by Fabian Hakalits – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, says Papua New Guinea is a land of opportunity and responsibility.
As the country’s Chief Executive, he wants to see change in the coming years, a government that is more responsible in bringing change.
As the new year is approaching, mandated leaders must take ownership in advancing this nation.
The National Government is committed to improving its service delivery mechanism. With more focus on infrastructure development, other renewable sectors are also important that can generate income capita for every Papua New Guinean.
“We were elected in 2012 – based on our commitments to improve the lives of people in our country. We will continue to work to deliver the services of government, and we will continue to make Papua New Guinea a better place. As a Government we take seriously the responsibility that you, the people, have bestowed upon us,” he said.
Resources will be explored to generate more opportunities for wealth in agriculture, marine, downstream processing for exports, development of a petrochemical industry and processing sites for fish and other agricultural exports.
“As a Government, we have a responsibility to our people, to make the best use of these resources. This means developing better downstream processing for our exports so we add value. We will, for example, develop a petrochemical industry in our country; and we will process more of our fish and agricultural exports in Papua New Guinea.
Education and health will remain a priority with law and order a focus,” he said.
New disciplinary policies and structure to restore the police constabulary will be implemented in 2016 and one of them, ‘one strike and you are out’ policy.
“There is no doubt that a lot more needs to be done in improving our police service. We have already reopened the Bomana training college and new police are now on our streets.
“Then in March we will introduce legislation to target and combat ill-discipline by police men and women. We will have a ‘one strike and you are out’ policy.
“The people of our country have had enough of ill-discipline from police. We need to restore honour in our constabulary,” he said.
The Prime Minister said all eyes will be on PNG, as host to major international events.
In 2016, the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Leaders Meeting, FIFA Women’s under 20 World Cup and the 2018 APEC Summit.
“Ours is truly a great nation – a nation of great opportunity.”
Mr O’Neill says all these will be implemented under the Alotau Accord for unity, hope, stability and prosperity.
“This was our “Platform for Action” and we have implemented 80% of these commitments,” he said.
