Yesterday late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s casket made its final journey home to be laid to rest at Kreer Heights, East Sepik Province.
A remarkable journey of a great man, great leader, great warrior and founding father of this nation. Late Sir Michael’s unwavering love for Papua New Guinea speaks for itself in history books, but more importantly the reciprocal and overwhelming love that was shown in the last two weeks of national mourning in the capital, Port Moresby.
Papua New Guineans in all walks of life from the islands to the highlands and from the isolated pockets of the country have shown how much late Sir Michael meant to their lives. The outpouring of condolences and tributes was overwhelming.
He was a true Papua New Guinean with a big heart. His younger daughter, Dulciana Somare Brash eloquently summarized this in her speech about her late dad on the second night of the national mourning in this way: “I’m very proud of the fact that my father, first of all, was not from Karau village, he was not from Murik Lakes, Angoram or East Sepik, he was not a Tolai, he was a Papua New Guinean – right from the very beginning”.
In fact late Sir Michael’s legacy will remain forever. As an architect of the country’s constitution and champion of democracy, late Sir Michael has left a message of unity for all Papua New Guineans.
Perhaps, the defining moment was when he laid in State in the Chamber of the National Parliament on Thursday March 11, 2021 in a special Parliament sitting, which saw the convergence of the three arms of government – Legislature, Judiciary and National Executive Council. It was as if the chief architect of the home grown constitution, late Sir Michael for the last time reminding the young and old politicians and everyone to respect each other and each of the three arms of government. They are the pillars of which the country’s constitution is built upon.
Many at times these institutions of State are dragged through mud and manipulated. The tribute by Western Highlands Governor and former Prime Minister, Paias Wingti challenging the Parliament to respect the three arms of government is a noble and a timely call indeed.
“Know your roles and honour this man (Grand Chief). Power must be exercised with care. Let us give respect and give honour to this great man by not interfering with institutions that he (Grand Chief) has built.”
Furthermore, the parliament tributes by various political party leaders, provincial governors, the opposition leader and the prime minister on the passing of late Sir Michael and what he did in his time as a leader could be described as soul searching.
It is time now for Members of Parliament to rethink and emulate the footsteps of the country’s founding father. It’s not about the nice tie and suit you wear to Parliament, it’s about greater Papua New Guinea. Standing for public office comes with responsibility and that responsibility is Papua New Guinea.
As Prime Minister James Marape alluded in his concluding tribute in Parliament; “We need to think PNG first. It’s not about your DSIP or PSIP, it’s about unity”.
The challenge that late Sir Michael left is to see a united Papua New Guinea for years to come. We need to embrace the challenge and keep moving.
Above all, we thank the people of East Sepik and also lady Veronica and your children for dedicating your husband and father to the greater cause for this country – Papua New Guinea.
Grand Chief Sana, you’re home now we bid you farewell. Sleep well, papa.