"If we love and respect Somare, we must love and respect this country." These were the words of the Prime Minister James Marape in his keynote speech at the Candle Night Commemorative Vigil that was held in remembrance and honor of Papua New Guinea's founding father, late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas ToPalangat Somare. Prime Minister Marape spoke of the late Grand Chief 's leadership and describe Somare as a one of a kind leader adding that he was a great man of this country, just like Mandela was for South Africa, Ghandi was for India and Abraham Lincoln was for the United States of America. "May God Bless Somare. He brought Independence to this country and was a great leader of this nation." Marape acknowledged Dulcianna Somare-Brash, who was at the event on her family's behalf to witness and leave words of tribute from the family. The Prime Minister was grateful for the words of encouragement from one of our nation's senior statesman, Sir Moi Avei, KBE telling the people to stand united as a nation in these times. "Sir Moi, you still have the hope, I still have the hope." "Much work remains ahead of us; unemployment, education, people in this nation are not doing anything productive except lawlessness." "These are challenges that are before us today that we face, but let us rise up and for his third anniversary, respect the law that Somare has set for us." Meanwhile the Prime Minister was honoured to be at the event as he thanked the people, the diplomatic community, his ministers that were there, for being at the event and Governor Powes Parkop for hosting this Commemorative vigil.