NEW Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan has described the Tikana LLG as the most progressive LLG in New Ireland and Papua New Guinea as a whole.
He made the statement during the Grand Opening of the new Tikana Administration building and 3rd anniversary celebrations of the Tikana Council Chamber at Lossuk on Friday 8th November.
He praised the leadership of Deputy Governor and Tikana President Hon. Sammy Missen, Ward Councillors, Maimai’s and Elders for having the foresight and vision to build up the Tikana seat of Government, one project at a time.
“If Sammy Missen was not around, none of this would happen, so, I thank him and all the workmen that have stood by him to build the Administration building,” said Sir J.
Looking back through history, Sir J said this was his fifth official time to mark significant events at Lossuk.
The first was during pre-independence time when local company Nakmai logging company was engaged in the construction of the Chan Road now changed to the Borkap crossing because Sir J does not like anything named after him while he is still alive.
The second was the handover of customary clan land for the Tikana Council Chamber, the third was the official opening of the modern executive Tikana Council Chamber, and the fourth was the official opening of three staff houses and the fifth is the opening of the administrative building.
He attributed Missen’s success to West Coast origins, stating because people from that part of the world tend to struggle more, they are more likely to endeavour to accomplish many things.
“Tikana in the last six years, since 2018 until now, my government has spent close to six million, on Tikana alone.
“Things did not happen by accident but because of shear commitment, sacrifice and the good leaders and people of this place.
“So, it looks like every year Tikana is building something new. You already have staff houses, and you are also planning to set up a police post here and to create an economic hub here.”
Sir J stressed, “Not one toea was received from the National Government. This is all New Ireland. We can get autonomy. We can do it. ‘Except the lord, keep the city. The watch men watched but in vain.’ If there is no good person looking after the place, even if you put police men there, still that place will fall apart. I have already passed the average age of New Ireland. When I was sick it was Sammy Missen running the government.”
He relayed the West Coast of Tikana has not been forgotten with road works continuing from the Fangalawa junction to Lamusmus road and ultimately all the way to West coast Namatanai and Konoagil.
“Despite previous road contractors letting us down we are continuing because West coast deserves a good road. You may be the last but you will be the best. ‘The further you are, the more we care.’ I know your pain; I know your struggles. We will not let you down.”
Sir J said he is not happy with the ‘Connect PNG’ policy of the National Government.
“I have been in Politics for 45 years, for 45 years Government ran this country well. The price of tin fish and rice was low. But in the last four years everything has gone up. Unemployment is high. People are hungry, that’s why the law-and-order issues are rising.”
“We are going to face some tough times. We are borrowing too much. Who will repay the loans? We are going through a very tough time. I’ve never experienced anything like this in my years in Government. And I am the last man standing. And I am the last man to warn you. Tough times will come, you’ve got to prepare. When are you going to get prepared? The Bible says, we must be ready all the time.”
He said he is cautious of the influx of people moving into New Ireland and that police have been alerted of the fact.
“We are only 2% of the population. If we are not vigilant, we might not have any land left. My policy is if we want to progress, we must change with changing times. But hold onto unchanging principles. Make the right decision so we can leave behind a better New Ireland for our future generations.”
The event continued with colourful displays of culture and beautiful choirs and the ground breaking of the market facility and police post.
“What a day, What a happy people of Tikana! Keep leading the way.”
