The Journey of the Letter of Independence from Wewak to Port Moresby

The Journey of the Letter of Independence from Wewak to Port Moresby

(Reshared from Rodgers LR Wavi | Ex PNGDF 2RPIR Charlie Geckos fb page)

LTCOL Geoffrey Key (Ret'd) served with great distinctions and is best known for his role in independence.

He joined the Army of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea in 1964 and completed his officer training at Officer Cadet School Portsea, before joining the 2nd Battalion, the Pacific Island Regiment in 1975 as a 2nd Lieutenant.

He symbolically carried the Letter of Independence from Wewak to Port Moresby. On 18th May 1975 2nd Lieutenant Key compliance the foot patrol from Moem Barracks, Wewak to Taurama Barracks, Port Moresby, over 1000 km to the South. His patrol included, 15 riflemen, 1 signaller, 1 medic and 1 cameraman.

Throughout the journey 2nd Lieutenant Key carried an envelope he was to deliver to the Minister of Defence when he arrived in Port Moresby. After a long patrol crossing the rivers and highlands of Papua New Guinea, the patrol was welcomed by a parade on the 3rd of June 1975. The parade lined the streets from Taurama Barracks to the Government Offices in Waigani.

They were welcomed by then Chief Minister Sir Michael Somare who opened the envelope to read the letter of Independence which signified Parliament to legislate the independence of Papua New Guinea on the 16th of September 1975.

The letter was carried by 2nd Lieutenant Key and his patrol to demonstrate the strength of the Nation and its people.

Wish you all and your families a happy and peaceful 47th Independence celebrations.

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The Monarchy of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea

All laws in Papua New Guinea are enacted with the sovereign's or viceroy's approval, the granting of which to a bill is known as Royal Assent. The viceroy may reserve a bill for the monarch's personal decision on the bill; the monarch has the power to disallow a bill within a time limit specified by the constitution. READ MORE...