As many of the leaders and officials from various nations gathered in Hawaii for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), several dignitaries gave some of their time to come and visit BYU–Hawaii. Among these leaders was Peter O’Neill, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. Accompanied by his wife Lynda May Babao, the Prime Minister visited the Laie campus on Thursday, November 10, amid a very tight schedule of APEC-related meetings. Students from the university’s Hawaiian and Pacific Studies program greeted the visitors with a traditional Hawaiian chant, after which students from Papua New Guinea performed a cultural welcome of their native land. Following an official welcome to the university by Vice President for Academics Max Checketts, Mr. O’Neill addressed a gathering held in the David O. McKay Foyer.
The Prime Minister began his address to the students by expressing his gratitude, as well as the unique way in which he was directed to visit BYU–Hawaii. He explained how a fellow member of parliament and former Minister came to him in his office before his visit to Hawaii, encouraging him to take time out of his schedule to visit “this wonderful institution”. Mr. O’Neill noted his colleague’s admiration toward the contributions by BYU–Hawaii, not only related to Papua New Guinea, but throughout the islands of the Pacific. Having never visited BYU–Hawaii’s campus before, and knowing very little about the institution itself, Prime Minister O’Neill decided to take the advice of his fellow colleague and see for himself. It was a tremendous honor for the students here on campus representing Papua New Guinea, to meet the Prime Minister as they conveyed their admiration and respect for the visiting dignitary.
The prevailing message that he shared with the students, faculty and staff attending the forum focused on the importance of education. “We believe that education is the key to enabling young Papua New Guineans to have a better life, and better provide for themselves,” said the Prime Minister. He continued by adding that the Government of Papua New Guinea is in the process of implementing more programs that emphasize the integration of more education opportunities to Papua New Guineans, thereby instilling a sense of motivation and progression among the up-and-coming generation. The Prime Minister also addressed his government’s support for and encouragement of students attending institutions such as BYU–Hawaii where they can gain an international education to help them return and serve their native country.
After his address, students were given a unique opportunity to ask questions of the Prime Minister. Following the question-and-answer session, the visiting dignitaries spent time personally greeting each PNG student prior to their departure.
Due to unexpected meetings and appointments, the Prime Minister’s visit was cut shorter than intended, but he still took the chance to visit the Laie Hawaii Temple before returning to Honolulu. The allotted time set aside for his visit to the temple was extended as the Prime Minister and his wife took a tour of the temple’s visitors’ center and explored the temple grounds. Prior to leaving, the Prime Minister offered his appreciation for the visit and extended an invitation to university and Church officials to be his special guests in Papua New Guinea.
Approximately half of the student body at BYU–Hawaii comes from more than 70 countries outside of the U.S., making it the most internationally diverse campus in the U.S. Enrollment in Fall 2011 is 2,600 students; 14 are from Papua New Guinea.