The volcanic town and former provincial capital, Rabaul town in Rabaul District was the host of the recent 47th East New Britain Provincial Day held this year.
The program was hosted by the ENB Provincial Government (ENBPG) at the Queen Elizabeth Park on the 31st of May to commemorate the birth of the East New Britain Provincial Government (ENBPG).
The ENB Provincial Government was established on the 31st of May 1977, under Section 6 of the Organic Law, and was witnessed by the then Governor General, late Sir Tore Lokoloko.
The event was attended by members of the ENBPG, the Provincial Administration (ENBPA), stakeholders, churches and the general public.
The main highlight of the event saw the launching of the Choral Festival, which attracted a number of groups that had contested for cash prizes.
ENB Deputy Provincial Member, Boniface Gerep said that it was a day where ENB people come together and unite as one.
“Today marks the second year of the inaugural celebration of the event.”
“I pay tribute to our forefathers for their contribution towards the development of the province.”
“We thank the government for granting Kokopo the city status where seventy percent of earnings will be kept in the province to improve the city.”
He said that the celebration should help locals to reflect on the progress of the province over the last 47 years and on how to progress further.
Last week’s event started with a march pass led by the choir groups followed by a flag raising ceremony with singing of the national and provincial anthems.
Meanwhile, ENB Provincial Administrator, Levi Mano thanked the national government for granting ENB it’s provincial government status, second to Bougainville.
“One of the foundational principles that made East New Britain to be a model province is choir.”
“Singing has been scientifically proven to influence the way we behave.”
“This is the time where we come together and unite as one people.”
He added that the venue for the Provincial Day commemoration was hosted in Rabaul because it is the mother land belonging to everyone in the province.
Also speaking at the occasion was Ronnie Donald, who was the composer of the now famous and melodious ENB provincial anthem, which is mainly sung by students in schools.
“I took part in a competition to compose the provincial anthem, in which we were given guidelines on what needs to be included in the write up.”
“I composed it alone, so I feel proud when I hear it.”