Rally for Better Future, says PNG PM Marape

 Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has called on all citizens to unite in order to achieve greater prosperity for the country.

In his second Independence day speech since he became the 8th Prime Minister, he said there are many challenges, including Covid-19, but the country should rally for a better future. Mr Marape arrived with wife Rachael were escorted up the hill by their daughter Rayvirna, who was dressed in traditional huli attire from her father’s home province.

He acknowledge the many challenges the country has faced, including Covid-19, however the unique blend of the country’s diversity keeps PNG united and going forward.

“As we ponder our nationhood, I want to rally our national conscience towards our shared individual responsibilities for a better PNG” he said.

He said his government is taking back PNG from the hands of greed, corruption, complacency, laziness and recklessness requires that all of us play a part.“To get to our destination of a well-developed nation, each of us must play a role. All of us must commit to building a Papua New Guinea that future generations will be proud of.

“I have commenced the work of restoring good governance, empowering our people and shifting the balance back to the national interest, rather than the interest of a small few”.

Mr Marape said that it requires the support of all citizens, from the islands, to the Highlands and every corner of the country.

“Let us pull together as a nation. We have the hindsight of the last 45 years to guide us into the next 45 years, and I am confident that the future is bright”.

“I want to appeal especially to my generation of Papua New Guineans: Let us resolve today that our task at hand is to learn from the mistakes of the past, and to contribute to a better future for the generations to come”.

Mr Marape also gave thanks to the “seniors” including Sir Michael Somare and Sir Julius Chan, who are both together this independence in Kavieng. He thanked them for the work they have done for the country, and paid his respect for them taking the country to where it is today.

Mr Marape appealed to the children and youths, the group that makes up 30 percent of the population, to be part of the nation’s growth.

“To my children’s generation I say this. Your parents and country are working hard for you. But you too can contribute to your country’s future by being law abiding students”.

The event was attended by Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan, Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika, PNGDF Commander Major General Gibert Toropo, Police Commissioner David Manning, department heads and members of the diplomatic corps as-well as the general public, who after not being allowed to enter eventually made their way in.

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