BY JEFFREY ELAPA

GOVERNOR-General Sir Bob Dadae said he called on all citizens of the country to take stock of their actions and chart a way forward, away from chaos and lawlessness.

He said change starts with each person as each person takes stock of their own behavior and attitude.

“Adjusting our individual attitude and behavior to reflect our Christian values ​​is an admirable trait and one that we should all strive to pursue and practice,” he said.

Sir Bob said in his Christmas post that this has been an eventful year, with the COVID-19 pandemic having a big impact on people’s lives.

He said many loved ones have passed away and many livelihoods have been affected.

“I must add that this year we have seen an increase in lawlessness, with reports of various types of crime being reported daily. Not just in the nation’s capital, but across the country, ”said Sir Bob.

“The perpetrators of these crimes are mostly young and very young, including women and girls.
“Unfortunately, our safety and security are constantly threatened by the opportunists, who show no respect for their fellow citizens.

“It is indeed disheartening and reflects the type of society we live in.

“One of the root causes of the anarchy and disorder that we see in our society is due to the lack of discipline in the home.

“Yes, it is the responsibility of parents to teach and discipline their children from an early age.

“Granted, it’s not an easy task, and it’s often easier to overlook a mistake or a problem than to face it and discipline it.

“But, if we constantly make an effort to teach our children right and wrong, it will eventually become their way of life and they will grow up to be productive, responsible and decent citizens of this country.

“As the Bible book of Proverbs 22: 6 says.

“Train a boy in the way he should go, even when he gets old he will not stray from it.

“If we are to see our future without anarchy, we must take seriously our responsibility to nurture the next generation in our care. “

Sir Bob said that it takes a lot of courage to do the right thing and to resist the temptation to engage in illegal activities which could earn us huge sums of money, material goods or fame.

“But standing up for what is right, whatever the cost, will reap far greater benefits than today’s temporary riches,” he said.

“We can all agree that it is better to have self-respect, honor and integrity than to be seen as untrustworthy, dishonest and corrupt.

As the saying goes, ‘Integrity is choosing your thoughts and actions based on values ​​rather than personal gain.

“Those who choose integrity over personal gain experience a greater sense of satisfaction, peace of mind, and a clean conscience. “

Sir Bob said the effect of climate change is real and that rising sea levels and high tides have destroyed home gardens and water wells that many residents depend on for their livelihoods.

“Our forests, flora and fauna are our precious resources, do all we can to protect them from further destruction and exploitation,” he said.

“Where possible, it’s also worth considering technology that uses natural sources such as solar power and seawater to generate electricity and clean water.

“It is more than ever imperative to take the necessary measures to preserve our environment and our natural resources.

“Our lives and those of our future generations depend on our actions now.”