It is with great shock and sadness that Sir Julius Chan, Governor of New Ireland Province, learned of the tragic passing of the Honourable Sam Basil, Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Bulolo since 2007.

“Sam Basil was a great politician, and a great friend,” Sir Julius said. “He was a true son and patriot of Papua New Guinea. I cannot believe he is gone. He was a young man, only 52, and he had many more years of service to offer the people of Bulolo and Papua New Guinea. Words cannot express the sadness we feel at this moment.”

Sir Julius said that he and the People’s Progress Party feel the loss of Sam Basil intensely. “I remember Sam’s entry into national politics when he ran for the Bulolo Open Seat in 2002,” Sir Julius said.

“In that election he ran as a People’s Progress Party candidate, and though he performed well, he narrowly lost the election. However, Sam spent the next five years working for, meeting with and coming to understand the needs and concerns of his people."

"In 2007 he ran again as a PPP candidate, and in that election the people returned him with a resounding victory."

"He was only 38 at the time, but he was wise beyond his years. He served with distinction as my Deputy Leader in Parliament, and though in later years he left the PPP, he nevertheless remained a good friend, a good colleague, and a truly honourable partner in the work of improving the lives of all Papua New Guineans.”

“And the people loved Sam as much as he loved his people, “Sir Julius said. “In the most recent election, 2017, Sam received more than ten times as many votes as the second-place candidate. That is the level of confidence his people had in him.”

Sir Julius concluded, saying “On behalf of myself, my family, the People’s Progress Party and all Papua New Guineans who seek integrity and honour in our political leaders, I want to express my deep and heartfelt condolences to Sam’s family, his many friends, and the people of Bulolo. We have all lost a pillar of strength who can never be replaced. May his soul rest in peace.”