PM PAYS TRIBUTE TO FOUNDING FATHER, GRAND CHIEF SIR MICHAEL

Prime Minister James Marape was among others who paid tribute to the Late founding father, Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare yesterday.

PM Marape attended two separate occasions in commemoration of the Late founding father and the country’s first Prime Minister; first at the Late Grand Chief’s gravesite at Kreer Heights in Wewak, East Sepik Province where he attended the Dawn Service and the second one at the Sir John Guise Indoor stadium in Port Moresby for the Memorial Service.

This year marks the fourth year since the Grand Chief’s passing on the 26th of February 2021.

PM Marape during his address at the gravesite, reflected on Sir Michael’s enduring legacy, describing him as the architect of Papua New Guinea’s independence and a statesman who upheld the values of unity, peace, and the rule of law.

“I stand here deeply humbled, to pay tribute to the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.”

“This site holds immense national significance, as it is the resting place of a leader who dedicated his life to shaping Papua New Guinea into a sovereign and independent nation.”

In addition to this, PM Marape also attended the Memorial Service at the Sir John Guise Indoor stadium also shared similar sentiments on the immense contribution Sir Michael Somare gave towards this nation.

“During his lifetime, he united this diverse nation and even in death, he still united this diverse nation.”

“Somare’s legacy lives on, his sacrifice, his unwavering commitment towards PNG’s Independence and also his continuous service to our country.”

“As the nation turns fifty years, I want to re-echo his character to us and urge today’s generation and those who come after us, whether in politics or public service, that leadership is not about ourselves but about others and Sir Michael portrayed those characters in which we must follow.”

Furthermore, PM Marape also spoke on the importance of leadership and the family values that the Late Grand Chief himself portrayed during his life till his passing.

“Even at a very old age, the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare had a sense of duty to this country and participated in significant and national moments all the way until the end.”

“During his final days, he remained a guiding force, reminding the people of Papua New Guinea of the values that define all people as a nation.”