East New Britain Provincial Member Michael Marum on behalf of his people of East New Britain, pay tribute and homage to Grand Chief, the late Sir Julius Chan GCL GCMG KBE, the last of the founding fathers of this great nation, Papua New Guinea. Mr. Marum in a statement stated that Papua New Guinea has again lost a great and visionary leader who served his country and his people for over his 50 years. “Known as the father of Kina and Toea, he launched the currency on April 19, 1975, as the Finance Minister and can boast the creation of the Central Bank of PNG, as one of his many national achievements and part of his endearing legacy. The task of uniting a thousand tribes, scattered throughout the most linguistically and geographically diverse places on earth, was one that we can imagine was not an easy one. We are indebted to his determination and vision alongside our other great forefathers, to establishing our independent nation and for the lessons we have learnt since then,” Mr. Marum said. He added that his family, his people, his government and its administration, convey their love, prayers and deepest condolences to his beloved wife Lady Stella Chan, and children Vanessa, Byron, Mark and Toea, their families and the extended families, the people of Huris, Namatanai, New Ireland, and the rest of Papua New Guinea who are mourning this great loss. “His handprint is embedded in the history of this nation, and as we mourn his passing, we celebrate his life and contributions, all blessings on our journey of nationhood. May Eternal Rest Be Granted Unto Him Oh Lord, and May He Rest In Peace,” Mr. Marum expressed. Meanwhile, the body of the Late Sir Julius Chan is expected to be laid to rest tomorrow at his home in Huris, Namatanai district.