AGENCIES CELEBRATE 50YRS
The Department of Personnel Management (DPM) took centre stage as the agencies housed Central Government Building to celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary — a golden jubilee milestone marking half a century of nationhood.
As the lead agency, DPM brought together fellow departments and agencies, including the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority (ICA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Office of Censorship, to reflect on the nation’s achievements since 1975 and reaffirm the public service’s responsibility in shaping the next 50 years.
Department of Personnel Management Secretary, Taies Sansan in her address to the whole of government highlighted importance of a strong and empowered public service moving forward.
“Our future rests in the hands of the public service,” Ms Sansan said. “We must empower ourselves to rise above challenges, strengthen our institutions, and ensure that our people benefit from an honest, effective, and accountable public sector. This year is not only about celebrating how far we have come, but about committing to the next 50 years with discipline, courage, and integrity.”
In his keynote address Mr Wep Kanawi, a highly esteemed veteran in the public servant whose remarkable career spans over 45 years highlighted that as the country has progressed in the last 50 years so have the man power in our public service today.
He said “Back then, there were a lesser number of public servants, a much lower annual budget to operate with, but a lot of pride in service to the country. Today, there are more public servants who account for billions of Kina in public expenditure but that unfortunately does not translate into efficient and effective delivery of services.”
“While the public service has gone through a lot of trials and tribulations, we can only move forward, with better reforms to ensure that the public service benefits citizens and exist to improve the quality of life for everyone.
Also present, Chief Secretary to Government, Isaac Pomeleu, emphasized the enduring role of the public service: “Our work is therefore clear: to carry forward the reforms, to work harder and smarter, and to deliver on the Government’s priorities with discipline and integrity. By doing so, we honour both the sacrifices of our founding leaders and the aspirations of our people.”
ICAC Commissioner, Thomas Eluh, urged public servants to act with courage and integrity: “We must not be afraid to speak up and do the right thing even when no one is watching. Corruption must be reported and rooted out at every level. The next 50 years of public service must be one full of courage, discipline, and unwavering service to the country.”
Adding to the spirit of unity, Chief Censor Jim Abani presented each department with gifts of food, reminding all present that “no matter where we come from, we are all Papua New Guineans — we are a united people.”
The event was brought to life with entertainment by The DeJays from Tubusereia village in Central Province, alongside cultural performances from Manus, Tari, Central, and Morobe singsing groups, showcasing the nation’s rich diversity.
With DPM at the forefront, the golden jubilee celebration concluded with a collective pledge by the whole of government to build a smarter, fairer, safer, and more prosperous Papua New Guinea for generations to come.