Prime Minister James Marape said Papua New Guinea must build a culture of performance, discipline and accountability.
In his 51st Independence message, PM Marape said Corruption is another form of laziness as it seeks wealth without honest work.
“When I say everyone must work it means do honest work. Without honest work, those who steal public money are stealing medicine from our hospitals, books from our children, roads from our farmers and opportunities for our young people.
In our next 50 years, we must build a culture of performance, discipline, accountability and service. Every kina belonging to our people must work for the people,” PM Marape said.
PM Marape said “On the 51st anniversary, I want to speak directly to our people according to the different stages of our lives. Each generation has a particular responsibility in building Papua New Guinea we want.
To all Papua New Guineans, all my children under the age of 25, your primary responsibility is to seek an education, develop your character and acquire useful skills.
Education is your highway to life. Who would have thought a young boy, 1978 in James Marape, walking two hours a day in remote part of our country, would today be addressing you as the 8th Prime Minister of our country on our 51st Independence.
Education is your highway to life. If I could walk the education highway and today stand as Prime Minister, you two out there, to all my children of Papua New Guinea, many of you showed up this morning in your outfits as proud patriotic daughters and sons of our country, I put to you this one question today.
Your work is education. If you are in school, stay in school, work and study hard”.
The Prime Minister encouraged young Papua New Guineans to respect their parents and teachers, honour their parents and teachers, attend classes with their books, use technology to learn and not to destroy their mind.
“Do not waste your young life on alcohol, marijuana, gambling, pornography, trouble fighting or crime. If you have completed grade 8, 10 or 12 and have not secured a place, do not become discouraged or give up.
Our government has opened second chance learning in a very big way. Seek vocational and technical training, learn carpentry, plumbing, mechanics, electrical work, agriculture, tourism, ICT, media, construction or other practical skills that will scale you for life. Not every child will follow the same education pathway or academic pathway,” he said.
He added that “Some are gifted in science and mathematics, some are gifted in every trade or other trades rather, agriculture, sports, music, art, technology or business areas every child of our country can pursue.
I speak to the education department, our system must recognise these different abilities and give every child an opportunity to develop his or her full potential”.
