Hello olgeta Wantoks and Friends of PNG,

How are you all?

I have just returned from a long break in POM City, quite refreshed and energized to take on another of life challenges. Rest and timeout is a fact of life, don’t burn yourselves out, productivity is proportionate to resting and reflecting.

Well, Independence is here and there is mixed feelings. Patriotism and pessimism, where do we start? As a young PNG’ean, I reflect on the challenges that I have overcome, some on their way and others which I have failed and how I have picked myself up afterwards. There are times, for instance, when I am oblivious to when there is contamination issues in the Mining sector, but should I be concern if I am not from there, has the change in mentality to becoming nationally aware a by product of our Independence? Of course it has. The point is, what is the best measure for independence, do we go looking at the GDP, cash flow, and all economic indicates to describe our independence? To measure status of PNG after 32 years how can we confidently say there is hope and that I am proud to be PNGean?

There is no unique answer to such universal questions, however to reach a perception, I believe the key lies in individual reflection relative to independence. When we individually contemplate the past, present and future, we identify problems and develop solutions that are attainable. If 50 people reflect and solve the same problem individually, synergy will develop and the effect will naturally diffuse throughout the entire populous.

Having said that, after independence, social, education, health and economic atmosphere, just to name a few, were formed and molded. It’s inevitable that those “atmospheric” characteristics will imprint on us young PNGeans and will be carried over to the next generation. The question is - has these atmosphere prepared us to advocate change? Has it made us more aware of our surrounding and given us enough will to be pragmatist, innovators and not just observers?

Now after 32 years of independence and reflecting on my simple few years of existence, I think that more young people of this age are aware and concern about our Nation. They are more enthusiastic and knowledgeable about PNG systems as compared to the young people of 32 years ago. This is the HOPE for PNG. The ‘Do it our way’ attitude is now emerging and taking root. So I say, If PNG is going to develop independently and uniquely, we have to do it aggressively, passionately and fiercely to reach global standards. It may mean we have to be uncompromisingly competitive.

Having said that, there are many issues that are thorns in our development, AIDS and Guns Issues are two of the many. These two issues have unequivocal potential to be deadly to PNG’s development. Poverty inter-locks and sustains these two issues. I firmly believe that once we are empowered and have the opportunity, other issues from poverty illegal logging to corruption with naturally be dealt with.

Anyway, I hope those random thoughts have setoff firing neuron in the brains.

Happy 32nd independence PNG, may we use the blessing that God has blessed us with before our nation was conceived.

Kindest regards,

Admin
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Great thoughts, all the best for Independence Day celebrations where ever you are.

It has been a long time since I stepped on PNG soil. Life as I experienced it was memorable and was life changing in many many ways.

The down fall as I see it, are the politicians. It was disappointing to see that Somara was again elected, I feel he is there for himself and not for the great good of the country, but "elling off" PNG.

Just my thoughts...

cheers

Latest news is that the National Court this afternoon threw Somare's application seeking to nullify the PNGDF Moti Inquiry Report out.

However, even with the threat looming on horizon for the recommendations of criminal charges be laid against Somare for directing PNGDF soldiers to fly out Moti, Somare still holds his head high at international summits etc as though nothing happened...On the contrary, Japan MP Shinzo Abe resigned today with some dignity....possible not the PNG's chief!

Yes, its independence and you all have a great celebrations for our nation.

I remember back at home in my village 10yrs ago, independence day celebrations start on fridays with traditional dancing. The traditional dancing continues 2 days untill a huge feast to mark the end of the celebrations.

Usually, anywhere from 5-15pigs, 20 maganis and all other food stuff..it was a great time. Unfortunately, these days they just pump-up-da-jam with boom boxes and live musik...

May we value our cultures and traditions when we reflect this independence.

regards
kolwan