Southern Highlands needs new start

The National Letters

We may be the last province to have our provincial assembly sworn in.
To some it is like we are six months behind schedule in service delivery, but for us loyal and true believers of our beloved Southern Highlands, it comes as a great relief.
A great relief in the sense that the process in closing that great divide – caused by nothing but indifferences in politics and in differing opinions in the ways of managing the affairs of our province – has now just begun and is taking shape so well.
It may not be a perfect cut because there is no tailor-made solution out there with a one-size-fits-all answer.
An intercession has to begin somewhere and the first provincial assembly held in Mendi adequately fits the bill.
In conflict resolution, the first step which is obviously the most important, is to understand and appreciate the complexity of the issue.
Here our provincial assembly acknowledged the election petition regarding the governor’s seat, but that should not clog the service delivery machinery from moving.
The first provincial assembly meeting has impressed upon us both the complexity of our issues, and the opportunities for the province and collective action we must take to address many of our shared challenges.
In borrowing the words of our prime minister, leadership is not about winning.
It’s about demonstrating leadership through the right attitude and actions.
Leadership is about humbleness and serving our people by delivering services that change lives.Humility and patience is best demonstrated by Imbonggu MP Pila Niningi.
He contested the election seven times, and always lost as first runner-up.
He was deprived of his win on many occasions but he never resorted to violence, even he had the means and opportunity to vent his frustration.
He saw patience as a virtue instead, and like the saying goes, ‘Good things come to those who wait’, he got elected after 35 years of trying.
These are some good examples our aspiring leaders must learn to emulate.
Focus now among others should be on:

  • Students’ tuition fees;
  • Western Pacific University; and,
  • The 2020 PNG Games

With the new provincial executive council in place, we now hope to see positive change and development once again in Southern Highlands.
We have two State ministers in the council.
In addition, we have one vice-minister, a deputy speaker of the national Parliament and the prime minister of the land.
We also have a high-performing provincial police commander and a most-respected man of very high standing as provincial administrator.
Let us believe in these men, work with them and start a new beginning for Southern Highlands in the New Year.

David Lepi
Port Moresby