By JOE GURINA – Freelancer
IN the midst of the country’s 49th independence anniversary, Central Governor Rufina Peter had reflected on the hard work laid down by the founding fathers of PNG, especially the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare and the Bully Beef team.
“Today as we celebrate this momentous occasion, I urge you to take a moment to pause and reflect on the development journey, as individuals, families, clans, villages, wards LLGs districts, and as provinces and draw insights from each generation based on their respective experiences,” Rufina said.
“Let us remember the long road we have travelled over the past 49 years and honor the memories of those who have come before us, especially our late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, the father of our nation.
“Let us also remember and honor other founding fathers and pioneers of politics of this nation in the likes of Sir John Guise, Dr. Rueben Taureka, Sir John Kaputin, Iambakey Okuk, and the last man standing and still in politics, Sir Julius Chan.”
The madam Governor said late Somare’s vision and determination, guided by the constitution and realized through the support of parliamentary leaders of successive governments since independence, has brought PNG to this day.
“He dreamed of a Papua New Guinea, where all citizens regardless of race and background, would be treated equally and have equal opportunities to prosper,” she said.
“Discrimination and inequality fueled his drive for independence, and it was his deep sense of justice that guided his hands as he led our country for self-government, and later, to full independence in September 16, 1975.
“Today as we celebrate 49 years of independence, let us honor Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare’s legacy and reflect on how we should continue to strive for a better future for all Papua New Guineans.
“As we look to the future, let us commit ourselves to building on the foundation laid by our forefathers.
“Let us work together as a nation where equality, justice and opportunity are just ideals, but realities for all our people.
“Let us move past the handout mentality and embrace a culture of respect for each other, the rule of law, hard work, self-reliance, innovation and entrepreneurship.”
