The New Ireland Province will be staging an inter-denominational Church service in honour of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare on 12th March at 10am on Friday morning at the Utu Secondary School Grounds.
New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan naturally selected Utu Secondary school because it was where Sir Michael began his teaching career back when it was called Utu Intermediate school and because the road there was named Sir Michael Somare Avenue on the 16th of September 2020, during the Grand Opening of the Legislative Assembly.
Acting Administrator CEO for Education Benson Apelis will be meeting with Church representatives to make arrangements for the special commemorative service.
“This is an open invitation to all our people who would like a solemn day to come together, united in prayer and remembrance honouring the legacy of our Founding father through a formal church service,” said Sir Julius Chan.
Sir J emphasized that “ The Utu gathering will be the only official recognized gathering, any other off shoot events will not be entertained.”
Other schools, Churches and individual organisations, Councils and Wards throughout New Ireland are also urged to hold their own services in their own locations.
The earlier part of Thursday morning is chosen to allow for viewing of the Funeral service on National Television at 2pm in the afternoon. Governor Sir Julius Chan will be flying into Port Moresby today to attend the HausKrai at the Sir John Guise stadium on Thursday 4th March.
He will be accompanied by Deputy Governor Sammy Missen and Traditional New Ireland Chiefs representing the two districts Engleberth Lutham and Valentine Betbet.
The Port Moresby New Ireland community is also expected to accompany the New Ireland delegation at the Sir John Guise stadium to show the Provinces last respect and farewell custom to Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
Sir J will also attend National Parliament on the 11th, where Sir Michael will lay in State for the last time. Governor will also accompany the State team to East Sepik Province for Sir Michael’s burial at Kreer Heights in Wewak.