Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has issued a heartfelt call to the 2025 graduating class of the Bomana Correctional Service Training College to serve Papua New Guinea with loyalty, pride, and national purpose, describing their graduation as a historic milestone in this 50th year of independence.

Speaking during the passing-out parade of 158 new Correctional Service officers, Prime Minister Marape congratulated the graduates on completing their training and reminded them of the national significance of their calling.

“You have made yourselves proud, your families proud, and most importantly, your country proud,” the Prime Minister said. “You are not an ordinary class – you graduate in the year your country celebrates 50 years of independence. That makes you special. You are the generation who must now take this country forward.”

Addressing an audience that included Correctional Services Minister, the Acting Commissioner of CS, the Commander of Bomana Training College, Solomon Islands High Commissioner, and invited dignitaries, Prime Minister Marape called on the graduates to embrace their national duties with integrity and a spirit of service above self.

“Take this moment to pledge your full loyalty – not to your tribe, not to your province, not to your family – but to your country,” he urged. “We must recalibrate our mindset and reset our nation as we celebrate our Golden Jubilee. This starts with those of us in public service.”

He likened his role as Prime Minister not to that of a king or ruler, but as the “number one servant of the country,” welcoming the new officers into the wider family of public servants committed to nation-building.

Prime Minister Marape emphasised the crucial role of Correctional Services in addressing systemic issues such as unemployment, illiteracy, and tribalism, describing the institution as a frontline agency for “correcting the fault lines of our society that are turning into lawlessness.

“CS must not be at the back – it must come to the front,” he said. “You are not in uniform for yourself, your family or your province. You wear it in the service of the country.”

He called on the Correctional Service Department and the broader Law and Justice Sector to reposition the institution as a “positive human resource contributor” to the nation’s future.

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the officers who have served since 1975, thanking them on behalf of all past Prime Ministers, and acknowledging their contribution to peace, order, and nation-building.

“To all warders who have served since independence, we thank you,” he said. “To the graduating class of 2025 – go forth to your stations with pride, knowing you are sons and daughters of Papua New Guinea, deployed to make a positive impact.”

He closed by invoking God’s blessing on the graduates, their families, the Correctional Services Department, and the entire country.

“May God bless the graduating class of 2025 in this special year of our independence. May God bless Papua New Guinea always.”