“Work never stops.”
A personification of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare as portrayed by Prime Minister James Marape in his speech at the NCD Vigil that commemorated the life of the iconic founding father of the country.
In honor of the Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, a walk around the Paga Hill ring road was held by many attendees from communities in and around the city.
The Vigil was organized by the NCD Governor Powes Parkop and was hosted at the Hubert Murray stadium to reflect on the life of a man that gave his all for God and for Country.
Welcoming all attending the event, the NCD Governor highlighted the dream of a man who believed that despite all other tribal or social affiliations, different groups of people could live as one in unity.
“Grand Chief had a great dream for this nation of a thousand tribes and hundreds of languages, cultures and traditions.He believed that we could rise above our tribal and other differences to be a great nation a world that was and is still divided political ideologies, ethnic, religious and other differences.”
As the tributes poured in, one could not help but feel the intense heart and love of the people to the man they called the Father of the Nation.
Two years on since his passing, many have yet to come to terms with the idea of losing him as observed this evening in the outpouring of the people in the stadium.
Meanwhile, keynote speaker and Minister for Petroleum & Energy Kerenga Kua expanded on this in his speech, noting the influence and love for the people maintained that the man of discipline touched so many.
“The Grand Chief is one of the greatest individuals that have ever walked on the surface of the land in this country.”
He added that the purpose of the gathering this evening was of many meanings, but on a personal level he mentioned that it was to reflect on the great deeds that he had done as an individual and as a leader that built the country to where it is today and to remember and uphold his legacy and the dream of a united PNG.