ever before. We are the nation that has survived
as we ourselves make it. So why don’t we all strive to
floods and famines, earthquakes and volcanoes.
make it great?
N atural disasters and those that are man-made -
T hat is my commitment, and the commitment
we have survived them all and we are stronger for
of my Government to make Papua N ew Guinea great.
them. We are more resilient and better equipped for
Today we renew that commitment. We refocus
the future. In twenty short years - and they have gone
ourselves on what it is to be Papua N ew Guinean. We
pretty fast - this nation has known more than its fair
focus again on all the things that make Papua N ew
share of suffering.
Guinea so special.
T hrough it all we have grown. Part of the reason we have dealt so well with
Events Council - its C hairman Joe Tauvasa and all the
adversity is the inherent strength of our many ancient
council members. T hey have done great work to
cultures - the desire to tend to each other’s needs, the
organise the celebrations throughout our land, they
willingness to share. However, it is also the strength of
have done great work to bind our people together as
our “newer cultures” that has seen us through -
celebrants for this special day.
our churches, our workers, our academics, our business sector, our multi-cultural society.
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I praise the hard work done by the N ational
I say thank you also to all the representatives from nations near and far, for your time and effort in
Yes, we have much to be proud of and a strong
sharing with us this most memorable day in our
foundation on which to continue building our nation.
nation’s life, and also to all my fellow Papua N ew
But - remember that this country can only be as good
Guineans.