PM MARAPE OFFICIALLY WITNESSES FLAG RAISING CEREMONY AS PM

By Josu Kim

Prime Minister James Marape this morning officially witnessed the flag raising ceremony of the Independence Day for the first time as the eight Prime Minister of the country at the Independence Hill in Port Moresby.

Before hundreds of Port Moresby residents who flocked in as early as 4am this morning, Mr Marape attended to the occasion along with respective parliamentarians, government agencies heads, the diplomatic core, religious leaders, school students and members of the general public.
The 7.5 x 6 metre flag was blessed by His Eminence Cardinal Sir John Ribat before it was carried by members of the disciplinary forces to be raised on the highest flag pole in the southern hemisphere on Independence Hill.

Students from the La Salle College and Gordons Secondary School led the singing of the national anthem along with the national pledge before the Prime Minister made the official speech.
Mr Marape told the audience in his official speech that while the country celebrates its 44th anniversary of political independence, the current government is putting its first priority on gaining economic independence.

Mr Marape while admitting the short comings as a young nation, says there are good opportunities to do well and working productively will see this nation through.