Deputy PM Rosso: Attitude Change Key to PNG’s Next 50 Years

As Papua New Guinea prepares to mark 50 years of independence this September 16th, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso has called for a mindset shift.  His speech moved beyond traditional celebrations, issuing a powerful call for individual and collective attitude change as the nation looks to its future.

While acknowledging the significant strides the nation has made in its half-century, Rosso said the future of PNG hinges on a fundamental shift in how its citizens approach their responsibilities.

The Deputy Prime Minister’s speech, delivered amidst the launch of independence celebrations, moved beyond the usual political fanfare. He passionately articulated a vision where national progress isn’t solely dependent on leaders, but on the everyday actions and mindset of every Papua New Guinean. Rosso’s direct, almost folksy style, resonated as he challenged the prevailing culture of blame.

“A lot of people blame politicians,” he conceded, accepting “some of the blame, not all, but some of it.” However, he quickly broadened his focus, asserting that bureaucrats, business people, and ordinary citizens must all “do our jobs better.”

Rosso didn’t shy away from pointed examples, illustrating how small, individual choices can collectively undermine national development. He painted vivid pictures of litter being casually discarded from public transport, and the illicit act of cutting down power poles installed for streetlights.

“If all of those people stopped throwing rubbish, the country wouldn’t need a garbage man,” he declared, driving home the tangible impact of seemingly minor infractions. These examples, far from being trivial, served as stark reminders of the cumulative effect of a lack of civic responsibility.

He recounted the inspiring turnaround of a local school, a testament to what dedicated leadership and community support can achieve. This anecdote, while not detailed in this commentary, served as a powerful illustration of his core message: when individuals take ownership and work together, even the most challenging circumstances can be transformed.

For Rosso, the path to a “way, way better off place” for Papua New Guinea in the next 50 years isn’t paved with grand political pronouncements alone.

 It requires a profound “change in attitude for all of us, every single person in our country.” He urged citizens to “do the right things, and we got to do the right things all the time,” emphasizing simple acts like helping neighbours and making decisions for the collective good, “not for ourselves.”

This strong emphasis on individual accountability and the power of collective action stands as the most vital takeaway from the Deputy Prime Minister’s speech.

As PNG stands on the cusp of its golden jubilee, Rosso’s message serves as a crucial reminder that true independence and prosperity are not merely granted; they are continuously built through the conscious choices and shared commitment of every single citizen. It’s a pragmatic and deeply personal call to action, urging Papua New Guineans to look inward and embrace their role in shaping the nation’s next chapter.