By Harlyne Joku
The casket of PNG’s elderly statesman the late Sir Mekere Morauta was laid at the Grand Hall of Parliament House for viewing by VIPs and members of the public today.( Monday 4th of January 2021).
Thousands flocked into the front entrance of the Parliament House gate from 10 am to 4pm today (Monday, 4th of January, 2021) and queued up to pay their last respects.
About 10 am the casket of the late Sir Mekere arrived at Parliament House from the funeral home and was given a red-carpet welcome. His casket was carried up to the Grand Hall by PNG Defence Force Pall Bearers.
On Independence Hill, the PNG flag was flown at half mast as a show of respect to one of PNG’s great leaders. Along both sides of the Independence Boulevard and surrounding Parliament House , all PNG flags were flown at half-mast.
The Prime Minister James Marape, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Members of the Opposition Sir Julius Chan, Peter O’Neil, Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta and other MPs were the first to pay their respects.
Then members of the public were invited in to do the same.
Relatives and former staff of the late Sir Mekere who could not attend a traditional Melanesian house cry were tearful but grateful for the opportunity to view his casket and silently say goodbye.
The late Sir Mekere’s casket will return to the Funeral Home to await a State Funeral to be held this Friday (8th of January) at the Sioni Kaumi Memorial Church at 5 Mile.
The late Sir Mekere Morauta will be laid to rest at Independence Hill after the State Funeral.
Read our Newspaper the Sunday Bulletin for further details of the late Sir Mekere’s State Funeral.