MARAPE CALLS FOR PEACE, ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE AND UNITY IN SHP AND HELA.

Prime Minister James Marape has urged the people of Hela, Mendi, Nipa-Kutubu, and the wider Southern Highlands Province to embrace peace, unity, and economic independence as Imbonggu District unveils the monument of Papua New Guinea’s founding father, the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare in Walume Station recently.

Marape challenged communities in Hela and the Southern Highlands to move away from internal conflicts and politically motivated destruction, stressing that they must change with the unveiling of the founding fathers statue and the historic flagpole 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 of South Pacific, and the Internal Revenue Commission.  

As the Prime Minister reflected on his time serving under Sir Michael, he emphasized that the current generation’s primary task is to ensure economic self-reliance.

“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, PM Mapare said.

The Prime Minister further thanked the Imbonggu District Development Authority and Minister Pila Niningi for driving the tribute, alongside Lady Veronica Somare, the Somare family, and the people of East Sepik Province for sharing their father and leader with the nation.