11/03/2026
๐ฆ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐ง๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ ๐ข๐ก ๐ง๐๐ ๐ข๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ก ๐ข๐ ๐ง๐ฅ๐ข๐ข๐ฃ๐๐ก๐ ๐ข๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ 75๐๐ต ๐๐ก๐ก๐๐ฉ๐๐ฅ๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ - 1๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ง๐๐๐๐ข๐ก ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ง (1๐ฅ๐ฃ๐๐ฅ)
11 ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก 2026, ๐๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ซ๐๐๐ค๐ฌ
Governor of NCD, Hon. Powes Parkop MP,
Member for Moresby South and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Justine Tkachenko MP,
Deputy Commander Papua New Guinea Defence Force,
DAโs and representatives of partner countries,
Distinguished Guests,
Senior Officers of the PNGDF, Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, Junior Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers of the 1st Battalion Royal Pacific Islands Regiment,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good morning.
At the outset, I commend the Acting Commanding Officer and all officers and soldiers responsible for organising and delivering this outstanding parade today.
The professionalism, discipline, and pride we witnessed in todayโs performance reflects the very finest traditions and the enduring spirit of the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment. It is a significant demonstration of the Regimentโs history, loyalty and service.
It is a great honour for me, as the Minister for Defence, to stand here today as the Reviewing Officer on this occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment.
Seventy-five years is a significant milestone. But today is not only about marking the passage of time. It is about recognising the vital role that the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment has played in safeguarding the sovereignty, security and stability of Papua New Guinea and the region.
The Regiment traces its origins to 1951, when the Pacific Islands Regiment was re-established following the Second World War here at the Taurama Barracks, building upon the proud legacy of the Papuan and New Guinea Infantry Battalions, whose courage and endurance earned international respect.
From those early foundations, a disciplined and professional infantry Brigade was built โ a force drawn from the villages, islands, and mountains of Papua New Guinea.
In 1963, a decision was taken to expand the Regiment, and in 1965 the 2nd Battalion was raised at Moem Barracks in Wewak, strengthening the Regiment and establishing the proud two-battalion structure that continues to serve our nation today.
For seventy-five years, the soldiers of the Pacific Islands Regiment have stood at the forefront of national service.
They have operated in difficult terrains, supported in our national security operations and development efforts, and stood ready whenever the nation has called them to serve.
Where discipline, courage, and leadership have been required, the soldiers of this Regiment have answered.
Today we are here to honour the veterans who built this proud legacy.
To the veterans of the Pacific Islands Regiment, I offer you the gratitude of the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea. Your service laid the foundation upon which this Regiment proudly stands today.
But while today honours the past, it must also speak clearly about the future. Papua New Guinea is entering a new era of national development with renewed challenges and strategic responsibility. As our nation grows, the responsibility to protect our sovereignty, safeguard our borders, and support national stability becomes even more important.
In this new era, the Government recognises that the Papua New Guinea Defence Force must be strengthened, modernised, and properly equipped to meet the future challenges.
Let me state clearly today:
The Marape-Rosso Government has the political will to build a stronger and more capable Defence Force for Papua New Guinea and the announcement of the establishment of a 3rd Battalion in Hela Province is part of the Governmentโs commitment to expand the Regiment.
The Government is also committed to revitalising defence infrastructure, expanding training opportunities, and modernising equipment and developing and enhancing operational capabilities with support from our defence partners.
At this juncture, on behalf of the government, I would like to offer our appreciation to our partners who play a pivotal role in the development of the PNGDF.
As part of this effort, the Government is supporting the introduction of new protected and armoured mobility platforms, including up-armoured vehicles and armoured SUVs, to enhance force Protection and provide protected mobility for our soldiers.
At the same time, we are progressing the acquisition of modern weapons systems to reinvigorate and replace ageing equipment, ensuring that our soldiers are equipped with reliable and effective tools necessary to perform their duties. This has been made possible through the continuous engagement with our friends in the region, especially our closest wantok, Australia.
These investments are not simply about equipment. They represent the Governmentโs commitment to ensuring that the soldiers of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force have the capability, protection, and support required to carry out their mission with confidence.
But while equipment is important, the true strength of a Defence Force lies in the discipline, leadership, and character of its soldiers.
The soldiers standing before us today represent the future of this Regiment and the future of the Defence Force.
You are the next generation who will carry the Colours of the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment into the decades ahead.
You will lead the Defence Force through new challenges that lie ahead.
You will train the soldiers who will follow you.
And you will ensure that the proud traditions of this Regiment continue to guide the Defence Force of our nation.
As we look beyond this 75th Anniversary, we must be clear about our responsibility.
The next seventy-five years must be defined by professionalism, modern capability, and national pride.
The Royal Pacific Islands Regiment must continue to stand as the backbone of our land forces and as a symbol of discipline and strength for our country.
Before I conclude, I acknowledge the families of our soldiers.
Behind every soldier who serves this nation is a family that supports them with sacrifice and dedication. Your contribution to the service of Papua New Guinea is deeply appreciated.
Soldiers of the 1st Battalion Royal Pacific Islands Regiment, as you proudly troupe the Regimental Colour, remember that you are not only the custodians of a proud legacy built over seventy-five years. But you are also the generation that will shape the future of this Regiment.
Your contribution to the strength of the Defence Force will depend on your leadership, your discipline, and your commitment to the nation.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea, I congratulate the 1st Battalion of the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment on its 75th Anniversary.
May the Kingโs Regimental Colours continue to fly high in service to Papua New Guinea.
Thank you and God bless.
Papua New Guinea Defence Force
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