Do not take the Constitution and our democracy for granted; Speech to staff by Mr Richard Kassman OBE

The following speech I felt poignant and timely and important to share. It was delivered at the TotalEnergies Independence 2024 Event, 13th September 2024 by Mr Richard Kassman OBE.

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The House of Assembly of the Territory of Papua New Guinea is located next to the Deloitte Haus prescient, and it was the Members of the Assembly that charted Papua New Guinea’s roadmap to Independence.

The Preamble reads….

WE THE PEOPLE do now establish this Sovereign Nation and declare ourselves under the guiding hand of God, to be an Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

The House of Assembly of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea , the Preamble continues….having first resolved to enact a Constitution for the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, and acting through the Constituent Assembly on the 15th August 1975 declared to Establish, Adopt and give ourselves this Constitution to come in to effect on the 16th September 1975.

And in so doing We the People of Papua New Guinea set ourselves these National Goals and Directives that underlie our Constitution.

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They speak to: Integral Human Development; Equality and Participation; National Sovereignty and Self Reliance; National Resources and Environment; Papua New Guinea Ways.

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Our Constitution is a truly rich document, what is contained is sacred, and we the people a privileged to live under this Constitution.

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Outside of this declaration

At the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium at Konedubu, on the 15th September 1975 the Flag of Australia, the country that administered the Territory of Papua New Guinea was lowered in a ceremony, the flag was folded neatly and handed to Prince Charles of Wales, the eldest son of then our Queen Elizabeth II. This marked the end of Australian administration.

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The next day on the 16th September 1975, adjacent to the National Parliament, a flag was revealed, red, black and gold in colour, a gold Bird of Paradise above the white stars of the Southern Cross against a black background, this flag was raised, signaling the birth of a new Nation, the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

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No anger, no violence, no blood shed, no war…. We are truly blessed with such a peaceful transition from an administered territory to a sovereign nation.

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Our leaders then, dared unite a thousand tribes, who spoke a thousand tongues, across a multitude of customs, traditions and dances, diverse ethnicities, from islands, to coast, to the highlands, forest, rivers and lakes. Yes we succeeded in creating a Nation and today we celebrate her 49th anniversary of independence. Join me in applauding her please, she deserves accolades, praise, and most certainly is worthy of our unanimous gratefulness.

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It is imperative, can I say incumbent on all the daughters and sons of this land, to protect the Constitution and preserve the democracy, the freedoms enshrined and guaranteed in this important document.

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I urge you, do not take the Constitution and our democracy for granted. Firstly, there are millions of people across all regions of the world that simply do not experience these rights and freedoms, like we do. People are at war and conflict in pursuit of what we have and many take for granted.

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What I want to warn us of, is the colonization of our minds, warn against Papua New Guinea becoming a pawn in geo-political play by foreign superpowers. We must preserve our environment and our way of life and be independent in our thinking. Be careful that we do not subject ourselves to the servitude of self-serving foreigners. Influence via media including social media can be pervasive, we must not be indoctrinated, do not be gullible. This may not occur through physical invasion of our land and waters, but by stealth.

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Hey, beware of the enemy within as well. Beware that those in power may seek to alter the Constitution, diminish our rights, laws and freedoms, impose on us restrictions in pursuit of theirlust for power and their greed for money and wealth.

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Can I suggest that each of you undertake self-study of words like Sovereignty, self-determination, acting in the interests of the Nation, acting in the interests of the People, important elements that guard against what I warn you of.

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If you seek to understand these elements, and truly comprehend and appreciate them, only then can you defend these strenuously, with a sense of purpose and commitment. Otherwise, these are but meaningless words. Sometimes this may mean you must risk your own life, for the greater good. This is not just a noble cause, but a duty, is my view. So be alert, heed the call, be ready and available when your nation beckons.

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Because trust me she will beckon! In fact I truly believe that she is calling out right now.

Stap strong, Happy Independence and May God continue to Bless Papua New Guinea