Reject breakaways: GG

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GOVERNOR-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae has called on the Government to reject any break-away plan by provinces, and for the country’s “a thousand tribes” to remain together.
During the commemoration of the National Remembrance Day in Port Moresby on Friday, he “strongly appeal to the Government not to entertain any idea of breaking away by any province as that will only lead to other provinces following suit”.
“Nevertheless, the Government should only grant autonomy for provinces to manage their administrative and financial affairs to sustain their respective economies in consultation and cooperation with the national government,” he said.
“In that way, we will avoid provinces initiating moves to push for independence.”
Sir Bob said the country was “at the crossroad between prosperity and disintegration since gaining self-government in 1973 and independence without bloodshed in 1975”.
“Papua New Guinea achieved its sovereignty status and recognised by the United Nations General Assembly as (its) 143rd member with its 600 islands,” he said.
But in just 45 years of nationhood, he said the country was facing the “most challenging times in its political history to hold this uniquely diverse country of a thousand tribes together as one nation, one country and one people”.
“Disintegration of our country is inevitable as one of the 600 islands is adamant of exiting and pressing for secession, with three other provinces being granted the nod to pursue the highest form of autonomy similar to that of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville,” Sir Bob said.
“Separating from the 600 islands that make up Papua New Guinea will be a very long and tedious road politically, as the requirements of our Constitution take precedent.
“There is no short cut.”

6 comments

  • If you cannot fight corruption, and weed it from this country, we do not trust you and your leaders. If you will just talk, talk and do more talking, and not take action on major corruption in government and statutory organisation’s that are established to serve us the people, we cannot continue to entertain you and be citizens under your care. We need to break away and form a new government that serves our interest.

  • I believe all Provinces should be given Autonomy to manage their administrative and financial affairs to sustain their respective economies in consultation and cooperation with the national government.

  • GG is correct. If we allow one province or region to break away, others will follow. Therefore, either full autonomy or partial autonomy would be fitting for provinces with capacity and administrative capability. Foreign Affairs, Defence, Police and CIS must remain with the national government at all times.

  • I totally agree with the GG. Greater autonomy is the way to go. We have come this far as a nation. The issues at hand are solvable and we are not alone to face these kind of challenges. Other nations also have their own share of problems to deal with. PNG can do better at the world stage and we all have a role to play. Let’s all stand together and build this nation for the sake of our future generations.

  • Bougainville is a very special and sensitive case. You have to go by the book and honor what has been signed in the agreement. 98% of its population has voted for independence.

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