Manam council of chiefs recognised

The traditional Manam Council of Chiefs in the Bogia District of Madang Province, which is locally referred to as the Kukurais, was given recognition by the Madang Provincial Government last Saturday, in a ceremony hosted at Yassa Village.

Provincial Member, Ramsey Pariwa travelled to Pottsdam Care Centre where he presented a cheque worth K100,000 to facilitate the establishment of the chiefs council as a recognised entity.

The council would be the single body that will be the voice to represent displaced islanders living in the three care centres.

The fifteen chiefs were present to witness the ceremony as governor Pariwa underscored that National Government had miserably failed its responsibility in assisting the displaced Manam islanders.

Mr Pariwa said the money was supposed to be released in 2023 but due to provincial administrative issues, the K100,000 funding was delayed.

Pariwa applauded acting Provincial Administrator Daniel Aloi for promptly facilitating the release of the funds to assist the Manam Council of Chiefs.

Meanwhile, Yassa ward member, Gabriel Sila, who represented the kukurais and the ward members in the three care centres, Pottsdam, Asuramba and Mangem; thanked chief Willie Rupunai for organising the event and inviting the provincial leaders to address the people.