By GEORGINA MICHAEL
British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Anne Macro, presented the regimental colors of the First and Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiments to Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko at the Central Government Building in Waigani today.
Mr Tkatchenko said the presentation was of significant importance to Papua New Guinea and he PNG Defence Force.
“Although this may appear as the modest occasion in form, it carries a profound significance in substance. Regimental colors represent not only the traditions, pride and service of a nation’s defense Force but also enduring values of honor, loyalty and unity that bind people together,” he said.
“This presentation is especially meaningful as it comes at a time when PNG is preparing to mark 50 years of Independence.
“We are deeply honored that his Royal Highness Prince Edward, representing His Majesty King Charles III will officially present these regimental colors during his visit in September this year to the Governor General of PNG.”
He added that the presentation symbolized not only the loyalty and service of the PNG’s military but also the enduring friendship and partnership between the governments of PNG and the United Kingdom.
“As we accept the colors today, we do so with pride, respect and gratitude, proud of our past, respectful of our shared traditions, and greatful for the friendship that continues to unite Papua New Guinea and United Kingdom.
“These colors will be officially presented by the PNG government through our governor General to the military to do the proper ceremony at Murray Barracks on the 15 of September 2025, therefore, it is very important because it represents loyalty, dignity of the military to the King and the country,” Mr Tkatchenko said.
High Commissioner Macro said: “I am very pleased to be able to hand over to you, on behalf of the British government and the people of United Kingdom this 50th anniversary gift of new colors for both first and second Royal Pacific Island Regiments.”
“The regimental colors are not just flags, they are important symbols that represent the spirit, history and honor of a military unit.
“Each colors bares the insignia, battle honors and regiment symbols unique to the unit. They tell the story of the regiment’s past – its founding, its campaigns and its sacrifices. They are a visible reminder of a soldier’s oath to serve their King, their Country and their comrades.
“I am looking forward to seeing the new colors on display during the 50th Anniversary celebrations and beyond, and to seeing UK pipes and drums from the Scots Guards and UK Naval personal in Port Moresby during PNGDF week, alongside the PNGDF and other partners.
“Going forward, we value our partnership with the Papua New Guinea Defense Force including joint exercises in PNG such as PUKPUK and once again congratulations on your 50th Anniversary,” High Commissioner Macro said.
PNGDF Deputy Commander Brigadier General Lari Opa explained that the regimental colors were traditionally given to units that were recognized by the Royal Family.
“The colors are basically inscribed battle honors which the Royal Pacific Island Regiment has eleven; we have Tambu Bay, Scarlet Beach, Aitape, Kiarivu, and the southwest Pacific, so those are inscribed on the regimental colors,” he said.
“The King’s colors are basically changing the Queen’s colors, it’s mostly to do with symbolizing the traditional history of the regimental colors.
“From here we will, take the colors back and secure it in an armory, and it will be guarded until the Royal Representative arrives, and then he will officially hand the color over to the commanding office of the first Royal Pacific Islands Regiment on parade at Murray Barracks on the 15th of September 2025,” Brig Gen Opa said.