MP Iguan urges Markham to celebrate, not criticize

The 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations are underway in the Markham District. Local MP, Koni Iguan, launched the celebration at their HQ on Monday this week.

The celebrations began with 44 schools holding pre-Independence activities, followed by sports competitions in the Local Level Governments [LLGs]. The events will conclude with a three-day main celebration at Mutzing Station on the 15th, 16th, and 17th.

Deputy Speaker and Markham MP, when speaking to his officers, challenged them with the theme for this year, which is to break free.

"If you're slacking off on your duties, it's time for you to improve and become better", Iguan said.

"After 50 years now, Papua New Guinea has achieved a lot of milestones in all sectors because our forefathers dreamed that one day, Papua New Guinea, this nation would produce doctors, lawyers, pilots, engineers, and by far as a country, we've achieved that, so we have a reason to celebrate despite negative criticisms."

He described those people who are going against this year's celebrations as people who are ungrateful and ignorant of the realities this country has achieved so far, discouraging the Markham people against negative attitudes

"For those citizens who wish not to celebrate the day, they might be supporting the vandalism of public services that the government has brought into respective wards in the districts." Iguan said.

He added, "Papua New Guinea is now at the crossroads, and as individuals, what have we contributed to this country?"

Igaun encouraged all to make this 50th as a momentous celebration, as it comes only once, and that will be their story to tell their next generation in the next 50 years, as he recalled celebrating the first Independence.

Markham District Administrator, Willie Pilailo, told his team to slow down normal office work during the celebrations and return to regular duties after the main events are over.

44Schools each received their portion that the DDA has allocated from the K151,000.00. Schools include primary, secondary, and technical schools, except elementary schools.

The 4 Local Level Governments, Umi, Atzera, Onga Waffa, and Wantoat, are also staging their sporting activities. But all are asked to join the main celebration, starting with a big spiritual gathering on the 15th to thank the good Lord for the 50 years of the country, followed by schools' marching parade and other live band performances during the 16th, and ending with traditional singing on the 17th at the Mutzing station.