By JOE GURINA
The Central province government on behalf of its people has conveyed condolence to the family of late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare in a special Provincial Executive Assembly (PEC) meeting today.
Veteran politicians and bureaucrats who rubbed shoulders with the late Sir Michael were also invited to grace the special meeting.
They included former Central MP and Police Commissioner Philip Bouraga, Paul Aisi, former finance advisor to the Grand Chief when he was PM in his first term after PNG gained independence in 1975.
Former speaker and first Governor General Late Sir John Guise was represented by his eldest son Reggie Guise. Other notable ones that could not attend were former Central province premier and former Brigadier General Ted Diro and another former provincial premier in Galewa Kwarara.
Governor Robert Agarobe in his condolence speech said the late Grand Chief had lasting footprints both physically and in the hearts and minds of people of Central.
He said the late Grand Chief had a life full of stories with some notable ones attending Sogeri High School in the years 1955-1957 and then returned again to further his teaching training from 1962-1963.
“This was the foundation of the intellectual development and enlighten of the Father of the Nation to begin his political career. This is a proud history that the people of Koiari and Central province have had with Late Sir Michael as a person.
“His self-belief, passion and charisma to unite the Territory of Papua and New Guinea came with a lot of challenges after his Sogeri days.
“The springs of secessionist movements led by different factions of leaders around PNG including Papua Besena led by Dame Josephine Abaija, was amazingly united by Late Sir Michael into self-rule and eventual independence.
“I am proud to say that all the historic events whom the great leader led started here and happened on central province land which included:
- the declaration of self-government in 1973;
- formulation of the constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea on Motupore Island;
- House of Assembly- Pre Independence Seat of Government and the three (3) House of Assemblies from 1964 to 1972;
- Adoption of the new constitution and dissolution of the Old House of Assembly;
- Dissolution of Papua New Guinea Trusteeship Act 1984 and;
- Declaration of Independence on 16th of September, 1975 at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.
The Governor paid tribute to number of Central province leaders then who had the wisdom and supported the late grand chief both in politics and public administration. In politics were leaders like Rueben Taureka, Gavera Rea, Louise Mona, Sir Moi Avei, Sir Dr Puka Temu, Galeva Kwarara, Sir Philip Bouraga, late Sir John Guise to name a few.
In the administration and public services, were senior statesman like Sir Buri Kidu, Tau Boga, Makena Geno to name a few.
Agarobe said as a leader and Father of the Nation, the Late Grand Chief recognized intellectuals and professional qualifications of the sons and daughters their appointments both in civil administration and the military.
The governor said he will lead a delegation of 20 leaders from the PEC, provincial parliamentary leaders and selected individuals from the province to accompany the body of late grand chief in his last journey to his home town of Wewak next week.
