PM: Let’s build a better country

By LULU MARK
DUE to the Covid-19, the public were advised not to attend Papua New Guinea’s 45th Independence Anniversary flag raising at the Independence Hill in Port Moresby yesterday, however, those that persisted at the gate were allowed in just in time to witness the event.
Acknowledging the presence of those that gathered, Prime Minister James Marape said with more than 800 languages and a thousand tribes, PNG remained united amidst its many challenges and diversity.
Marape said when the founding fathers of the nation led by Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare raised the PNG flag in 1975, the vision was for a prosperous and democratic nation; a nation of equal opportunity for every child born into this country irrespective of tribe, religion, and ability.
“The dream was for every child in PNG to have equal opportunity for prosperity,” Marape said.
“This was the vision that was echoed down through a generation of leaders, elected leaders, public servants and our general population right across our country.
“As we ponder on our nationhood, I want to rally the national conscience towards our shared individual responsibilities for a better PNG,” he said.
“Each and every one of us has a role to play and must play that role.”
Marape called on Papua New Guineans to commit to building a country that future generations would be proud of.
“That is why as Prime Minister I have commenced the work of restoring good governance.
“I challenge every one of you to rise up and be a positive force for change in our country.”
He said the journey of taking back PNG from the hands of a greedy few, perpetual corruption, complacency, laziness and recklessness had started and support from everyone was required for the needed transformation to happen.
He said PNG was abundantly blessed with resources and could one day reach its potential.
“This is why I believe in my heart of hearts that we can become the richest black Christian nation.
“Each and every one of us must be engaged and willingly participate in the transformation that needs to take place.”
“The hindsight of the last 45 years should guide us as a nation so that the next 45 years can be better.”