Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has urged the people of Hela, Mendi, Nipa-Kutubu, and the wider Southern Highlands Province to embrace peace, unity, and economic independence.
The Prime Minister made the appeal during the official unveiling of a monument to Papua New Guinea’s founding father, the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, and the commissioning of the historic Independence flagpole at Walume Station.
Hosted by Imbonggu MP and Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Hon. Pila Niningi, the event brought together national leaders, members of the Somare family, and local communities.
Prime Minister Marape stated that the statue and the flagpole are more than physical monuments, adding that these monuments embodied the spirit and vision of leaders who united thousands of tribes to bring Papua New Guinea to independence on 16 September, 1975.
PM Marape credited Sir Michael as a steadying “bulldozer” who forged PNG’s national unity. The Prime Minister also recognized pioneer leaders, including Sir Yano Belo, Sir Joseph Nombri, Sir Ebia Olewale, and Sir Maori Kiki, who stood alongside Sir Michael.
The flagpole erected at Walume is the same historical mast from which the nation’s flag was first raised on Independence Hill in Port Moresby.
Prime Minister Marape challenged communities in Hela and the Southern Highlands to move away from internal conflicts and politically motivated destruction.
“Hela and Southern Highlands must change with the unveiling of this statue and the historic flagpole here at Walume Station. We must not play politics and destroy our towns and communities. We must think about others, think about our country, and work for the betterment of everyone,” he said.
He highlighted that enduring stability attracts vital services and commercial anchors like Air Niugini, Bank South Pacific (BSP), and the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC).
As he reflected on his time serving under Sir Michael, Prime Minister Marape emphasized that the current generation’s primary task is to ensure economic self-reliance. He said that while founding founders secured political independence in 1975, the country must now convert its natural resource wealth into tangible benefits for its people through Pangu Pati’s economic agenda.
The Prime Minister thanked the Imbonggu District Development Authority (DDA) and Minister Niningi for driving the tribute, alongside Lady Veronica Somare, the Somare family, and the people of East Sepik Province for sharing their leader with the nation.