A BETTER TOMORROW BEGINS TODAY

I was fortunate to grow up in a time when our leaders in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s provided equal opportunities for everyone. Back then, jobs were guaranteed, and there was money left over after living expenses. Life was stress-free because people had enough to meet their needs and save. Families were strong, and communities were respectful and unified. Today, however, rampant corruption and greed have destroyed the chance for equal opportunities. Both working individuals and subsistence farmers struggle to save money as inflation and the high cost of living outpace earnings. Many are forced to live on debt or resort to corruption, cheating, lying, and antisocial behavior just to survive.

The gap between the haves and the have-nots continues to widen, making it nearly impossible for decent, honest, and hardworking men and women to advance in life.

In the Western Highlands, we face a troubling reality: educated individuals who lack the courage to stand up and address the issues plaguing our country. They fail to inform the general populace about what is going wrong and what urgently needs to be done to fix our community, province, and nation.

Even our church leaders have compromised their mission of salvation for material gain. Self-proclaimed cargo cult leaders prey on vulnerable individuals, including drug addicts, to push their own agendas and interests.

What kind of future are we leaving for our young people?

I challenge all mature men and women, as well as our provincial and national leaders: What actions, inactions, or decisions you make today, tomorrow, and in the days to come will shape the opportunities and life your children will have to live to their full potential?

Get involved in elections and educate the populace to say NO to cargo cult leaders in our province and country. Don’t wait until the ship has sailed and you’re left writing lengthy essays about what could have been. We’re wasting our most valuable resource—our active time on Earth—complaining about who is a good leader, who should be Prime Minister, and who should take charge.

The power to decide is not ours; it lies with the leaders we have voted for or assisted in getting into Parliament—legally or illegally. Let us pray that nothing terrible happens between now and the 2027 election.

If we truly care, let’s plan to change the current composition of leaders we are complaining about. I humbly ask all you young boys and girls to remind your parents and relatives to contribute in whatever ways in their sphere of influence to leave you a better tomorrow.

I wish all young people of Papua New Guinea a better tomorrow then what we have today, a tomorrow where you all will have equal opportunities to advance in life and reach your full potential. Ask yourselves.

James Yoka Ekip

Kagamuga Airport, Mt. Hagen, WHP