01/09/2025
WHO WAS RIGHT. Michael SOMARE or Tei ABEL?
A REFLECTION FROM 1975 TO 2024
Papua New Guinea became an independent nation on 16 September 1975. This was a very important moment in history. At that time, two leaders had different opinions about when independence should come.
Michael Somare wanted independence in 1975. He believed that even if the country was not fully ready, the people would grow and the new generation would become educated to lead the country.
Tei Abel wanted to wait until the 1990s or later. He thought the country needed more educated leaders, industries, factories, and stronger development before independence.
Now, when we look at the journey from 1975 to 2024, we can compare their ideas and see how much each one was correct.
MICHAEL SOMARE ’s VISION
Somare had hope and faith in Papua New Guineans. He believed in the strength of ordinary people. He said, “Our mothers will give birth to lawyers, accountants, teachers, doctors, and engineers soon to govern this country.”
He meant that even if PNG did not have enough professionals in 1975, the children born after independence would grow up and fill those roles.
Today, when we look at PNG, we see that this prediction became true in many ways:
The country has universities producing thousands of graduates every year.
Many teachers, doctors, lawyers, and accountants now work across the nation.
There are leaders, engineers, and business people who are 100% Papua New Guinean.
PNG has managed to stand as a free nation for 49 years without being controlled by another country.
So, Somare’s dream that independence would inspire new leaders and educated people has happened. His faith in the people gave PNG its identity and pride.
Tei Abel’s CONCERNS
On the other hand, Tei Abel had a different point of view. He said independence should wait until PNG had more educated elites, factories, industries, and balanced development across the country.
When we compare this with today, we see that some of his concerns were also true:
Many rural areas still lack good roads, hospitals, and schools.
PNG’s economy depends a lot on natural resources like gold, copper, oil, and gas, but there are still very few local factories or industries that add value.
Education has grown, but not enough, many young people still do not finish school or get jobs.
Corruption and mismanagement are still challenges.
Development is uneven: coastal areas and cities like Port Moresby have more opportunities than many villages in the highlands or islands.
So Tei Abel was right to worry that independence might come too early, before the country had strong foundations.
COMPARING BOTH VIEWS
When we compare both leaders, we can see that
Somare was right about national pride and producing educated leaders. Without his courage, PNG might still be under outside control for many more years. His decision gave people hope and identity.
Tei Abel was right about preparation and development. Independence came quickly, but many systems like education, health, infrastructure, and industries were weak. Almost 50 years later, PNG is still struggling with some of those same problems.
In truth, both men were speaking from different angles:
Somare focused on the spirit and future growth of the people.
Tei Abel focused on the practical needs of development and readiness.
PNG TODAY (1975–2024)
Let us look at PNG today compared to what both leaders said:
1. Education
Thousands of Papua New Guineans are now doctors, teachers, engineers, and lawyers.
However, many schools still face shortages of teachers, classrooms, and resources.
2. Health
PNG has trained local doctors and nurses.
But hospitals are often underfunded, and many rural areas still lack basic health care.
3. Economy
PNG exports gold, copper, oil, gas, coffee, and cocoa.
But most products are sold raw, not processed in local factories. This means less money stays in the country.
4. Infrastructure
Port Moresby and some towns have modern buildings, roads, and airports.
But many villages and provinces still struggle with poor roads, electricity shortages, and lack of clean water.
5. Politics and Governance
PNG has remained a democratic country since independence.
But corruption, political instability, and mismanagement remain big challenges.
WHO WAS RIGHT?
If we judge by history, the answer is both were partly right
Without Somare’s bold step in 1975, PNG may not have gained independence and confidence so early. His vision gave birth to the nation.
Without Abel’s warnings, we would not understand why PNG is still facing problems in 2024. His concerns explain many of today’s struggles.
Somare was right about independence bringing identity and educated leaders.
Abel was right about needing industries, factories, and better development before independence.
LESSONS FOR THE FUTURE (2025 and Beyond)
LOOKING AT THIS HISTORY, PNG can learn IMPORTANT LESSONS:
1. Education is the key. More investment in schools and universities will create skilled leaders, as Somare believed.
2. Industries are needed. Building factories and businesses will create jobs and reduce dependence on foreign companies, just like Abel wanted.
3. Balanced development. Every province, highlands, coastal, and islands, must share in development equally.
4. Strong governance. Fighting corruption and using resources wisely will help PNG move forward.
5. Unity and pride. Independence should continue to give people identity and confidence.
From 1975 to 2024, Papua New Guinea has walked a long road. Michael Somare’s dream of independence gave the country its freedom and identity. His faith in the people has come true in many ways, as new generations of educated Papua New Guineans now serve the nation.
At the same time, Tei Abel’s warnings also came true. The country still struggles with weak industries, poor infrastructure, and uneven development.
So, the best answer is that both leaders were right in their own ways. Somare gave PNG independence and hope. Abel reminded us that independence without preparation brings challenges.
As we move forward to 2025 and beyond, Papua New Guinea must combine both visions, keep the pride and independence of Somare, but also build the industries, education, and development that Abel saw as necessary.
Only then will the dream of both men be complete.
Source: Jeremiah Lao
