Why so cynical?

AS we celebrate our 50th Independence anniversary, we might want to reflect on some things Papua New Guineans say about their 45th independence which they celebrated on Sept 16.
Letters in The National titled ‘PNG not functioning as fully independent ‘ (Sept 18) after 45 years of independence; ‘What are we celebrating?’ (Sept 17) given our appalling health facilities, rampant corruption, land-grabbing, state security violence against citizens; and ‘What have we achieved in the last 45 years?’ cast a cynical appraisal.
And, we need to remember PNG has not had four coups in four decades of independence like we have had.
How much more of a setback has that been for Fiji?

Rajend Naidu
Sydney