Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Manasseh Makiba, has provided K100,000 to the family of the late Simon Dumarinu, Member for Central Bougainville, to assist with funeral expenses. The support was given during the official Haus Krai held on Wednesday, August 29th. The late Dumarinu passed away on August 9th, and his body is currently awaiting State viewing on Tuesday September 3rd when Parliament resumes. His final repatriation is scheduled for September 9th. Minister Makiba, accompanied by the Director of the National Coordination Office for Bougainville Affairs (NCOBA), Mr. Wemin Boj, and other staff members, attended the Haus Krai to pay their respects. In his remarks, Minister Makiba described the late Dumarinu as a humble leader who was deeply committed to the aspirations of Bougainville. "He never backed down to compromise," Makiba said, expressing sadness over the loss of a leader who was a strong advocate for Bougainville's development. In Parliament, Dumarinu was known for raising significant issues, particularly during question time. According to Minister Makiba, "He managed to raise significant issues to direct questions to me regarding the nation and Bougainville and triggered a collective debate amongst parliamentarians on the true standing on the Bougainville issue." "He is the only leader to have done so on the matter." The late Dumarinu was also recognized for his work in social development and his commitment to a five-year district development plan aimed at improving basic services and infrastructure in Central Bougainville. His dedication to ensuring fiscal self-reliance for both his district and Bougainville as a whole was unwavering. The Regional Member for Bougainville and Minister for Internal Security, Peter Tsiamalili, also praised the respect shown by Minister Makiba and NCOBA. He acknowledged the financial support, along with the provision of food and two pigs, as fitting tributes for a leader of Dumarinu's stature. Tsiamalili confirmed that the late Dumarinu's body would lay in State for viewing on September 3rd, with members scheduled to visit the Haus Krai throughout the first week of September, before the final departure of his body to Bougainville on September 9th. "We have not only lost him but also his wisdom and counsel," Tsiamalili said, reflecting on the void left by Dumarinu’s passing.