Will PNG’s independence be truly celebrated

 FROM the highlands to the coast, the air was filled with cries of jubilation from the people. 

But what are we celebrating? The freedom from colonisation? 

The transformation of the “kiap” system to modern administration run by Papua New Guineans? 

Our freedom to control, use and misuse of our resources? 

If it is freedom, then what are we free from? 

Under the yoke of economic slavery and exploitation, socio-political instability and systemic corruption, one must ask if Papua New Guineans are “really free”.  

Our liberty is restrained by both external and internal dynamics created to enrich only a minority. 

National issues continue to impact our socio-political will and advancement. 

Bougainville affairs, finance inquiries, NPF fraud, Taiwan deal, mining licensing abnormalities, 2011-2012 constitutional crisis. The list goes on and on. 

True experience of freedom is restrained when leaders engage on a daily basis to deceive the people and manoeuvre their interests over those of the the people’s which is enshrined in the foundation of the Constitution.  

Where are we now and where are we going from here? 

The brutality witnessed last week along the Black Cat Track on the eve of Independence Day is an example of the ingrained challenges overlooked by our political leaders.  

Our future may look brighter with the booming resource developments,  but unless we evaluate ourselves, another 38 years might pass and our “independent” people will be left with just a philosophical idea of what independence truly means. For  there is no sign of it at the moment. 

Bal Kama

Canberra