Culture not an excuse for violence: GG

PAPUA New Guinea cannot claim to be a Christian country because its society has many social ills highlighted by a disrespect for one another, says Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae.
Speaking during the flag lowering ceremony during the Independence Day celebration in Port Moresby on Saturday, Sir Bob said: “On a daily basis, there is tribal and ethnic violence, once only heard of in rural PNG, is now a common occurrence in our cities.
“I make a nationwide call to all criminals and ethnic groups to lay down your weapons once and for all.
“The continuing cowardly act of torture, especially in the Highlands, and the infiltration of our cities with tribal warfare, are all condemned in the highest order and must cease once and for all. We must not use culture as an excuse to involve in violence and torture fellow countrymen.”
Sir Bob urged leaders, politicians, businessmen, village elders and chiefs to intervene and restore peace and reconciliation and bring to justice those responsible for carrying out such horrific acts of violence.
“We must build a peace-loving national character within our individual self and among our citizens,” he said.

“We must have a change in our mindset.
“Without values and high moral stance, including integrity, we are not a worthy society and cannot realise our full potential as a destination for investment and business to flourish.”
Sir Bob also urged the public service to lift its game and provide effective service delivery to the people.
“The immediate focus must be to address high costs of living brought about as a result of increased world prices on oil and gas,” he added.
Meanwhile, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in his Independence Day congratulatory message to PNG, said: “The United States is unwavering in our commitment to partnering with Papua New Guinea to advance our mutual priorities, including addressing the climate crisis, improving transparency and good governance and promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.”
Various celebrations were held across the country.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop led an Independence Unity Walk on Friday morning.
The walk started at Murray Barracks and finished at Ela Beach, where a Contemporary Independence Festival was held.
He reiterated that while celebrating the 48th Independence Anniversary, the city was rehearsing for its golden jubilee in 2025.
The annual flag raising ceremony was held at Independence Hill followed by a parade down Independence Boulevard in Waigani on Saturday.