Tuesday 26 August 2025
As Papua New Guinea prepares to mark its 50th Independence Anniversary, Prime Minister James Marape has issued a heartfelt call for a national reset, urging citizens to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation, and a renewed commitment to God.
Speaking to thousands gathered in Port Moresby and across the country on National Repentance Day, Prime Minister Marape invoked the enduring wisdom of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, who in 1975 declared that no human wisdom could unite PNG’s thousand tribes and 800 languages without divine guidance.
“Sir Michael told us that no human wisdom can hold this land together,” Marape said. “He said this nation must be anchored in God, and God alone. Today, standing at the threshold of our 50th year, I see the deep wisdom in his words.”
Quoting 2 Chronicles 7:14, the Prime Minister emphasized that repentance is not weakness but strength — a transformative act that must begin in the heart and ripple outward to families, communities, and institutions.
“Repentance is not lip service,” he said. “It must be anchored in true transformation — in our hearts, our families, our communities, and in the highest offices of this land.”
In a powerful moment of reflection, Prime Minister Marape revisited a declaration he made in 2019, shortly after assuming office, when he placed a symbolic curse on corruption and those who perpetuate it. On this Repentance Day, he formally withdrew that curse in an act of national healing.
“Today, I withdraw that curse word — but corruption must still be condemned. I release it to God, and I call on every leader, every public servant, and every citizen to repent and work honestly for our country.”
He also held himself accountable, stating:
“If I, as your Prime Minister, am a stumbling block to our nation’s progress, I ask God to remove me and raise up someone better to lead Papua New Guinea.”
Drawing from Leviticus 25, Marape likened PNG’s upcoming 50th year to the Biblical Jubilee — a time of restoration, renewal, and societal reset.
“In the Jubilee year, debts were cancelled, land was restored, families were reunited, and society was reset. Our 49 years are ending, and on 16 September 2025, we enter our 50th year. This is our moment to reset Papua New Guinea on God’s foundation for the next 50 years.”
He urged citizens to begin this reset at a personal level — by respecting God, one another, and the laws of the land. Families were encouraged to return to their land, build sustainable livelihoods, and instill values that will shape future generations.
“Go back to your land, plant food, build homes, and teach your children well. Our forefathers never alienated our land. It is still yours — use it.”
Marape challenged churches to lead not only in preaching but in practical action, warning against prosperity-driven teachings that lack substance. He also issued a blunt reminder to public servants:
“We, the 2% of Papua New Guineans in leadership and public service, consume 25% of the nation’s resources. If we truly love this country, we must serve with humility and honesty.”
Acknowledging the nation’s ongoing struggles with corruption, lawlessness, poverty, and inequality, he warned that PNG stands at a crossroads.
“Two roads lie before us. One leads to life and blessing. The other leads to destruction. The road to life is narrow and hard, but it is the road we must walk if we want God’s favour on our nation.”
With less than three weeks until the Jubilee milestone, Prime Minister Marape called on all Papua New Guineans — from the highlands to the islands — to embrace unity and renewal.
“From the youngest child to the oldest elder, let us forgive, restore, and reconcile. Let us march into our Jubilee as one people, one nation, one country, under one God.”
National Repentance Day, first established in 2008 under Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, has become a cornerstone of spiritual reflection. This year’s observance — the 18th since its inception — carries profound significance as the nation stands at the dawn of its next chapter.
“This is our chance to start again,” Marape concluded. “Let us choose God’s way and commit to a national reset — for our children, for our future, and for Papua New Guinea.”