15/09/2024
INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE BY CHIEF COMMISSIONER DAVID TOWE
It is always pleasing to celebrate every independence anniversary of our most diverse and beautiful country. The dawn of the day on the 16th September, 2024 will once again unite us all the sons and daughters of Papua New Guinea, from the misty mountains of the highlands down to the low lying coastal and coral studded archipelagic islands, to come out in our national colors of red, gold, black and white to celebrate our 49th Independence Anniversary. We have remained united in diversity and journeyed together as one people and one country for 49 years, enjoying great freedom rich in diversity.
As we celebrate our 49th Independence Anniversary, it is only only fitting to begin with paying special tributes to our forefathers as in Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Sir John Guise, Sir Albert Maori Kiki, Sir Julius Chan, Grand Chief John Momis and all those who stood with them to believe in our self-rule and freedom, and braved the challenges to gain independence so we can enjoy freedom that is dignified with justice and equality for everyone.
I am proud that we continue to enjoy the freedom that our forefathers have envisioned. We must be proud and thankful to our forefathers that the freedom we enjoy is next to none compared to that enjoyed by other countries around the globe as we have seen them suffering from all forms of oppressions. We must always be vigilant against tyranny, injustice and inequality as they will marginalize and oppress us. We must always observe and allow the rule of law to continue to prevail to secure the freedom we enjoy today so our children can inherit from us and pass it on to their children.
However, the freedom we are enjoying is already under immense threat from corruption. It is gravely concerning that corruption has flourished and is increasingly standing out as the main tyrant perpetrating injustice and oppression on us at all fronts everywhere. It is our responsibility and we all must work together to fight corruption and contain it at all levels and in every capacity.
Looking back, our country has progressed immensely since 1975 amidst the challenges faced in the 49 years. I am proud that PNG Customs Service has been at the forefront of nation building throughout these years, contributing effectively through the discharge of its mandates of Border Security, Trade Facilitation, Community Protection and Revenue Collection for the State. As the guardian of our border, PNG Customs Service ensures our border is secure, facilitates legitimate trade across our border, protects our community and economy from illicit goods and black economy, and collects State revenue in Customs duties and taxes to support the Government fund the annual budget for nation building.
On this special occasion of the 49th Independence Anniversary, I wish to re-assure the people of Papua New Guinea that the PNG Customs Service remains firmly committed and will continue to serve them with undivided loyalty in securing our border, facilitating legitime trade, protecting our community and economy from illicit trade (drugs, fi****ms, smuggling etc.,) and collect revenue to fund nation building.
Through the modernization and reform initiatives we undertook in the last couple of years, we have harnessed digital technologies and improved our business processes and systems, which enabled us to deliver growth results. With these interventions, I am delighted to say we are well poised and determined to build PNG Customs Service into a robust Customs administration to effectively deliver its key outcomes and better serve the people of Papua New Guinea by effectively contributing towards achieving a K200 billion economy as envisaged in the Government Medium-Term Development Plan IV. Promoting sustainable trade and investment in Papua New Guinea has been PNG Customs Service’s core priority. Hence, we will continue to progress it through strong border security and compliance enforcement responses, and efficient facilitation of international trade including effective administration and collection of excise tax from manufacturing and sale of alcohol, ci******es and fuel products.
Against all the odds confronting our beautiful country and the people, it is our resolve to stand by the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea as their beacon of hope by delivering our mandates with growth results. We are doing the best we can and expect all other Government agencies including the private sector and the people at large to contribute positively as ideally expected of us so together we can continue to build our beautiful country and secure a better future for our children and the generations to come.
I take this opportunity to pay special honor and commendations to all the Customs Officers, both past and present, who meaningfully contributed toward nation building through their sacrifices and loyal services. May our God Almighty reward you with blessings in abundance.
Our forefathers did great things because they believed in themselves and served with selflessness, dignity and honor. We can do greater things for our country if we believe in ourselves and serve with selflessness, dignity and honor.
The management and staff of PNG Customs Service join me in wishing the people of Papua New Guinea Happy 49th Independence Anniversary.
God Bless!
Thank you,
David TOWE
Chief Commissioner of Customs
