"I have a story for the 43th independence day," writes Paul Paraka

by PAUL PARAKA

THE date 16th September 1975 is significant to us all and is much more for those of us who lived that time to feel it's significance as it unfolded on that day with all the fanfare and excitement of the history making moment.

I was then about 7 years old doing grade 2 in my home village in Baiyer in the Western Highlands Province.I was and I'm fortune enough to live the 43 yrs of independence anniversary celebrations and have seen it all and I'm able to speak out some of my thoughts.

Independence means freedom from all forms of domination. PNG marked its freedom from domination from our political masters in September 1975.It was a defining day that was to start the process of our political freedom as we pursued our own home grown economic growth and prosperity built on the strength of our communal and existing social and tribal structures United by the strength of our many unique cultural traditions and varying Customs that defines us as a nation different from others in the planet.

The forefathers who planned and negotiated for that day were "visionary" leaders and their instinct and thinking process were guided by what was good for the future of an independent PNG and its people.

An independent PNG was as easy as was given;what was left in our hands was to chart our way through with all vigor and determination was economic growth and a prosperous life for all PNGans.

The drivers of our progressive PNG laid in the hands and the qualities of our political leaders and the strength of our public service institutional fundamentals.

Have our political leaders and public servants served well and with distinction and delivered over the years?In my honest view the answer is a resounding "yes"! Credit to all our leaders who were there at different times In the last 43 years to make it happen;PNG has grown from a seed of independence in 1975 to where we are now no doubt,and how fast and how big in terms of its economic base and physical infrastructural changes is debatable with different views,but the fact is we have changed and progressed absolutely no doubt!

Yes we know many parts of rural/remote PNG is lacking behind and we all know a lot has to be done.And we all also know that the cash flow constraints is a major factor for any Gov in the past 43 years.Having big plans and policies is one thing and having the cash flow to drive it will always be a draw back factor till we are able to with God's grace find the ultimate major mineral or petroleum/gas discovery in this country the size of some of the big producers in the Arab world whilst at the same time investing substantially in the agriculture and Fisheries sectors as a long term sustainable economic base. 

All the past political and bureaucratic leaders deserve credit from us all where it is due for driving us this far from what little they had and could manage with.
For us the next generational leaders, ours is dreaming about taking the country forward and further to the next 43 years;We must have discussions about what each one of us can do to progress the nation to the next level.

Driving growth in the private sector is essential in growing a nation and improving its tax base.Every efforts must be made by all Gov now and future to encourage,nurture and strengthen the private sector in all the different industries so that more jobs and business opportunities are created so that our educated population are absorbed and well used to help each of their tribes/communities and the nation of PNG can be collectively progressed
Our forefathers of independence crafted our national constitution to guide the new PNG into prosperity;integral human development was an important national goal set out at the beginning of the constitution. 

Our leaders saw that educating our kids into future leaders of the country in business and Gov was key to development and progress;and they were right absolutely;to ensure that every citizen and people were able to develop themselves into their full potential in society building with out their rights being infringed upon,the forefathers charted in the constitution a comprehensive sets of civil and political rights.

FULL PROTECTION OF THE LAWS AND DUE PROCESS is one such constitutional right for all citizens.That means what every one does must be obedient and in accordance with all the Laws of Parliament.Even all Gov authorities including politicians must abide by and follow the Laws when dealing with citizens and businesses.

Unfortunately Paraka Lawyers who tried to live that "PNG Independence Dream" in the new PNG became a victim of institutional power abuse and politics of destruction at unprecedented level in the last 5 yrs.

Once the single largest local law firm in the new PNG which prided itself for providing over 2000 jobs to young PNGans right throughout PNG every single year was destroyed by political and profession opponents out of jealousy; 25 years of my handwork in creating an institution of choice for PNGans young lawyers and others was destroyed by our own so called political leaders;2000 young kids lost their jobs 5 years ago in 2013!!

Paraka lawyers was destroyed by false accusations without according the full protection of the Laws and institutional and political abuse of power,the very reason why that law was inserted into the constitution as a human civil rights capable of enforcement.
The question now I want to leave for you all is,as the today's politicians lived up to the real meaning and spirit of "PNG independence" born 43 years ago?

Friends I'll post all the institutional abuses and abuses of political power that caused the destruction of Paraka Lawyers tomorrow and all the lawful steps I'm taking to deal with my enemies.My full story will be published as Well!

Goodnight and happy independence!!