Lae, Morobe Province, Tuesday, 6 May 2025 – As the dust settles after the largest community clean-up Lae has seen in decades, Michael Earley, Coordinator of the Rosso Lae Community Cleanathon, has emerged as a passionate voice urging lasting change — not just on the streets, but in the hearts and minds of Papua New Guineans.
The two-day Cleanathon, held over the weekend, transformed the city’s landscape. Schools, markets, footpaths, parks, bus stops, and drains were scrubbed, cleared and renewed by hundreds of volunteers. Fire trucks hosed down Top Town and buai stains were washed away in a collective effort that Earley says was “not just about picking up rubbish, but about picking up ourselves.”
“This is not about money. This is not about fame or political favours. This is about taking ownership of our home—Lae City,” Earley told said in a powerful post-event message. “It’s about instilling pride, responsibility, and respect for our fellow citizens. We need a total shift in mindset.”
A Movement Born from Civic Frustration
Earley, a long-time advocate for community development, says he was tired of seeing the same problems discussed endlessly without action — littering, public transport neglect, and disregard for shared spaces.
“People talk about problems over and over again—rubbish here, buai stains there, dirty markets — but nothing changes because we wait for someone else to fix it,” he said. “This time, we said: enough talk, let’s do it ourselves.”
He revealed that the Cleanathon’s impact went beyond scrubbing streets — it awakened a collective spirit. “We saw men, mothers, church groups, school kids, and even idle youth come out. People who have never lifted a broom before stood shoulder-to-shoulder to clean their city. That is transformation.”
Public Transport Must Lead by Example
Earley singled out public transport operators as key players in restoring pride to the city.
“Bus drivers and taxi drivers must dress in uniforms. Their vehicles must be clean. They are the face of our city to both our people and visitors,” he said. “If we want to promote tourism, if we want to attract investment, it starts with clean, professional public transport. These are industries, not just jobs.”
He also called for bus and taxi associations to regulate standards among members, including maintaining hygiene, enforcing behaviour codes, and discouraging anti-social conduct.
No More Excuses: Every Citizen Has a Role
One of the Cleanathon’s strongest messages is that residents must stop blaming others — government, local authorities, or politicians — for their dirty surroundings.
“You cannot expect LCA or the Member to clean your yard. You can’t keep saying, ‘mi no gat moni’ as an excuse to be irresponsible,” said Earley. “Cleanliness costs nothing. Civic pride costs nothing. Change begins with you.”
He said there was no need to charge people K20 or K50 to clean up — a reference to the idea that good deeds or civic contributions must be paid.
“It’s not about being paid to do the right thing. It’s about understanding that this land, this city, is ours. We are its custodians. And we must raise the next generation to know this too.”
“Let the World See a Different PNG”
Earley lamented that international media too often paints a negative image of Papua New Guinea—stories about crime, violence, corruption, or chaos.
“Let’s give the world a different story. Let them see a clean, organised, beautiful PNG. One that honours its people and its God.”
He urged other towns and cities to follow Lae’s example, pointing out that initiatives were already being planned in Mt Hagen, Goroka, Kokopo and beyond.
“If Lae can do it, so can you. The movement has started. Let’s make it a national wave.”
A Spiritual Call: “We Are a Christian Country—Let’s Show It”
Earley’s appeal was also deeply spiritual. He reminded Papua New Guineans that being a Christian country must reflect in how they treat their environment and each other.
“We say we worship the living God—the Creator of heaven and earth. Then why don’t we respect His creation? You go to Muslim countries, Buddhist countries, and their streets are clean. Why not ours?”
He continued, “Christianity is not just a label; it’s a way of life. If we say we are Christians, then let’s live like it. Keep our homes clean. Respect our neighbours. Be disciplined. Be kind.”
Looking Ahead: PNG at 50 and Beyond
With the nation celebrating 50 years of Independence in 2025, Earley said this is the perfect time to reflect, reset, and rise.
“This is not just a cleanathon—it’s a turning point. A moment where we say: enough. Enough of the old ways. It’s time for a new PNG. A proud PNG. A clean PNG.”
He concluded with a rallying cry: “Let’s not wait another 50 years to fix our country. It begins today, with you and me.”
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