Fact finding mission for SI

Port Moresby, the host city of the fifteen Pacific Games became the focal point of international attention for this occasion; quietly at the background a four man delegation from the Solomon Islands led by Calvin Ziru the Registrar of Political Parties flew into the country. The delegation included Sir Paul Tovua, Charles Ashley, Rev Philemon Riti and the Registrar of Solomon Islands Party Registry Office. The Solomon Islanders where here on a fact finding mission to see how the Papua New Guinea Registry of Political Parties run their affairs and learn from their counterparts. The party also got a first hand insight on how political parties operate with visits to party offices as well as speaking to executives of political parties. They also met with the Chairman of the Board, Sir Andrew Trawen and his board members. The team also toured the National Parliament and had the rare privilege of meeting the father of the nation, grand chief Sir Michael Somare in his National Alliance office. They also paid a courtesy call to the University of Papua New Guinea to meet and speak with the Solomon Island students there. The team had a final day with an outing at Loloata Island where gifts where exchanged. The Registrar of Political Parties, Papua New Guinea, Dr Alphonse Gelu pledged the support of his office to his counterpart and looked forward to continue this close working relations.