PARLIAMENT HOUSE, THURSDAY, 30 JANUARY 2025
My fellow Papua New Guineans,
Today, we gather at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. As we stand on the threshold of our 50th Independence Anniversary, we are reminded of the remarkable journey that has brought us to where we are today.
We celebrate our independence, won on September 16, 1975, after years of struggle and determination. We honor the sacrifices of our founding fathers and mothers, who fought tirelessly for our nation’s sovereignty.
As we reflect on our past, we acknowledge the wisdom of our ancestors, the resilience of our communities, and the determination of each generation to build a better future. Our Constitution, crafted by the Constitutional Planning Committee, has been our guiding light, upholding the principles of democracy, human rights, and self-determination.
However, as we celebrate this milestone, we are also met with sadness.
Today, we mourn the passing of our second Prime Minister, Sir Julius Chan, the last man standing from the generation that birthed PNG in 1975.
It has been my most unpleasant tasks, that, during the tenure of my position as the Prime Minister, I have had to preside over the passing of Sir Michael Somare, Sir Mekere Morauta, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, and now Sir Julius – our first lot of prime ministers. It is clear that our nation is transitioning into another phase of our journey as an independent country. This also means the responsibility upon the shoulders of present leadership both in Government and Public Service will now be greater felt by all of us.
To Lady Stella, children, grandchildren, and the people of the New Ireland Province, I offer my sincerest condolences. May you find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will live on in our hearts and in the foundation he helped lay for our nation.
In honor of his memory and the memories of all our founding fathers and mothers, we will observe a one-week period of National Mourning, starting immediately. May this time of reflection and remembrance bring us closer together as a nation and remind us of the sacrifices made by those who came before us.
As we move forward, let this 50th anniversary remind us that our nation’s strength has always come from its people – from the wisdom of our ancestors, the resilience of our communities, and the determination of each generation to build a better future.
Let us celebrate our rich cultural heritage – not as separate tribes, but as a united nation proud of its traditions, its democracy, and its vision for the future.
Let us embrace reconciliation, not just in words but in action, ensuring that no Papua New Guinean is left behind.
And let us be inspired – not just for today, but for the next 50 years – to build a nation of peace, prosperity, and unity.
Together, let us move forward. Together, let us celebrate our history and inspire our future.
God bless Papua New Guinea. Thank you.