Sir J laments wasted potential

The National National
SEPIK HEADDRESS … A traditionally dressed Abelam man spotted in Maprik on Thursday for the 46th independence anniversary celebrations.

NEW Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan says despite the country being blessed with natural resources, it is not yet truly independent.
Speaking in Kavieng last week, he said: “For 46 years, we have been responsible for ourselves.
“For 46 years, we have plotted our own destiny.
“For 46 years, we have been Independent.

INDEPENDENCE DANCE … Students performing a traditional dance at the Zion Zeal Elementary at Port Moresby’s 9-Mile chapter on Wednesday. – Nationalpic by CLIFFORD FAIPARIK

“Sometimes, I wonder whether or not we are really Independent.
“Sometimes, I wonder if we are really taking advantage of the gifts we have been given.
“We have much to be grateful for.
“In a world in which almost every country is facing over-population and increasing scarcity of resources, we in Papua New Guinea, are, again, blessed.”

PATRIOTS … Combined joint forces proud of their country, engaged in security operations in Porgera, Enga, under the joint community law and order stakeholder partnership engagement. Despite some complex challenges, they had time to raise the PNG flag while on duty to commemorate the 46 years of Independence.

He said no country in the world has as much natural resources as PNG does.
“Over 65 per cent of our land is covered in rainforest,” Sir Julius said.
“We have the largest fisheries in the entire Pacific within our territorial waters.
“In New Ireland, we have the Morgado square.

KUNDU BEAT… Grade 12 students from Gordon Secondary School who are from Central performing a dance during pre-independence celebration in Port Moresby on Wednesday. – Nationalpic by JOEL HAMARI

“That is an area of the ocean off the eastern coast of New Ireland that is the largest and most concentrated bait fishery in the world.
“We have agriculture of all kinds – copra, cocoa, rice, oil palm, coffee, rubber and more. Despite all our advantages, despite our great natural wealth, the fact that we suffer from no population pressure, our people do not have good health care, do not have decent infrastructure, decent roads, jetties and airports.
“Our people’s lives have not gotten better.”