Celebrating 50 years of PNG Independence
17 Sep 2025
As Papua New Guinea marks its 50th Independence Anniversary, the PNG Cocoa Board proudly joined the nation in commemorating this historic milestone, reflecting on its enduring contribution to national development through the cocoa industry.
In a heartfelt pre-Independence celebration held at the Cocoa Board headquarters in Kokopo, East New Britain CEO Jesse Anjen Tukup emphasized the pivotal role cocoa has played in shaping PNG’s agricultural identity. Addressing staff and guests, Mr. Tukup highlighted the sector’s deep roots in the country’s colonial past and its evolution into a vital economic pillar driven by smallholder farmers.
“Now is our time—50 years is our time. What has happened has happened. Let us reflect on the future: what our country will become and what the PNG Cocoa Board will look like in the next 50 years,” said Mr. Tukup.
He urged staff to embrace the spirit of service, reminding them that the Cocoa Board is not just a government agency but a lifeline for thousands of cocoa farmers across the country. “We often complain about government services, but we are part of that system. As a service organization, how can we better support our farmers, our communities, and our provinces?” he added.
The event was also attended by the PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification Project Management Unit (PMU) with the Project Manager Dr. John Moxon. Dr. Moxon delivered a brief historical overview of the Cocoa Board and the development of the Tavilo campus, formerly known as the Cocoa and Coconut Institute (CCI).
He acknowledged the significant strides made over the past five decades in areas such as cocoa production, research, human resource development, and innovation. “On this historic occasion, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of PNG. May this Golden Jubilee inspire renewed hope, unity, and ambition for the next chapter of our national journey,” Dr. Moxon said.
The celebration served not only as a tribute to the past but also as a call to action for the future—one where the cocoa industry continues to empower rural communities and contribute meaningfully to PNG’s economic and social progress. The PNG Cocoa Board team and the PACD Cocoa PMU also took part in the Frangipani Festival Float in Rabaul town on Independence Day September 16th, 2025, a milestone that reflects unity, growth and resilience as a nation.
The PACD project and the Cocoa Board of PNG continues to be recognised for tis active role in strengthening the agriculture Sector, empowering cocoa farmers, and improving the livelihoods of communities across PNG. The team presence at this national celebration is a testament to the value of partnerships and the shared commitment towards stronger, self-reliant future.
In a heartfelt pre-Independence celebration held at the Cocoa Board headquarters in Kokopo, East New Britain CEO Jesse Anjen Tukup emphasized the pivotal role cocoa has played in shaping PNG’s agricultural identity. Addressing staff and guests, Mr. Tukup highlighted the sector’s deep roots in the country’s colonial past and its evolution into a vital economic pillar driven by smallholder farmers.
“Now is our time—50 years is our time. What has happened has happened. Let us reflect on the future: what our country will become and what the PNG Cocoa Board will look like in the next 50 years,” said Mr. Tukup.
He urged staff to embrace the spirit of service, reminding them that the Cocoa Board is not just a government agency but a lifeline for thousands of cocoa farmers across the country. “We often complain about government services, but we are part of that system. As a service organization, how can we better support our farmers, our communities, and our provinces?” he added.
The event was also attended by the PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification Project Management Unit (PMU) with the Project Manager Dr. John Moxon. Dr. Moxon delivered a brief historical overview of the Cocoa Board and the development of the Tavilo campus, formerly known as the Cocoa and Coconut Institute (CCI).
He acknowledged the significant strides made over the past five decades in areas such as cocoa production, research, human resource development, and innovation. “On this historic occasion, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of PNG. May this Golden Jubilee inspire renewed hope, unity, and ambition for the next chapter of our national journey,” Dr. Moxon said.
The celebration served not only as a tribute to the past but also as a call to action for the future—one where the cocoa industry continues to empower rural communities and contribute meaningfully to PNG’s economic and social progress. The PNG Cocoa Board team and the PACD Cocoa PMU also took part in the Frangipani Festival Float in Rabaul town on Independence Day September 16th, 2025, a milestone that reflects unity, growth and resilience as a nation.
The PACD project and the Cocoa Board of PNG continues to be recognised for tis active role in strengthening the agriculture Sector, empowering cocoa farmers, and improving the livelihoods of communities across PNG. The team presence at this national celebration is a testament to the value of partnerships and the shared commitment towards stronger, self-reliant future.
