By GEORGINA MICHAEL
SPEAKER Job Pomat hailed Parliament’s milestone achievements and paid tribute to pioneer politicians as the House celebrated its 41st anniversary today.
“Today I am very excited to see especially the former members of the parliament who have been here since the opening of the Parliament House Sir John Kaputin, Grand Chief John Momis, Dame Josephine Abaijah, Sir Pato Kakarya, Parua Kuri, Sir Yano Belo, Marcus Kawo and Warren Dutton, Mr Pomat said in his keynote address.
“Our Parliament House opened on the 7th August 1984 by His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, now His Majesty King Charles III.
“Today a we gather with pride and unity to celebrate the 41st anniversary of the official opening of the National Parliament House, a powerful symbol of our democracy, identity and national unity.
“This year we reflect on the theme, “One Nation, One Country, One People. It is a timely and meaningful reminder that despite our many cultures, languages and regions we are united as one people under our constitution, one flag and one parliament.
“As we celebrate this 41st anniversary, let us recognise Parliament’s crucial role as a guardian of democracy and as a custodian of our cultural national identity. The architecture of this building reflects the strength of our traditions and the spirit of our people, each carving, each design speaks of the thousand tribes that now work together as one nation.
“Let this anniversary remind us not only of how far we have come but of the work still ahead let it inspire us to strengthen our democratic institutions to respect the rule of law and ensure that our parliament remains a true house of the people.
“We are one nation, one country, one people and together we will build the future that is brighter, fairer and stronger for all Papua New Guineans. On this special occasion I wish you all a happy 41st anniversary of our Parliament House May God bless our Parliament and may God bless Papua New Guinea.”