Andrew Solomon Napuat

The freedom that Vanuatu’s founding fathers have fought so hard for is now being abused, Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, stressed during the declaration of this year’s independence celebration in Port Vila.

The 39th independence celebration declaration was held at the Sea Front Stage after a victory parade attended by civil servants and the public.

Minister Napuat said: “In today’s society and advancement, the freedom that was fought for has been abused by many activists.

“Technological advances that have brought new threats where freedom is abused and threats and abusive languages often hide under fake social media IDs, to name one.

“Today’s freedom has resulted in lack of respect for the elderly, leaders, parents, church leaders, and our young emerging leaders.

“Vanuatu has gone through many technological innovations since 1980.These innovations have shaped the society and the way we work.

“Technological innovations bring useful changes but when abused, it creates more problems and we spend all our limited resources addressing them.

“I encourage all citizens to celebrate independence this year as a time to reflect on how we can embrace those technologies positively.

“Our country will be 39 years old and we need to be asking-are we heading in the right direction? Is the freedom that was once cherished, being given away and now abused by generations of today.

“We need to ask ourselves whether those struggles that our forefathers went through has reaped the best for our country.”

The freedom that our ancestors fought for is one that will always be difficult to instill in the hearts of any of us today, he said.

They fought for nationalism and to celebrate their land, resources and wealth free from any influence.

“This is a legacy that will be remembered in our history,” he said.

“These are the leaders who display bravery and understand what it means to be free.

“Colleague leaders, government and private workers, visitors and all citizens of Vanuatu, this country has been built by your contribution and it is time we celebrate our 39th independence with humbleness, unity and look ahead on what we can do to bring positive changes to our country and our future generations.”

‘Vanuatu happiest place to live, work and share’ is the theme of this year’s 39th independence celebration.

Source: Vanuatu Daily Post