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 A Golden Jubilee of Gratitude: Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Day!!!!

On this radiant 50th Independence Day, September 16, 2025, as the golden sunbathes our rugged mountains, lush valleys, and turquoise seas, Papua New Guinea stands tall, a nation forged in unity and vision. Our hearts brim with pride, reverence, and an unbreakable spirit as we mark half a century of sovereignty. Fifty years ago, we stepped into nationhood not through war or bloodshed, but through the quiet power of dialogue, resolve, and dreams. Today, I offer my deepest gratitude for two sacred pillars of our existence: the profound wisdom of our forefathers, who carved our path to freedom, and the eternal bond our people share with the land that defines our soul.

First, let us bow in gratitude to the architects of our independence, whose names echo like ancestral songs across our highlands and coasts. At the helm was Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, the Father of the Nation, whose gentle yet unyielding leadership united our over 800 tribes into one heartbeat. Beside him stood titans of vision and courage: Sir John Guise, our first Speaker and Governor-General, whose dignity bridged divides; Sir Julius Chan, the economic strategist who fortified our young nation; Sir Paul Lapun, the highlander who championed education; John Momis, the intellectual force shaping inclusive governance; John Kaputin, the fierce advocate for indigenous rights; Paulus Arek, the quiet strategist; Mackenzie Jovopa, the grassroots unifier; and the Bully Beef Club stalwarts—Albert Maori Kiki, Barry Holloway, Tony Voutas, Tony Ila, Pita Lus, Gaudi Pekou, and Boyamo Sali—who kindled the spark of self-rule. Among these giants, we must honor Sir Iambakey Palma Okuk, the firebrand from Simbu, whose electrifying charisma and fearless advocacy made him PNG’s “most colorful and controversial politician.” Okuk, a mastermind behind Air Niugini and a champion of economic nationalism, led protests against unfair labor practices and fought to reserve industries like coffee and transport for our people. Elected to the House of Assembly in 1972, he secured the majority needed for self-government, serving as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Agriculture, Transport, and Primary Industries, and Leader of the Opposition. His coalition-building toppled governments peacefully, proving that power could shift without violence. Together, these leaders, through the Pangu Party and tireless negotiations, transformed colonial chains into the keys of sovereignty, ensuring our independence was a triumph of harmony.

We also extend profound thanks to Australia’s Labor Government under Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, whose enlightened leadership from 1972 to 1975 honored our aspirations. Whitlam’s commitment to decolonization, formalized in the 1973 push for self-government and the 1975 handover, gifted us a democratic framework—a parliament, universal suffrage, and the rule of law. This rare act of partnership, not patronage, allowed PNG to emerge whole, diverse, and free. We salute Australia for standing with us as we claimed our destiny.

Second, our gratitude flows to the land—our mother, our identity, our eternal source. In Papua New Guinea, land is not mere soil; it is the pulse of our 1,000 cultures, the cradle of our kaukau, yams, sago, and fish, the keeper of our ancestors’ stories. From the Sepik’s fertile plains to the coral isles of Milne Bay, from the highlands’ misty peaks to the rainforests’ emerald embrace, our land binds us. Our customary tenure—over 97% of our territory held communally—is a fortress against erasure, ensuring development serves people, not profit. It sustains biodiversity that rivals the world’s richest, teaching us reciprocity: we nurture the land, and it nurtures us. This bond is our sovereignty’s soul; without it, our flag would fly hollow. As climate change threatens our shores, our land’s resilience—rooted in our stewardship—anchors our fight for survival.

As we reflect on these 50 years, it is critical to celebrate our strides in human capital—the true wealth of our nation. Since independence, we have expanded educational opportunities, building universities like the University of Papua New Guinea and Divine Word University, increasing literacy rates, and fostering a generation of professionals who heal, lead, and innovate. Our healthcare system has grown, with more doctors and nurses serving remote villages, improving life expectancy and child survival. In politics and business, Papua New Guineans now helm our institutions, driving economic growth and cultural preservation. This progress echoes the wisdom of Sir Michael Somare, who, in his visionary Eight-Point Plan and independence speeches, emphasized better education and training so that our own children could run the country. He dreamed of self-reliance through knowledge, ensuring PNG's future leaders emerge from our soil, equipped to navigate global challenges with local wisdom.

Sir Michael Somare foresaw a future where our youth would soar as doctors, lawyers, and pilots. Yesterday, September 15, 2025, that vision landed gloriously at Jacksons International Airport, as Captain Beverly Paki, our first female pilot, guided the People’s 50th Anniversary Airbus to earth. A daughter of the highlands, she embodies the dreams Somare and Okuk ignited—a generation unbound, claiming the skies and stars. This milestone is part of a broader tapestry: today, our sons and daughters are graduating as engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs, and individuals like myself have been privileged to pursue advanced studies at prestigious international institutions such as Flinders University over the past decade. These opportunities, born from Somare's foresight, empower us to return and contribute, strengthening our nation's human capital and fulfilling his promise of a self-led PNG.

On this golden jubilee, we carry this gratitude like a torch. To Somare, Okuk, and our forefathers; to the land that holds us; to Australia’s partnership—thank you. May we honor you by building a PNG of equity, unity, and strength. God bless Papua New Guinea! Wanbel!