Strengthen togetherness in family units: Sir Julius

Independence Day is a time to celebrate unity and the best celebration any Papua New Guinean can do is to strengthen unity and togetherness in their family units and community levels.

These sentiments were shared by one of PNG’s iconic leaders, Sir Julius Chan, in commemorating the country’s 43rd Independence.

Sir Julius said unity happens when equals come together for a common purpose.

Unity in PNG should be between the national government and provinces that are equal and have a strong relationship as partners and not a relationship between a master and servant.

Sir Julius re-emphasised the importance of autonomy and that through this partnership and in the true essence of unity, more power should be given to the provinces.

“We are starting with New Ireland, East New Britain and Enga but we must extend this to all provinces as they show they have the capacity to take care of their own affairs,” he said.

He further stated that 43 years is a reflection of political independence while financial independence is still a challenge.

“Our nation is rich, our people should be rich. We have given away our gold, copper, gas, oil, forest and fish. It is time for us to declare financial independence,” added Sir Julius.

He said after 43 years of self-governance, it is high time for change.

“We must change the Mining Act, the Oil and Gas Act and the forestry and fisheries laws to return ownership of these resources to the people,” stated Sir Julius.

He added going forward as a country, it must be ensured that wealth from the sea, land and forest go back to the people and on this independence day, people must learn how to utilise the country’s natural wealth to become financially independent; only then can the country celebrate real independence.

Author: 
Carolyn Ure