini Niu Ailan”. The day had begun with UPNG
and bringing colour and purpose to the celebration. In his keynote speech, Governor Parkop praised the energy of the young people, and called on them to reflect on what story they will tell in the next 50 years. “What lessons will you learn from the last 50 years? How will you redefine and recreate our nation for your children, your families, your future?” he asked. “We can’t change the last 50 years but we can shape the
(Rabaul, ENB) put his reggae spin on “Mangi Tolai”
students –
next 50 – that is your challenge and your
opportunity.” The governor highlighted the “defining and
critical” role NGI leaders had played throughout the
out and gates had to be closed early. On stage, the
VOLUME 44 2025
14
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog