Monday 18 September 2023
Prime Minister James Marape and Works Secretary, David Wereh, inspecting part of the Tari Road along Hiri Lai Highway connecting Mendi, SHP, and Hela Province, right after the 48th Independence Anniversary Celebrations in Port Moresby. (photo credit: PM’s Media).
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape commended the country for celebrating Papua New Guinea’s 48th Independence Anniversary in true spirit without trouble.
“I want to commend all our people far and wide, right across the country from Bougainville to the western-most part of the country” Mr Marape said.
Mr Marape said from reports he had received, there were big turn out of people in urban centres and government stations right across PNG on 16th September, joining in celebrating the country’s 48th anniversary.
“I want to thank you for your zeal, patients and love for our country.
“We have all endured many challenges over the 48 years as a nation, but going forward, I want to reassure you all that our prospect as a nation looks good and I am optimistic about the future.
Mr Marape also explained why he was not able to attend the Flag Raising ceremony as the 16 September, falls on Saturday which was his Seventh Day Adventist Sabbath observance.
“Instead of being at Independence Hill, I was meditating and praying as a Sabbath keeper by putting our country first in my worship to God, our Creator.
“Let me assure you all, that I remain true and loyal to the work of our country as I remain loyal in my faith in God.
“To those you pray on Sabbath or on Sundays, let us continue to pray for our country.
Mr Marape further urged citizens to maintain and respect the rule of law and engage in SMEs’ or other money making activities to support the growth of PNG economy.
“As echoed by the Treasurer on Independence Hill, my number one message is that, we must all work and get our hands dirty for our country,” Marape said.
“The government is continuing to working at growing the economy and holistically in the various sectors of the government,” Mr Marape said.
In the Law and Justice sector, the Government is building up the strength of the police force; expanding the judiciary with more judges, better funding the magisterial services; restructuring the court system, and fighting corruption head-on with the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Commenting on the Education sector, the Marape- Rosso Government continues to integrate young school leavers and dropouts back into the education system through its ‘second chance learning program’ as it as done over the last 4 years assisting over 800,000 young Papua New Guineans.
The government is also trying to mobilize and engage youths in the Youth Service Program and pathways into higher learning and employment or self-employment.
Mr Marape added that with the Health Sector, two important specialist facilities are now established in-country at the Port Moresby General Hospital.
The heart facility is now in full operation, while the cancer facility is expected to open at the end of the year. This will provide avenues to Papua New Guineans for specialist treatment in country instead of having to travel abroad.
In the Infrastructure sector, the Government continues to open up the country in all areas right into the remotest parts with the objective of connecting all Papua New Guineans.
Vital road links enable access to wharves, greater electricity rollout and telecommunication connectivity. These are all captured under the Government’s Connect PNG program focus.
Mr Marape said these are the works done by the government for the country in a holistic manner.
He reassured citizens, that his government is focused not just in infrastructure work but also in the restructure of the government and how they can be able to carry the country onwards in the next 50 years.
“I pledge to you all my full commitment for the betterment of our country. At no point have I ever wavered nor will I do so,” Marape said.