By postcourieronline
Copyright postcourier
THE capital of Gulf, Kerema Town headquarters, came alive with a 5-day planned activity program that began with a launch on September 12th, with the event successfully launched by the Provincial Administrator, Mr Clement Napo Tare, on the eve of Friday, September 12th, 2025.
The main highlight of the day transpired with floats from schools such as Ilakaraeta, Sikalu, Greater Sepik Community, PNG Power Kerema, GPHA, Kerema Secondary, and the Gulf Provincial Events Committee.
Administrator Tare, after declaring the event open, gladly told the general public to take ownership of the activities till Independence Day.
On 13th September, the town was filled with dancing groups and stringband groups, which also flourished the day with their live band performances, which ran through the whole day.
On 14th September, churches in Kerema town gathered to hold a combined service and to present and commit the 50th anniversary to the lord.
The half day of the event proceeded with several sporting activities, such as touch footy, basketball, and volleyball.
The night program of the event was graced with the crowning of the 2025 Bird of Paradise Pageant, which ran 6 categories, making it a first of its kind to pick the Gulf Queen by 1 am on Monday morning.
The Pageant was joined by Dignitaries in the likes of Ms Anna Bais, former Miss PNG, Taylor Singirok, and the current Miss PNG, who crowned Miss Uritai at the early hours of Monday morning in front of more than 1000 people in Kerema.
Meanwhile, the 16th of September was graced with a flag raising ceremony at 7 am by RPNGC Gulf with a 50 gun Salute and then a parade of 30 men was hosted at 10 am following the flag raising, reviewing officer in the likes of Administrator Tare and was escorted by ACP Southern region and Provincial Police Commander Inspector Jeffery Lemb.
The rest of the day was dedicated to former premiers of Gulf province, Mr Ridler Kimave, Mr Paul Apio, Mr Sepoe Karava, Mr Havila Kavo, etc, who gave their gratitude to the people of Gulf for having served this province and encouraged the people to create a more eloquent and help each other support and grow the province to a new level and to develop in the next 50.
Governor Haiveta acknowledged the former premiers and said they have set a pace for Gulf people to see and set their mindsets to improve and fix their living standards in the communities.
