Ethel Arek describes a visit to her husband in hospital by Michael Somare ten days before self government. She says that her husband asked Somare to leave an empty chair for him to join them in spirit. She states that he completed his work to establish the National Broadcasting Commission before Independence.
Stephen Pokawin reflects on the dismantling of the National Alliance Party in 2011 and its rebuilding as part of a long process since the days of the Pangu Party.
Stephen Pokawin discusses the National Alliance Party and political groupings in independent PNG. He discusses his election in 1997, and the move before the 2002 elections to form the National Alliance and to establish it in government after the election. He relates his involvement in the growth of the party for it to win the 2007 elections.
Stephen Pokawin reflects on a discussion with Michael Somare regarding the rationale for the removal of provisional provincial government from the constitution in order to unite the nation.
Stephen Pokawin reflects on the period 1972-1974 and the work of the Constitutional Planning Committee and senior public servants in preparing the country for independence. He discusses the importance of managing the different groupings in PNG.
Stephen Pokawin reflects on the importance in retrospect of PNG not fighting and winning independence, as the administration was supportive and helped create the foundation for independence. He speculates on whether PNGs should have fought and died for independence.
Stephen Pokawin describes how he got involved with independence, the association of the Pangu Pati with the independence, and his switch at university from studying English and Anthropology to studying politics due to the excitement of the period after the 1972 elections. He recalled a visit to the university by Michael Somare to a packed lecture theatre and the freedom of the academics to engage in politics.
Lawrence Titimur discusses his work in the Public Service Commission where he joined the industrial relations and employment conditions division. He relates a dispute he was sent to in Maprik involving malaria sprayers who expected additional money once the country was independent.
Jean Kekedo discusses the fight for equal pay for equal work, the role of her sister Rose Kekedo in the teacher's union and the discrimination in housing and pensions.
Matilda Pilacapio discusses the presumption that Michael Somare would be prime minister in 1972, saying she rallied behind John Guise. She recalls that John Guise was probably the only one who could be governor general. She describes the balance of Papuans in the leadership positions.
