Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Lae, Hon. John Rosso, has expressed his deepest condolences to the family, relatives and friends of former Lae Member of Parliament and veteran Pangu Pati stalwart, Mr Tony Ila, who passed away at the age of 90.
Mr Rosso said the passing of Mr Ila marks the end of an important chapter in the history of the Pangu Pati and Papua New Guinea’s political development, describing him as one of the pioneers of the party and a committed servant of the people of Lae.
“On behalf of the people of Lae, the Pangu Pati and my family, I extend my deepest condolences to the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family of the late Tony Ila,” Mr Rosso said.
“Tony Ila was a true Pangu Pati stalwart and one of the old guard who helped build the foundations of our party and our nation. His passing is a great loss, not only to his family and loved ones, but also to the Pangu Pati and the people of Lae whom he served with distinction for two decades.”
Mr Ila served as the Member for Lae from 1972 to 1992, making him one of the longest-serving representatives of the people of Lae. During his time in Parliament, he also served in a number of important ministerial portfolios, including Forests, Labour and Employment, Foreign Affairs and National Planning.
Deputy Prime Minister Rosso said Mr Ila’s political career was distinguished by his strong commitment to workers, trade unions, community development and the people of Lae.
Before entering national politics, Mr Ila played an important role in the trade union movement and was a founding member of the Lae Miscellaneous Workers’ Union. He was elected President of the PNG Trade Union Congress in 1972, demonstrating his strong leadership and advocacy for workers’ rights.
“Tony Ila’s contribution to Lae began long before he entered Parliament. His involvement in the trade union movement reflected his commitment to ordinary working people and the growing industrial city of Lae,” Mr Rosso said.
“As the Member for Lae, he understood the needs and aspirations of our people and worked to deliver meaningful development for the city and its communities.”
Mr Rosso acknowledged Mr Ila’s contribution to the development of Lae during his 20 years as the city’s Member of Parliament, including support for schools and classrooms, community and church projects, sports, youth and women’s programs, roads and infrastructure, and the provision of clean water to communities around Lae.
“Many of the projects and initiatives undertaken during Tony Ila’s time as Member for Lae were focused on improving the lives of ordinary people. His legacy is therefore not simply measured by the positions he held, but by the difference he made to the people and communities he represented,” Mr Rosso said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said Mr Ila’s long association with the Pangu Pati was also an important part of the party’s history.
“Today, we mourn the passing of one of the last of the Pangu Pati’s old guard. Tony Ila belonged to a generation of pioneers who helped shape the political history of our country and the evolution of Pangu as one of Papua New Guinea’s founding political movements,” he said.
“His contribution and service must be remembered and respected. As Pangu Pati continues to move forward, we must never forget the sacrifices and contributions of those who came before us and helped build the foundations upon which we stand today.”
Mr Rosso said that as the current Member for Lae, he was humbled to follow in the footsteps of leaders such as Tony Ila who had served the electorate before him.
“I pay tribute to Tony Ila as a former Member for Lae and as a fellow Pangu Pati man. I acknowledge the important place he holds in the history of Lae and in the history of our party.”
“On behalf of the people of Lae, I thank him for his service to our city, our people and our country.”
“I was fortunate to attend high school with his late son Mr. Eddie Ila.” Rosso added.
Deputy Prime Minister Rosso extended his condolences to the late Mr Ila’s family and urged them to take comfort in knowing that his life of service will be remembered.
“May his family find strength and comfort during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Vale Tony Ila.
A true Pangu Pati stalwart. A pioneer politician. A servant of Lae and Papua New Guinea.
The late Tony Ila is survived by four children, Felix, Mai Jacinta, Amos and Angela Ila, 12 grand children and 14 great grand children.
May he rest in peace.