Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has renewed his appeal to Papua New Guineans to embrace respect, goodwill and everyday leadership as the nation enters the Christmas and New Year festive period, reflecting on the unity displayed during the country’s historic 50th Independence celebrations.
Speaking as the year draws to a close, Prime Minister Marape said the peaceful and dignified observance of September 16 — when only the national flag was raised and no major law and order incidents were recorded — demonstrated that Papua New Guineans are capable of choosing peace and collective responsibility.
“What we saw on our 50th Independence anniversary shows that we can gravitate towards doing good for our country,” the Prime Minister said. “That spirit must not be confined to Independence Day or Christmas alone. There will always be a 17th of September, an 18th of September — life rolls on — and our character and attitude must reflect that every day.”
The Prime Minister urged citizens to make simple, practical contributions to nation-building by respecting one another and showing care within families and communities.
“If a young girl is walking on the street, she is your sister or your daughter. If a boy needs help in your community, extend a hand. Lift that boy, lift that family,” he said. “Lawlessness is contained when all of us choose to do good to one another and to our country.”
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the economic challenges facing the nation but said the Government continues to take concrete steps to support families, students and workers. He highlighted increased government spending on school fee subsidies, expanded opportunities for school dropouts, tax relief for low- and middle-income earners, removal of GST on essential household items, abolition of stamp duty for first-home buyers, and ongoing efforts to make land available for young families.
“All these efforts, however, will be in vain if society lacks goodwill,” he warned.
“Government can only do so much. A nation of great diversity like ours must continue learning how to live as one people, one nation, one country.”
The Prime Minister said the decision to suspend publicly funded government functions during the festive period was deliberate, to allow public servants and families time to reflect on their personal contribution to the nation.
“You can talk about big and fancy ideas, but in practical terms every one of us must be doing something for our country,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape said he would spend Christmas and the New Year period in his home village, noting that all Papua New Guineans ultimately belong to a family, tribe and community that together form the nation.
He made a special appeal to educated Papua New Guineans — including students, professionals and businesspeople — to provide leadership within their families and tribes, particularly in areas affected by lawlessness.
“There is no point in fighting. All of us can offer leadership, first in our families and tribes, and then society will follow,” he said. “Whether you are Grade 10 or 12, in college, university or working life — take leadership. Together we can make our country a better place.”
Prime Minister Marape said the unity displayed during Papua New Guinea’s 50th year should serve as a reminder that the nation is capable of choosing peace, responsibility and shared progress beyond ceremonial moments.
“We have shown in our first 50 years that we can do it,” he said. “Now the challenge is to live that spirit every day.”