Prime Minister James Marape has called on all citizens to take pride in their country by putting a stop to the bad habits of betelnut spitting and littering in public places as Papua New Guinea prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence. Marape urged everyone to embrace a cleaner, healthier and more respectful environment as a tribute to PNG’s progress over the past 5 decades. “As we prepare to mark this historic milestone, let us reflect on who we are and what kind of country we want to be.” He said that we cannot continue to celebrate our independence while our streets, public places and buildings are covered in betelnut stains and litter. "These are small but significant actions that reflect our respect for our communities and our pride in being a Papua New Guinean.” Marape further emphasized that maintaining cleanness requires transformation of the mindset and a commitment to personal responsibility from every citizen. “Changes starts with each of us. Whether you are a street vendor, public servant, student or a parent -we all have a duty to keep our towns, cities and villages clean. When you chew betelnut, do so responsibly. Dispose of your waste properly. Don’t spit on the streets, walls or public places. These small actions make a big difference in how we present ourselves as a nation.” He added that cleaning up the public spaces is not just the job of local authorities or cleaning crews but a shared responsibility for every citizen. “Don’t wait for someone to clean up after you. Show your pride in PNG by keeping it clean,” said Marape. The Prime Minister also highlighted some of the health risks that are associated with betelnut chewing and littering of betelnut husk and plastic waste. “Betelnut spitting contributes to the spread of diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) and oral cancer. It also makes our public spaces dirty and unpleasant. Littering clogs our drains, pollutes our rivers and harms our environment. These issues impact our health, our economy and our future.” To mark the 50th Independence Anniversary, the government launched a nationwide cleanliness campaign aimed to promote responsible waste management, anti-littering awareness and betelnut free public spaces. Marape is calling on local governments, churches, schools and community leaders to join this effort and work together to clean up the towns and villages, not just for this anniversary but for future generations. Prime Minister Marape reminded the citizens that cleanliness and respect for public spaces are key indications of a nation's progress. “Papua New Guinea is 50 years old. We are no longer a young nation. We have matured, we have grown, and now it is time to show the world that we are proud of who we are and where we come from,” he said. “Let us make our streets, our towns and our villages a reflection of that pride. Let us celebrate our Independence by honoring our land, respecting each other and keeping PNG clean.