Govt must secure future

 PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill paid his respects to the founding fathers of the country as the country celebrated its 38th Independence day yesterday.

“Far sighted leaders such as Sir John Guise, Sir Albert Maori Kiki, Sir Thomas Kavali, Sir Iambakey Okuk, Sir Michael Somare and Sir Julius Chan are among many who came together to form a stable administration for our first national government in 1975,” O’Neill said.

He said the present government was determined to provide strong, honest and committed national leadership. 

“This means delivering the basic life-supporting services to every Papua New Guinean – a right promised to them at Independence, a right that should have been upheld ever since,” O’Neill said.

“We have just begun. There is much more to be done, but it will be done if all levels of government work together,” O’Neill said.

“The challenge we face today is to secure the future, economically and socially and do so in a way that every Papua New Guinean is included and not excluded, and benefits to the greatest possible extent.” 

He said firm, but strong and stable leadership, was needed from national level down to village level to ensure the country’s growth.

Members of Parliament and foreign diplomats mingled with the public on Independence Hill from as early as 5am as they gathered to witness the traditional  flag-raising ceremony yesterday.

Members of the combined disciplined forces provided a guard of honour and band before the national flag was hoisted up the 30-metre flag pole next to Parliament.