Samarai-Murua MP and Tourism, Art and Culture Minister Isi Henry Leonard called on his people of Sidudu and surrounding areas of Sariba island to harness the spirit of unity as the nation observes 47 years of independence.
He made these remarks while attending the Sidudu Primary School 50th anniversary celebration on Sariba Island which coincided with the country’s independence celebrations on Independence Day on Friday.
Hon. Henry echoed the memories of the lowering of the flag in 1975 while attending Cameron High School and how as students they paraded in the rain while in that initial independence ceremony. Adding that the spirit of independence had descended upon them as a people as they witnessed the birth of a new nation. He said it was a one-off experience that would never be witnessed again as the Australian flag was lowered and the PNG flag was hoisted for the first time as it marked a very significant moment in the birth of a country.
“Today I stand here, I still feel that spirit in me. “Not only that I wear the colours of PNG, but the spirit that I witnessed that day, it was so emotional and moving because I witnessed my birth as a nation. I still feel the spirit of Independence,” he said. He compared the birthing of a nation to that of a woman giving birth to a child, that after a painful experience, a joyful moment will come upon you.
Leonard challenged the students and those gathered during the 50th anniversary of the Sariba/Sidudu Primary School in his district to take education seriously. He said education and acquiring knowledge and skills would ensure they had a place in the global community. Stressing that it was the responsibility of all those involved including parents, students and teachers to make this happen.
Leonard congratulated the people of Sidudu/Sariba on the 50th anniversary of the primary school and thanked his people for re-electing him into Parliament. He also thanked the Marape/Rosso government for showing confidence in his leadership in reappointing him as Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister.