Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) has officially commenced its Hamamas Week celebrations today, celebrating Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary with vibrant cultural festivities, heartfelt reflections, and a renewed commitment to national progress.
General Manager Strategy, Business Development & Optimisation, Alan Bong, officially opened the celebration on behalf of Managing Director and Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit, and the Executive Leadership Team.
“For five decades our country PNG has stood tall and strong, weathering all sorts of storms. While we are going through these storms and challenges, we have achieved progress, and we must be proud of who we are,” Mr Bong said.
“Lest we forget, let us remember the sacrifices of our founding fathers, like Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Grand Chief Sir Julius Chan and all the others, who worked tirelessly for our Independence and freedom. We honour their great legacy, their courage and their vision. We must not forget what they did for this nation.
“With the full assurance and support of Mr Ilimbit and the Executive Leadership Team, I would like you all to go out there and celebrate in the next seven days the progress the country has made over the past fifty years.”
Mr Bong exhorted everyone to commit to the sovereignty of the nation.
“Truly it demands self-determination and the pursuit of happiness and good lives for us, our children, and our children’s children.
“Our founding fathers have given us freedom and independence. They have set up a lot of things and it is now upon us. Fellow Papua New Guineans, it is our time now. Let us continue to build our nation. Let us continue to bring progress. So that we can see a Papua New Guinea that is fair and equitable, safe and indeed progressing.”
He said although many social media pundits are labelling PNG as a failed state, but he thinks otherwise.
“Papua New Guinea is not a failed state. It will continue to progress in the next fifty years.
“Let us draw strength from our past and look forward to the future with hope and interest. PNG is a rich country with a lot of potential, and must work together to create a brighter future, where our children can inherit a better PNG. The future of this country depends on all of us, you and me.
“Happy 50th Independence Anniversary to everyone and May our beloved Papua New Guinea continue to flourish!” Mr Bong said.
The Hamamas Week will run until the 16th of September in Tabubil; and will include craft markets, traditional singsing and dance performances from across PNG, comedy shows, string band performances, battle of the band and entertainment from about seven popular PNG artists, including Augustine Emil and Mal Meninga Kuri. The festivities will conclude with fireworks on the evening of Independence Day.
Ok Tedi is 100% PNG owned and is proud to have grown with the nation and is committed to support and contribute to nation-building in the next 50 years.