West Papuans make PNG home

By PISAI GUMAR
ANOTHER 39 West Papuans have taken the oath to become citizens of Papua New Guinea, taking the total to 1374.
Immigration and Border Security Minister Petrus Thomas, pictured, handed out the certificates to the 39 who have been living in Morobe for years. Their parents and grandparents had crossed the border to live in PNG four decades ago “on humanitarian grounds”.
Three on the list who should have received their certificates in Lae yesterday had died. They were named as John Masoka, Martin Rumaropen and Chris Wader.
The Government has now granted 1374 West Papuans PNG citizenship.
Thomas said that to acquire dual citizenship cost K10,000. But Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Cabinet had agreed to meet the cost.
“You are free to involve meaningfully in businesses and scholarships, especially students, get employed and contribute productively to the country,” Thomas said.
“You are part of our country, guided by our Constitution to serve the PNG government.”
Thomas told Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu to look after the country’s newest citizens.
“They are Morobe residents now. I leave them in your capable hands,” Thomas said.
Saonu said their wisdom, humility and character would allow them to live together with other people of Morobe. “I believe you are model citizens,” he said.
“You are an asset to Morobe and the country.
“You have a moral duty to contribute to the government.
“With God, there is no boundary to his blessings, humans create boundaries on earth, we call PNG a Christian country thus our thinking must be aligned with the God’s thoughts.”