Governor-General shows Melanesian way

Governor-General, Major General Michael Jeffery, is visiting Papua New Guinea on a farewell trip before he retires in five weeks time. Accompanied by his wife Marlene, Maj-Gen Jeffery yesterday revisited the Taurama chapel where they were married over 40 years ago.

Maj-Gen Jeffery, who is also PNGAA patron, said PNG would remain close to their hearts. He said he had absolute confidence in the prosperity and democratic process in PNG. “You are strongly developing your natural resources, [have] a strong proven system of democracy and a rich, diverse culture which is one of the best in the world and you have all the educated people to make the future bright and happy for everyone, and during this visit I have seen many signs of that happening,” he said.

“One of the ways we can further encourage [the PNG-Australia] relationship is by having young people moving backwards and forwards between our countries in various types of employment — it might be in the public service, military, police and teachers so we have people from PNG and Australia who will grow up with one another.”

Maj-Gen Jeffery said from his discussions, it was clear there was high interest in working together to continue the development of a stable region. “In other words trying to be good neighbours to one another and I think that’s the natural Melanesian way and if we can keep these things politically and economically, socially and culturally, security-wise, then we will have a stable region which will be an example to the rest of the world.”

Source: ‘Australian G-G couple make final visit before retiring’, PNG Post-Courier, 5 August 2008