PNG AT 51: INDEPENDENCE MUST ALSO BEGIN WITH THE INDIVIDUAL Jerry Wemin   President at PNG HR Institute   As Papua New Guinea celebrates 51 years of Independence, we should reflect not  only on political independence, but also on what independence means at the level  of the individual. A nation may be politically independent, but its people must also  experience personal freedom, dignity, self-reliance and empowerment. To me, true independence begins with the individual. Personal independence means  being physically and mentally fit, disciplined, ethical, hardworking, productive and  economically empowered. It means developing the knowledge, skills, character and  determination to take responsibility for our own lives and contribute meaningfully  to our families, communities and nation. Political freedom alone cannot guarantee personal freedom. If we are unable to  provide for ourselves, continually dependent on others for our basic nee...