A special custom ceremony to release the name of the late Miriam Tinkoris to be used on the newly built Tinkoris Medical Centre was held on the 23rd of October at Ngosngos-Nokon ples, in the Matalai LLG of Namatanai District.
Son and New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan was present alongside his clans men to witness and accept the transition of his mother’s name into immortality through the naming of his peoples Medical centre after his dear mother.
“Our Clan Koris gave birth to your mother, if it wasn’t for her you would never be born. We now officially hand over the use of her name to your Government. This stone represents our clan handing over the name Tinkoris for you to use,” said clansmen Daniel Tuagon.
Sir J gladly excepted the ceremonial gesture from his mother’s clan stating with the Medical Centre named after his mother her spirit would look after anyone that sought care and attention there.
“ You will now all be in safe hands because my mother will be watching over you and taking care of you when you visit the Tinkoris Hospital. Thank you for releasing her name to all of New Ireland,” said Sir J.
Pigs and garden food along with mis and money were also presented to the clan as a token of appreciation.
Sir J will be travelling to Rabaul on Friday 29th October in preparation for his mother’s 47th death anniversary. This will be after he attends to the official launch of WASH Program duties on Djaul Island on Thursday.
Sir J has never failed to visit his mother’s gravesite since her passing on the 30th of October 1974.
His mother, Miriam Tinkoris Chin hailed from the Matalai LLG in the Namatanai district of New Ireland province. She had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She died around age 64.
He attributes his political character and endurance to her, stating she is the reason he continues to serve this Country and Province.