The New Ireland Government after numerous postponements by the National Government on various proposed dates has made the decision to pull out of organizing and attending of the Grand Opening of the Kavieng Airport.
New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan made the decision after learning that Prime Minister James Marape had decided not to attend this Thursday’s 27th of October scheduled Grand Opening.
Instead opting to attend on the 3rd of November, a date not endorsed by NAC or NIPG.
“This was a bit of a shock, as we had spoken last week – on Wednesday the 19th when you confirmed that you would be in attendance – as the Guest of Honour – at the Ceremony on 27th October, after the agreed date between NAC and my Government through a joint working committee established about two years ago between original date agreed between NAC and my Government,” said Sir J.
Sir J expressing disappointment said, “ We have spent huge resources, time and money to organize and keep people from all over New Ireland representing every LLG in Kavieng only to be met with continued postponements. This nonsense cannot continue. Therefore, my Government will remove itself from participation in the Grand Opening of the Kavieng Airport. NAC can just take on the responsibility for organising and carrying out the event. I think this will make those who have argued against the arrangements very happy.”
Sir J said the New Ireland Government had formed a great partnership with the National Airports Coporation to ensure the work on the airport was not disrupted by airport landowners who have the right to demand their outstanding payments, which should have been paid long before work on the New look Airport began.
“The project is in my Province, the commitment is under the Lihir MoA I signed in 1995. The National Government owes the people of New Ireland a new airport. It’s 27 years overdue,” said Sir J.
The New Ireland Provincial Executive Council chaired by Governor Sir Julius Chan who represents an absolute majority of New Irelanders, now withdraws from organising the Grand Opening of the Kavieng Airport, giving responsibility to the National Government to take over the program.