The King's Message to the People of Papua New Guinea for the 50th Anniversary Of Independence

Tete, emi bikpla dei tru blong Papua New Guinea, na mi hamamas tru long salim bikpla hamamas long lewa blong mi ikam long yupla olgeta long markim fifty yia blong Independens blong yupla.

Long displa dei blong bikpla hamamas, tingting blong mi igo bek ken long nambawan taim tru we flag blong Papua New Guinea ibin go antap long Independence Hill fifty pla yia igo pinis. Mi bin stap long displa taim. Long despla bikpla dei, yumi bin lukluk igo long future wantem hope na bilip olsem kantri bai grow, na kamap strong moa olsem wanpla niupla proud kantri. Tete, taim yupla markim despla impoten wokobout bilong kantri, yumi ken lukluk go bek wantem hamamas long olgeta bikpla na niupla samting kantri i bin kamapim long fifty yia igo pinis olsem wanpla independent, na democratic kantri.

Of course, the story of Papua New Guinea stretches back far further than the past five decades.  One need only witness the immense diversity of peoples, languages and cultures, not to mention the abundant flora and fauna, throughout the nation to appreciate the richness and complexity of its heritage, which will also shape its future in generations to come. 

Though the journey has not always been an easy one, modern Papua New Guinea stands as a proud symbol of its citizens’ perseverance, resilience and tireless commitment to democracy and unity.  Together you have made great strides and advances in development, public health, infrastructure and diplomacy.  As a mature and established voice in the Pacific and on the world stage, I am immensely proud that Papua New Guinea is such a deeply valued and respected member of our Commonwealth family. 

Tete, emi kilia tru olsem, wok bung wantaim namel long planti kain kastom na tokples, na hamamas wantem long wokobaut blong kantri, bai halivim yupla long wokim gutpla senis long Papua New Guinea tete, na long planti mo yia ikam behain. 

Mi sorre tru olsem mi no nap joinim yupla long displa bikpla day tasol, mi hamamas long celebrate wantem yupla long we mi stap, na mi tingim tu ol planti gutpla memori, long ol taim we mi bin kam long Papua New Guinea. First pla taim tru mi bin kam long PNG em long 1966, na mi no nap lus tingting long displa. Mi askim liklik barata blong mi, Duke of Edinburgh long kisim peles blong me, na joinim yupla long importen day tete, na karim tok hamamas blong mi kam long yupla olgeta long PNG. Family blong mi tu oli joinim mi long salim gutpla tinging blong hamamas ikam long celebration blong yupla, na antap long olgeta - mipla i laik bai yupla stap wantem peace - bel isi, na gudpla sidaun blong yupla long taim ikam behain.        

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On such a very special occasion for Papua New Guinea, it gives me immense pleasure to send you all my heartfelt congratulations and warmest good wishes for the Fiftieth Anniversary of Independence.  

On this day of joyful celebration, I recall with fond nostalgia the moment when the flag of Papua New Guinea was raised high on Independence Hill fifty years ago. I was there. On that historic occasion, we looked with hope and anticipation to the future of a proud new nation.  Today, as you mark this important milestone, we can look back with admiration at the achievements and progress of the past five decades as an independent, democratic state.  

Of course, the story of Papua New Guinea stretches back far further than the past five decades.  One need only witness the immense diversity of peoples, languages and cultures, not to mention the abundant flora and fauna, throughout the nation to appreciate the richness and complexity of its heritage, which will also shape its future in generations to come. 

Though the journey has not always been an easy one, modern Papua New Guinea stands as a proud symbol of its citizens’ perseverance, resilience and tireless commitment to democracy and unity.  Together you have made great strides and advances in development, public health, infrastructure and diplomacy.  As a mature and established voice in the Pacific and on the world stage, I am immensely proud that Papua New Guinea is such a deeply valued and respected member of our Commonwealth family.  

Today, it is clear that, united in diversity and celebrating your history, you are continuing to build a bright and prosperous future for Papua New Guinea.

Although I am desperately sorry not to be able to join you in person on such a special day, I am delighted to be celebrating with you from afar, recalling many wonderful memories of the happy times I have spent in Papua New Guinea since my first, unforgettable visit in 1966.  I have asked my youngest brother, The Duke of Edinburgh, to represent me at your celebrations and to convey to you all my most affectional greetings.  My family joins me, also, in wishing you every success for your magnificent festivities and, above all, for a peaceful and prosperous future.