Prime Minister James Marape has stated that Telefomin District has lost one of its most productive and committed leaders since Independence in 1975, following the passing of Solan Mirisim, Member for Telefomin and Minister for Works and Highways.
Speaking at the funeral service held recently, the Prime Minister remarked that while Telefomin has produced many of Papua New Guinea’s finest leaders, public servants, and police officers over the years, Mirisim stood among the very best of his generation.
Drawing on scripture, Prime Minister Marape offered comfort to the mourners, noting that even in times of deep sorrow, light brings reassurance.
He observed that when light comes, it brings the realization that such a life was a profound blessing.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the presence of the Governors of West Sepik and Western Province, alongside other ministers, leaders, and family members, commending the calm strength and dignity displayed by the Mirisim family and the people of Telefomin.
Reflecting on his journey into the district, the Prime Minister noted the visible progress in local infrastructure.
“Not every village in Papua New Guinea has classrooms like this,” he said.
“Here, we saw proper elementary classrooms supported by staff houses.”
This does not happen by accident; it happens because of leadership that believes in education.”
He credited Mirisim for working quietly and consistently to ensure that children in remote regions were granted the same opportunities as those in more accessible parts of the country.
Prime Minister Marape assured the family, the people of Telefomin and public servants, including police, that the work and vision Mirisim stood for would continue.
“Solan Mirisim has left an indelible imprint on national public policy, particularly in infrastructure and connectivity.”
In addition, he stated that Telefomin’s location near the Indonesian border gives it national strategic importance, and Mirisim clearly understood the need for the district to be developed as a gateway area facing West Papua.
“Our responsibility as a nation is to open up all parts of Papua New Guinea.”
“That responsibility began in 1975 and remains today, as we approach 50 years of Independence.”
Since 2019, Mirisim was a key member of the leadership group that shaped the government’s principle of inclusive development, aiming to leave no place or person behind.
He said true development involves planning for public spaces, including schools, staff housing, and public buildings, not just roads.
“As leaders, including myself, many of us come from areas with road access but districts like Telefomin continue to show that rural communities can still produce some of the best minds in our country.”
The Prime Minister noted that districts like Telefomin prove that rural communities can produce the nation’s best minds, citing Telefomin and Oksapmin High Schools as top-performing institutions that have produced professionals serving both nationally and internationally.
While acknowledging that development in such remote areas is a gradual process that happens “kilometer by kilometer,” the Prime Minister thanked the Missionary Aviation Fellowship for its 70 years of service and Ok Tedi Mining Limited for its economic contributions through tax credit projects.
He acknowledged Ok Tedi for its contribution to the national economy, noting that revenues generated must always be used responsibly for the benefit of the people.
Looking ahead, he said the greatest way to honour Mirisim was to continue the work he believed in.
“In 10- or 20-years’ time, let us be able to say we honoured this leader not only with words, but through continued service to our nation.”
The Prime Minister concluded by thanking the people of Telefomin for the trust they placed in Mirisim and extended his deepest condolences to the family on behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea.
