The Queen’s Baton Relay spent three days in Papua New Guinea from 29 – 31 January, during which over 80 Batonbearers had the special opportunity to carry the Baton through their community.
The Baton touched down at Boram Airport, where it was warmly greeted by the Guard of Honour and a traditional welcome.
Later that day, the Baton was taken to the Late Great Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare's tomb, in Kreer Heights, Wewak, where Batonbearers and attendees laid wreaths to pay their respects. The late Chief is known as ‘the father of the nation’ as he was the first Prime Minister after the country gained independence; his son, Michael Somare, represented his country as a Batonbearer during this section of the route.
On the second day, the Relay reached Kopar and visited the Sepik River, known locally as Maus Wara, which is one of the country’s biggest rivers.
Later in the day, the Baton visited Kambaramba, a village built on stilts in the river. Families have lived here for generations, protecting the environment without exploiting it. Batonbearers arrived at the village by plane, which landed on the water, then passed on the Baton to people waiting on boats.
Next on the route was Chambri Lake, the largest lake in the East Sepik province and home to seven beautiful islands.
The Baton visited the Ambunti district, where the Baton paid a visit to Haus Tambaran (spirit houses), where the community’s ancestors can visit and offer spiritual advice.
Following this visit, the Baton went to Maprik District, which is the heart of the East Sepik Province and is renowned for their arts and crafts, as well as for holding an annual crocodile festival!
On the final day, the Queen’s Baton travelled to Port Moresby, the country’s biggest and capital city, where it visited the National Parliament House, which was officially opened by Prince Charles in 1984.
Then, the Baton went to the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation, where retired Papua New Guinea athletes John D'siguria and Lapule Tamean held the Baton together.
