Prime Minister James Marape received a rousing and colourful welcome in his home electorate of Tari-Pori, Hela Province, as he returned from the nation’s historic 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Port Moresby on18 September.
Thousands gathered in traditional attire, with singsing groups and community members filling Tari with the spirit of celebration and unity.
The Prime Minister’s arrival followed the highly successful Golden Jubilee celebrations in Port Moresby and across Papua New Guinea, which showcased the nation’s unity, diversity and resilience since independence on 16 September 1975.
Speaking to the jubilant crowd, Prime Minister Marape reflected on the journey of Papua New Guinea over the last five decades and set out his vision for the future — one centred on economic independence, strong faith and quality education.
“Our political independence was delivered by Sir Michael Somare and our founding fathers in 1975,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Now, our generation’s responsibility is to deliver economic independence for Papua New Guinea. By 2030, I aim for our country to reach a K200 billion economy, K300 billion by 2035 and K500 billion by 2045. That is my task as Prime Minister and it is a responsibility I will not shy away from.”
The Prime Minister stressed that while his Government is committed to building a stronger economy and creating opportunities, the true strength of the nation lies in its people. He called on citizens across the country to embrace two vital institutions — the Church and Education.
“Today, I reminded our people in Tari that the future of Papua New Guinea rests on two pillars: God and Education,” Prime Minister Marape said. “I stand here as living proof of what faith and schooling can do. From a barefoot boy with no English in a remote corner of our country in 1975, I have been carried by God’s grace and the power of education to serve as your Prime Minister today. That is why every child must go to Church and go to School.”
The Prime Minister announced that under the Government’s Medium Term Development Plan IV, a Grade 12 Certificate will be institutionalised as the minimum benchmark of educational achievement for young people across the nation. This will ensure that every child is equipped with the knowledge and skills to participate in the modern economy and contribute positively to society.
He further called upon Provincial Governments, particularly Hela, to partner with the National Government in strengthening Churches and Schools. “Churches provide the moral values and strong character that our nation needs, while education equips our children with the skills and empowerment to live meaningful lives and build our country,” he said.
As the crowd cheered, Prime Minister Marape reassured them that the journey beyond 50 years of Independence will be one of shared responsibility. “My job is to work for economic independence, but for the rest of our people, the call is to work hard, save hard, stay united and keep faith in God. Together, we will create a prosperous Papua New Guinea,” he declared.
The atmosphere in Tari was festive, as cultural groups and families expressed pride in their Prime Minister and in the nation’s Golden Jubilee. The event was described by many as a true reflection of the “PNG spirit” — colourful, passionate and united in diversity.
As Papua New Guinea steps into its next fifty years, Prime Minister Marape’s message from Tari was clear: economic independence will be achieved only if every child is grounded in faith and education and every citizen takes ownership of the nation’s destiny.
