The National Pledge

What is a National Pledge?

A national pledge is a solemn promise or declaration made by citizens of a country to express their loyalty, dedication, and commitment to their nation. It is a form of a collective oath or affirmation that reflects the values, principles, or aspirations of the country.

A national pledge typically includes a set of statements or a creed that highlights the ideals, responsibilities, and duties of citizens towards their nation. It may include elements such as upholding the constitution, respecting the law, promoting unity and harmony, defending the country, and working towards its progress and development. The national pledge serves as a unifying force that fosters a sense of belonging, patriotism, and civic responsibility among citizens.

National pledges are often recited or taught in schools, official ceremonies, or public gatherings as a means of instilling national pride, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting a shared national identity. They can vary from country to country, but they all aim to strengthen the bond between citizens and their nation.

The National Pledge

The National Pledge is one of the national symbols of Papua New Guinea as listed under Section 3 of the Constitution. The Constitution list out the national symbols as follows:

1. Flag
2. Emblem
3. Motto
4. Seal
5. Anthem

The National Identity Act (Chapter 9) was amended in 1996 to include Part IIA – The National Pledge. This part makes provision for the National Pledge of Papua New Guinea. 

National Pledge of Papua New Guinea

Schedule 5 of the National Identity Act (Chapter 9  sets out the the National Pledge of Papua New Guinea in three different languages. These languages are the official language of Papua New Guinea. These are English, Motu and Tok Pidgin.  

The Pledge is reproduced in English as follows:

We, the People of Papua New Guinea, pledge ourselves, united in One Nation. We pay homage to our cultural heritage, the source of our strength. We pledge to build a democratic society based on justice, equality, respect and prosperity for Our People. We pledge to stand together as One People, One Nation, One Country, GOD BLESS PAPUA NEW GUINEA.

The Pledge is reproduced in Motu as follows:

OREA GWAUHEHATONA, Ai, Papua New Guinea Taunimanimamai, A gwauhehatomu, iboumai na orea tamona. Emai sene mauridia bona karadia, alalotaomu—noho mauri namo daladia ,emia hematama badidia.A gwauhehatomu dala namodia baia havara—maino, heabidadama, hemataurai bona hebadina daladia ai. A gwauhehatomu baia gaukara bona gini hebou badina ai na—Bese Tamona —Orea Badana Tamona —Tanobada Tamona Papua New Guinea Dirava ese aine hanamoa.

The Pledge is reproduced in Tok Pidgin as follows:

TOK PROMIS BILONG NEISEN. Mipela ol Pipol bilong Papua Niugini, i promis long bung wantaim olsem wan neisen. Mipela amamas long soim ol pasin bilong ol tumbuna bilong mipela, as bilong strong bilong mipela. Mipela promis long wokim sosaiti bai i holim strong pasin bilong ilektim ol lida bilong gavman wantaim as tingting bilong stretpela pasin, wanmak, ona na kamap gut bilong ol pipol bilong mipela. Mipela i promis long sanap bung wantaim olsem wan pipol. wan neisen. wan kantri. GOD BLESIM PAPUA NIUGINI.”

Usage

The National Pledge shall be recited in the following circumstances:

1. Each day, before the commencement of classes, the pupil and teachers shall recite the National Pledge in each primary school and high school.
2. In the National Parliament on each sitting day immediately after prayers.
3. In each Provincial Assembly and Local-level Government Assembly on each sitting day immediately after prayers.
4. At all official celebrations on Independence Day.

Recital of the National Pledge is not only restricted to the above. Instead, it may be recited on such other occasions as are appropriate. The National Pledge may be printed and published in an official Government publication or otherwise, in accordance with an authority granted by the Head of Department. The publication can be in whichever language version or versions that are considered appropriate in the circumstances.

Authority to use the National Pledge

The Departmental Head may authorize a person to print or publish the National Pledge. This authorization shall be by instrument. The instrument shall set out the manner and form the pledged is to be print or published.

Improper or unauthorized use           

If a person is not authorized, to print or publish any written or printed matter, not being an official Government publication, in or on which appears the National Pledge is guilty of an offence. The penalty for this offence is a fine not exceeding K1, 000.00.

If a person recites the National Pledge or a parody of the National Pledge or prints or otherwise reproduces the National Pledge or a parody of the National Pledge in a manner that is insulting, derisory or disrespectful to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea is guilty of an offence. The penalty for this offence is a fine not exceeding K1, 000.00.

All in all, the national pledge it recited on events as set out above because it serves as a unifying force that fosters a sense of belonging, patriotism, and civic responsibility among citizens.

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