On behalf of our wonderful people of West and our Human Rights center here in Washington, D.C, I offer my congratulations to the great people of the independent democratic country of Papua New Guinea as you celebrate your Independence Day. We are Melanesian brothers and sisters merely separated by colonial lines and governments. However, we won’t forget the fact that we are connected going back thousands of years before the arrival of foreigners.

Our people have had a robust relationship marked by shared our shared Melanesian culture, and no one will change that. There are tens of thousands of West Papuans living in PNG – many as exiled political leaders. We thank you for giving them the freedom and the right to live your country.

Once again, I congratulate you on your independence day, and pray for peace and prosperity for your country and people.

Mi laik tok hamamas long sapot blong yupla oketa taim.

Laikem yupla.

Thank you!