Saturday 6 May 2023
The National Capital District Governor Hon Powes Parkop expressed his gratitude in hosting the celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, describing the venue as a significant place were the King was a guest of honor at the same place when PNG gained Independence in 1975.
Governor Parkop said His Majesty was a Guest of Honour in this very Stadium on 16th September 1975, representing the late Queen Elizabeth II, his mother.
His Excellency Hon. Job Pomat, MP, Acting Governor-General and Speaker of Parliament, Hon. James Marape, Prime Minister, Sir Gibs Salika, Chief Justice, His Excellency Keith Scott, High Commissioner of Britain to Papua New Guinea, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Heads of Departments, and Statutory Organizations attended the prestigious and historic event at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.
Mr Parkop said the concurrent event was arranged to show PNG’s profound thanks for both the United Kingdom’s monarchy and its crucial and treasured participation in the Commonwealth.
“We made the decision to join the Commonwealth of Nations from the outset, not to further the British Empire but rather to create a community of both developed and developing countries based on common values and history.
“Our Founders discovered the Commonwealth as a platform and forum to create a global order based on peace and shared prosperity at a period of increased geopolitical tension, as colonies became sovereign states and the ideological split between East and West widened.
“As the globe remains divided, these ideals are more important now than eve,” he added.
As a Commonwealth member, Papua New Guinea should be proud of King Charles III’s Coronation.
“This significant occasion marks the start of a new era for the monarch, the Commonwealth, and the entire world. It is a distinctive tradition that has been practiced since the dawn of time.”
Governor Parkop stated that His Majesty attended Martyrs Memorial High School in Oro Province for a brief period of time and has traveled to Papua New Guinea frequently to represent his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
“In the few time I have known His Majesty, I have come to know him to be a wonderful friend of Papua New Guinea and a steadfast supporter of preserving and maintaining our natural environment.
“For this, I am confident, His Majesty will be a great King of the UK, the Commonwealth, and PNG.
“May His Majesty’s reign bring peace and prosperity to the Commonwealth and the world we share.”