February 26, 2024
Dear Citizens of Papua New Guinea,
As we observe the third anniversary of the departure of Great Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare on Monday, February 26, 2024, our nation finds itself navigating through some of its most-challenging times.
Recent days have witnessed tragic losses in Wapenamenda, Enga. Furthermore, on January 10, 2024, Port Moresby was engulfed in significant rioting, looting, and arson. Currently, we are also facing a vote-of-no-confidence against my administration.
It is a poignant irony that on February 26, 2021, the day we mourned the loss of our Founding Father and first Prime Minister, Papua New Guinea united as One Country, One People, One Nation.
As we honor Sir Michael during this third anniversary of his passing, it’s clear he would be disheartened by the present state of our nation. Especially as we approach our 50th year of Independence in 2025, his vision as our Father of Independence resonates strongly.
I call upon every Papua New Guinean to honor Sir Michael’s legacy by coming together to fortify, not fracture, our nation.
Sir Michael, embodying the Sana tradition of peace from his Karau village in East Sepik, set an example we must all aspire to, aiming for a prosperous Papua New Guinea.
His era of leadership laid the groundwork for our cherished independence.
They constructed the foundation of Papua New Guinea, a nation that, over 49 years, has faced challenges including lawlessness, corruption, and a diminishing respect for mutual values.
As we reflect on Sir Michael’s legacy, let’s consider the reasons behind our collective mourning. It is his impartation of pride and national unity, inspiring us with the belief in a better nation forged through consensus and teamwork.
I commit to Papua New Guinea, as we gear up for our 50th anniversary of nationhood, that my leadership will inject new life into our democracy and rejuvenate our shared home.
Facing vast challenges like lawlessness, a population outpacing economic growth, we are striving to expand our economy. Initiatives are underway to provide further educational opportunities for school leavers and to bolster SME development among others.
These efforts are in pursuit of preserving the vision of Sir Michael, who led us to Independence and set the foundation for economic autonomy with projects like the PNG LNG Project.
Inheriting the mantle as the current Prime Minister and leader of the Pangu Pati, which Sir Michael founded in 1967 and steered us towards independence, I am dedicated to achieving economic independence for Papua New Guinea, following in the footsteps of Sir Michael’s political independence legacy in 1975. This includes retiring our debts, ensuring our people’s active economic participation, and resolving law-and-order challenges.
Sir Michael was a unifying force for Papua New Guinea.
In his memory, let us unite to strengthen our nation, not tear it apart.
May the spirit of Sir Michael Somare inspire us all to dedicate ourselves more fervently to the prosperity of Papua New Guinea.