This just in! Long-time businessman and former Madang Governor Sir Peter Barter is confirmed to have passed away this morning at the Cairns Hospital in Australia.
The Barter family announced the passing of Sir Peter Barter this morning via advise from son Andrew Barter. Sir Peter first came to Papua New Guinea as a pilot in 1967 with the Divine Word Aviation.
He has travelled the length and breadth of the Sepik and Madang Province.
He later became a prominent businessman and a citizen of the newly independent Papua New Guinea.
He was a pioneer in the development of tourism in PNG.
Through his business Melanesian Tourist Services, he supported many small communities where his ships the Melanesian Explorer, Melanesian Discover docked.
He was a member of parliament for three terms as the Madang Governor.
Sir Peter is survived by his wife Lady Janet Barter, son Andrew and grandchildren Jordan and Amaiya.
Andrew added the Barter family are overwhelmingly grateful for the condolences messages received near and far and funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.