MARAPE’S 51ST ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE: “NOGAT LES MAN”

CAPTION: PRIME Minister James Marape delivers his National address during the Flag Raising Ceremony at Independence Hill this morning.

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL

PRIME Minister James Marape delivered a stern message of hard work at Independence Hill this morning as Papua New Guinea celebrates its 51st Independence Anniversary.

In his National Address, Marape told the nation there should be “Nogat Les Man”, no lazy people in Papua New Guinea.
The Prime Minister said the message starts with the public sector, through the private sector, business and all sectors of the country.He specifically challenged young people under the age of 25 to rise up and build the nation by going back to basics – working the land, tapping into agriculture and labour-intensive sectors that will help grow the economy.

“Work to achieve greatness going into the next 50 years,” he said, urging both young and old not to be lazy.

Prime Minister Marape highlighted his recent historic drive along the Trans-National Highway, connecting Port Moresby to Lae through Gulf Province and Morobe Province to the Highlands region.

He said the Government had invested heavily in roads, including K792 million for the Lae-Nadzab four-lane road, because highways are the economic lifeline of the country.

He shared stories of women and communities he met along the highway who were grateful for the new road connection – a connection many have waited for since Independence in 1975.

“We can do it,” Marape said, noting that God has blessed PNG with abundant land and resources, but progress will stall unless attitudes change from laziness to hard work.

The address was delivered at the Flag Raising Ceremony at Independence Hill, Waigani, as part of official 51st anniversary celebrations.