New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan is going out to thank his voters for putting him back into office after his absolute majority win of 31,717 votes to make up for his absence not campaigning at all throughout the election period because of illness.
His first location was at Fissoa, where he thanked the people of the Tikana LLG for their support. He was greeted by students of the Fissoa Primary School who lined the roadside to welcome him.
“ I came back to say Thank you to everyone in the Tikana LLG for bringing me back. I was sick during the campaign period and you campaigned for me,” said Sir J. In all respects this is the peoples victory.
He reiterated his commitment in ensuring free Primary Health care would be introduced during this term. “When I say Primary Health, this means the basic health services like medicines, injections, maternal health, immunizations and preventive care will be free under my new PPP Government.
He urged all New Irelanders to feel proud of themselves because it was New Irelanders that established all the Universities and banking institutions in the country during the early days.
“When we leave this world we must pass on something better then when we inherited from our parents,” said Sir J.
Giving a background on Education improvements in the province since his return a decade ago he said there are currently twelve secondary schools with an enrolment of over 18,000 students. Overall over 60,000 children have access to education compared to only 25,000 before PPP policies were introduced in 2008. Girls are given the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Girls tend to miss out because parents cannot afford to pay school fees.
A battle song on Autonomy sang by the Fissoa Womens Choir joined by students after the speeches left all the community in high spirits.
Sir J’s “Thankyou” visits will continue in the coming weeks and months ahead.