40 years to reflect challenges ahead
Historically, we have witnessed a very special occasion for a man who fearlessly fought for our country’s independence.
That special day marked the 40 years of Sir Michael Somare’s life in politics.
We are reminded to reaffirm our values and commitments, to hold them against a hard reality and see how we have measured up to the legacy of this man, and the promise of future generations.
My fellow Papua New Guineans, we have more work to do than celebrate 40 years of Sir Michael’s life in politics.
We have 120 employees from Digicel who have lost their jobs and are now crying for help.
One of them had to choke back tears, wondering how he would be able to repay the loan he obtained to pay for his children’s school fees without government’s backing.
Another young man did not know how he would be able to explain to his wife that he had been fired.
The young lady, who lives on special prescribed drugs, was left wondering how she would pay for the drugs to stay alive without health benefits
Instead of offering tax breaks to foreign companies who drain our natural resources without downstream processing, we should offer tax breaks to those considering downstream processing of our resources.
We stop fuel companies not to hold the people hostage and blackmail the Government to sabotage fuel prices.
We know that the government cannot do everything for us and cannot solve all the problems.
But in a resource rich country, we sense, deep in our hearts, that with just a change in Government priorities, we can make sure every child has a decent shot at life and that the doors of opportunity remain open to all.
We know we can do better given that choice. PNG’s worst enemy is corruption.
It must be defeated.

Lucas Kiap, Lae
Letters