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Listen to thisOn 16th September 2010, the children of Papua New Guinea (PNG) proudly celebrated their country's 35 years of political independence from Australia. On the 16th of September 1975, the forefathers of this beautiful country officially declared that, “PNG is now an independent country”. This is the important historical date with destiny the children of PNG will remember that their country was born on this day. Although, it was given on a golden plate by then Australian Labour Government with a handshake unlike many other countries of the world that had to shed blood to get this independence, our forefathers had to craft this peaceful transition of powers. Many of the forefathers had little formal education but were strong and visionary leaders. At times it was shame, unforgiving and difficult but our leaders at that time with cheer determination faced and overcame all adversities to realise their collective dream – independence.
It was reported in one of our daily newspaper that a Papua New Guinean leader who was a minister in the Self-Government of Michael Somare before independence, went to Australia for an official visit. In front of an Australian audience, he started talking about the visions for current PNG in the English Language. Before he even communicated his core message, some people in the crowd laughed at his spoken English. Obviously, they laughed at his broken English. Because he had little formal education, his spoken English was poor, but he was strong enough to bring the key message across – PNG wanted independence. He was a visionary, strong and powerful leader in his village but when he spoke in another person's language, he became a small boy. The leader realised this so at the conclusion of his speech, he said, “In my village I am a chief, but when I speak your language I am becoming a small boy. Tomorrow my son will come and when he speaks to you, you will not laugh at him". He smiled but with humiliation and shame took his seat.
The metaphor “tomorrow my son will come" is an important phrase. When the current generation of educated elites from this country reads the above leaders story, their hearts are usually broken with emotions and tears. This is because “my son" metaphorically represents them – educated Papua New Guinea elites. The simple message was that independence will open up many educational opportunities for future generations of Papua New Guineans and they will be highly educated and qualified enough to speak the English language with ease and confidence unlike himself. Independence was so special in many ways and it was the happiest days of these groups of leaders who made sure there was no struggle and bloodshed.
Although, the current children were not present to witness the events that took place on this date, I have some fond memories of what happened on that important day. The day was represented by dance and singing, visits by Prince Charles and other important dignitaries, speeches and many other activities. Despite this, however, independence really was a date with destiny full of anxiety, emotion, optimism and promise. I was only a small boy in my village and went to the government station with some of my relatives to witness the event. Although, I was excited and shared some emotions, I never had any idea of what independence meant, what to expect and what the promise was. Today's children, as they celebrate independence, may also not understand what independence means and its promise.
