Some people have seen fit to interpret this milestone as analogous to crossing over into the Promised Land as depicted in the Book of Deuteronomy where Joshua and Caleb led the desert-born-and-bred Israelites into Canaan, the land of milk and honey.

Be that as it may, there is much hope and optimism for our country.

As a proud Papua New Guinean, I do feel some excitement every time the calendar flips over to September.

This is the month when, despite all the negativity that I come across in the media, I feel optimistic and hope for a better future for my country and myself, for my children and their children and their children’s children in the years to come.

This month 21 years ago, in 1994, as a naive high school student, I witnessed the volcanic eruption that destroyed the town I admired and loved as a child. It was an experience I have never gotten out of my system.

Despite Rabaul’s destruction and loss, the people were able to pick up the pieces and rebuild their society and lives.

In 1994, Papua New Guinea was 19 years old, still an adolescent, naive perhaps. Its history comprised a bit of quarrel and skirmish here and there. Still immature but learning the ropes from the elders and the wise.

The Bougainville civil war was in its fifth year. Tension was high as both combatants and offshore diplomats worked to find an agreeable solution to the crisis. But peace was still a long way off.

In terms of education policy, the outcome-based education reform of 1993 was in its second year and Grade 6 Students found themselves doing Grade 7 or 8 in their old community schools which had been elevated to primary school status.

In August 1994, Sir Julius Chan and his Peoples Progress Party succeeded Paias Wingti of the Peoples’ Democratic Movement in forming a new coalition government. Chan riding on the unpopularity of Wingti staged a successful vote of no confidence and the highlander’s party from power.

On the morning of Monday 19 September, there occurred a twin volcanic eruption as Mount Tavurvur and Mount Karavia (Vulcan) erupted simultaneously after lying dormant since 1937. The ash-fall from the eruption caused widespread damage to Rabaul and surrounding communities. Many people were displaced to care centres.

1994 was quite a year.

Fast forward to 2015. Papua New Guinea is now 40 years old. A full 40 years of history behind us.

The country is a young matured adult, confident and more sure-footed now in the ways of the globe. Rubbing shoulders with the world and with a promising future, although we has to improve in areas that matter most to our people’s well-being.

And 21 years from now, when I look back to this year, what will be a significant piece of history to relate to my audience.

I think… I can think of one already…wow!

Happy Independence month, Papua New Guinea!