‘Independence demands action’: Basil

Bulolo MP Sam Basil Jr says Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence anniversary should be a time for citizens to reflect on what they are doing to improve their communities and the country.

In his Independence message, Basil said Independence was not only about celebrating freedom but also about taking responsibility for the future.

“It is our individual contribution and what we do every day that contributes to our common good and determines our value as the people of Bulolo and PNG,” Basil said.

He said Bulolo had changed significantly since independence, but many of the district’s development challenges remained. Basil pointed to the condition of roads, limited access to services, employment opportunities, law and order, education and the need to strengthen agriculture and other income-generating activities.

He also reflected on Bulolo’s history, noting that the district once had a busy airstrip, theatres, libraries, stores and other services during its mining and forestry development. He said the challenge now was for Papua New Guineans to build on that history and create communities that could meet today’s needs.

Basil said his focus in Bulolo included health supplies, support for schools, food and cash crops, which he described as investments in social and economic empowerment.

“These are small activities and programs and we may not see the results now or in five years,” he said. “But if we continue and our people become strong and healthy, respect the law and ensure order, we can have strong independent communities with improved living standards.”

Basil also called on leaders at political, government, business, church and community levels to have a clear vision and make a difference in the lives of the people they serve. He said citizens also had a responsibility to respect other people, their property and privacy to maintain safe and secure communities.

“Every leader at every level of leadership ... must have a vision of how we want to make a difference in the lives of the people which we lead,” he said.

Basil thanked past and present political leaders, churches, businesses and communities for their contribution to Bulolo’s development. He said the district’s future would depend on the combined efforts of its people.

“We will continue to celebrate our Independence and our destiny, if we also continue to contribute our bit,” he said.