Islanders from around Bwanabwana Local Level Government (LLG) in Samarai-Murua District of Milne Bay Province gathered over the weekend to witness the opening of the Paemolosi Kamsagu United Church on Ware Island. The people travelled from neighbouring islands of Samarai, Logeia, Sidea, Sariba, Basilaki, Anagusa and as far as the Engineer Group of Islands among others to witness this occasion. Ware island has an increasing population of almost a thousand people and is commonly known for its vast fishing activities and religious Christian beliefs. There are three sections of the village on the island and the United Church opening was for the Paemolosi Kamsagu section. The other two sections of the village use the main existing United Church building on the island. According to a released press statement, the Member for Samarai-Murua District, Isi Henry Leonard was also present to officially open the church building as it was dedicated by the United Church pastors and leaders. In his remarks, Mr. Leonard commended the hardworking people of Ware Island as the new church building was a self-built initiative and project by the people. “The most important people amongst us are the congregation of Paemolosi Church who have brought us here through their sheer hard work. It’s a self-help project and they have built a wonderful church. It is a classic example of people sitting together, discussing their challenges and issues and coming up with solutions amongst themselves and taking action rather than just talking about it. “They went ahead and contributed funding and resources and support from all corners from where they are, and this is the manifestation of unity and people working for a worthy cause. They have an agenda, and they built this church,” Mr. Leonard said. He stressed that this was the true spirit of development and progress when people themselves initiated and went ahead with programs and leaders came in to complement their efforts. “I believe this is the right approach we give to those who work, we give to those who are able to make realise their dreams, and we give to those who are able to support themselves. This is the right approach to bring development and change to where we are,” Mr. Leoanrd said. He congratulated the people for having the right spirit and for being able to work and walk their dreams to make it a reality today. Mr. Leonard presented a K10, 000 (Ten-Thousand-Kina) cash and 2 pigs with food items such as rice, sugar, tea and tinned food for the church congregation as contribution from his office for the celebrations. Paemolosi Kamsagu United Church Pastor, James Wesley, thanked the Member and his team for travelling to Ware Island to be part of the celebrations of the church opening. Ps Wesley also thanked those involved in the completion of this church project. Meantime, Milne Bay Governor Gordon Wesley was also represented by his officers who attended the church opening on Ware Island. The two-day program ran over the weekend with the official opening and dedication service on Sunday.