PAPUA New Guinea’s founding father and former Prime Minister, the late Grand Chief Sir Julius Chan, has been posthumously awarded the Order of Vanuatu – Badge of Distinction in recognition of his pivotal role in helping secure Vanuatu’s independence in 1980.
The prestigious honour was presented during Vanuatu’s 46th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Port Vila and accepted on behalf of the late statesman by his eldest son, New Ireland Governor Byron Chan, who attended the event alongside Prime Minister James Marape.
The award recognises Sir Julius Chan’s leadership in authorising the deployment of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s Kumul Force to assist Vanuatu during its struggle for independence, a decision widely credited with helping protect the newly independent nation.
Governor Chan described the recognition as a deeply emotional moment for his family, the People’s Progress Party, the people of New Ireland and Papua New Guinea.
“It was an unexpected honour to receive this award on behalf of my late father,” he said.
“This recognition acknowledges the leadership and courage shown by Sir Julius when he deployed the Kumul Force to assist the people of Vanuatu in 1980. Forty-six years later, the people of Vanuatu have shown they have not forgotten that contribution.”
Governor Chan said the medal would be placed beside his father’s final resting place as a lasting symbol of Vanuatu’s gratitude and the enduring friendship between the two Melanesian nations.
He added that Sir Julius had always championed Melanesian solidarity and regional cooperation, with Papua New Guinea continuing to support Vanuatu beyond independence through security cooperation and constitutional development.
The posthumous award stands as a lasting tribute to Sir Julius Chan’s leadership and his enduring legacy of regional unity, self-determination and friendship across the Pacific.