“Papa blong PNG” Grand Chief Sir Michael was farewelled with emotional goodbyes for the last time as Papua New Guineans living in and around host city Port Moresby flocked the streets of Erima for a last and final glimpse.
Residents again took to the streets as early as they could for an opportunity that no Papua New Guinea would have wanted to miss – saying final goodbyes to “Sana”, the Grand Chief.
A convoy of vehicles from the Erima Funeral Home escorted the casket of late Sir Michael to the Jacksons APEC VIP terminal to an Air Niugini Q400 aircraft bound for Boram in Wewak.
It was sight full of emotions as Papua New Guineans lined up on the road towards Jascksons to farewell for the last time “Papa blong kantri” Great Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare as they wept, waved PNG flags, threw flowers at the passing Funeral Home vehicle and even mothers and children were seeing running after the convoy as the casket of “Sana” the peacemaker, passed by going towards towards Jacksons.
The Air Niugini Q400 flight bound for Wewak is flown by an all Papua New Guinean crew, captained by Pilot Steven Ilave, which the Grand Chief would have wanted.
More updates to follow…
