Rosso asks what comes next

Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP, John Rosso, addressing people during his 51st Independence speech (Image: Supplied)

Papua New Guinea must now look beyond its first 51 years of independence and decide what it wants for the generations ahead, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso says.

Rosso, who is also the Lae MP, was the principal guest at Lae’s 51st Independence anniversary celebration at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium on Wednesday.

In his speech, Rosso reflected on 16 September 1975 and his memories of watching the Australian flag come down and the Papua New Guinean flag rise.

He paid tribute to the leaders who guided the country to independence, including Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Sir Julius Chan.

Rosso said Papua New Guinea had achieved independence peacefully despite its many languages, cultures and communities.

Lae MP John Rosso going through a guard of honor *(Image: Supplied)*

He said that unity remained important as the country entered its next 50 years.

“What do we want for the next 50 years?” Rosso asked.

He said Independence Day should be more than a celebration. It should also be a time for Papua New Guineans to think about the country they want to leave for their children and grandchildren.

Rosso also remembered former Lae MP and Morobe leader Songar Luthawake, whose first anniversary of death falls this week.

He urged Papua New Guineans to remember the sacrifices of earlier generations while taking responsibility for the country’s future.