The official state funeral program for the Late Rt. Hon. Sir Julius Chan, GCL, GCMG, KBE, PC, MP, continues today in Port Moresby as the nation mourns the passing of one of Papua New Guinea’s most distinguished leaders. Day 1: Repatriation from Kavieng to Port Moresby The program commenced on Friday, January 31, 2025, with the transportation of the Late Sir Julius Chan’s casket from Kavieng to Port Moresby. At 12pm the casket was taken to Kavieng Airport, where a brief ceremony was held before its departure. The casket was placed on a chartered flight at 1pm and arrived at Port Moresby’s APEC VIP Terminal at 4:20 pm then from there, it was escorted to Erima Funeral Home, marking the conclusion of the first day’s program. Today, February 1, Day 2: New Ireland Community Program at Kopkop College. The program shifted focus to the New Ireland community in Port Moresby. At 3pm, a gathering will be held at Kopkop College in Gerehu, providing an opportunity for the public to pay their respects and honor Sir Julius Chan’s legacy. His casket remained at Erima Funeral Home throughout the day. The program concludes at 7pm. Sunday, February 2, Day 3: State Funeral Service & National Hauskrai. The official state funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Cathedral in downtown Port Moresby. The casket will depart Erima Funeral Home at 12:45pm arriving at the cathedral at 1pm. The PNG Defence Force Ceremonial Guard will be present to honor the former Prime Minister. Following the funeral service, the National Hauskrai Program will be held at Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium, beginning at 5pm. The event will feature speeches and tributes from dignitaries, members of parliament, and community representatives with Prime Minister Hon. James Marape is expected to deliver the keynote address. On Monday, February 3, Final Farewell: Lay in State & Departure to Kavieng. Sir Julius Chan’s casket will be taken to the Grand Hall of the National Parliament House, where Members of Parliament and state dignitaries will pay their final respects. There will be 19-gun salute will be performed by the PNG Defence Force before the casket departs Port Moresby for its final journey back to Kavieng, New Ireland Province. Sir Julius Chan, one of the founding fathers of Papua New Guinea’s independence and a two-time Prime Minister, dedicated his life to public service. His passing marks the end of an era in PNG’s political history. As the nation continues to mourn, his words remain a reminder of his visionary leadership: "When I look out across the sea, I think of the unknown. It is to that world of adventure that we all must go, even though we cannot see what might lie ahead, whether it will be victory or defeat." – Sir Julius Chan The official state funeral program will conclude on February 3, with his final return to his beloved home province of New Ireland.