"The students of the University of Papua New Guinea led by the East Sepik student president and the UPNG SRC President walked up to late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare's residence from where buses left us at Garden Hills to pay our respects." "As we got there, we sang the National Anthem." "We cried as the lyrics became heavy to utter." #RestinPowerTunga #KingoftheNorth Emmanuel Wanya Neuendorf on the passing of late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare – Story taken from Facebook showing PNG mourning

"Grand Chief Sir Michael; among the saddest news in my life of your passing reached me in my village at Wewak at 2 am Friday morning." "I grieved through the wee hours of the morning, and at 8 am, I carried out the NIAMDAR Tradition of "Death Notice" by beating the garamut in 8 slow single beats." "Tears rolled down my cheeks as I did." "Among all Great Leaders of Nations! My pride and joy was and remains in my lifetime that you originated from the leadership tenets of the "NIAMDAR". RIP." Alois Jerewai in Wewak on the passing of late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare - Story taken from Facebook showing PNG mourning

"Fiji has lost a dear friend with the passing of former Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare." "He was more than PNG's founding father, his legacy as an architect of regional unity lives on in the hearts of all Pacific people." "I deeply regret that I cannot be in PNG to pay my respects." Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama on the passing of late Sir Michael Somare

Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s former Chief of Staff, Mr Paul Bengo, will represent the family from time to time in issuing public statements from the family as they prepare the funeral arrangements of their late beloved father. Sir Michael handpicked Mr Paul Bengo out of UPNG in 1973 to be his Principle Private Secretary, taking over from the young Sir Rabbie Namaliu at the time. Since then Mr Bengo has been a loyal public servant for many years, serving in many capacities both in provincial and National Government. After the passage of the Organic Law on Political Parties and Candidates, Mr Bengo became the first Registrar of Political Parties. His loyalty to PNG and Sir Michael makes him an obvious representative for our family. He will liaise with State officials to make sure that there is coordination between all parties to ensure arrangements for Sir Michael have the consent of the family and is acceptable to the people of Papua New Guinea. Again as Sir Michael was a friend, father and mentor to so many people around the country, we have seen already a great number of people asking for a Hauskrai to be set up. In practical terms it is difficult for everyone to congregate at his 4mile residence. We therefore kindly request that friends and relatives respect and follow COVID protocols. While it is our tradition to sit and share stories of our beloved deceased relatives we are living in precarious times. It is a fact that COVID numbers have increased in our country over the recent months. We ask that relatives respect the health of our other aging parent, our mother by observing protocols such as washing hands, not shaking hands but fist pumping and social distancing. In the interest of the media please liaise with Mr Rodney Kamus at rodneykamusrk@gmail.com who is part of Mr Bengo’s team. Picture sourced: GETTY Images

It is with much sadness and sorrow that New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan learned of the passing of his dear friend and fellow founding father Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. Sir J after returning from a hectic trip to New Hanover the night before, awoke to the sad news this morning  at his home in Kavieng, New Ireland Province. Sir J described Sir Michael as a humble and natural born leader who was destined to lead the Independent Nation of Papua New Guinea.   He conveyed his deepest sympathy to Lady Veronica Somare and their five children Betha, Sana, Arthur, Michael Jnr, Dulciana and their families at this time. “I want to add my voice to what I know is already a chorus of voices acknowledging and confirming the pivotal and influential role played by the Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare in the history of Papua New Guinea. Who could have foreseen that the birth of a child on April 9, 1936 in Rabaul was the beginning of a journey that would not only carry Sir Michael through a tumultuous and exciting life, but would also lead to the birth of a new nation, a diverse nation of a thousand tribes, unlike any other nation ever born in the history of the world,” said Sir J. Going back 53 years ago Sir J recalled both he and Sir Michael being elected   back to the Second House of Assembly in 1968. “ I remember those early days very well.  They were days of adventure, days of daring dreams, days when it seemed we could do almost anything we dreamed of doing. It was a small group in those first days, a small group of dreamers.  It included Sir Michael and myself, Sir John Guise, Sir Albert Maori Kiki, Sir John Kaputin and just a few others.    “And we both shared what seemed at first like a fantastic dream – that the territories of Papua and New Guinea should come together – and not only come together, but come together as an Independent Country, a member of the World of Nations,  standing on our own two feet, equal to any in the world.” He remembers following the third House of Assembly elections in 1972 when they formed Government.  Sir Michael and Pangu joined with the PPP to form a partnership that would take the country to Independence.  Sir Michael headed Government, became Chief Minister with Self Government in 1973, and Sir J served as Minister for Internal Finance. “And we got down to work.  Together with the others I have mentioned we took on the greatest challenge in the history of any country – the challenge to be independent, the challenge to be free. “ He said Sir Michael was the captain of the Ship, with a great crew by his side he maneuvered through uncharted waters. He had to keep a country of a Thousand tribes United, even though some parts of the country were adamant on breaking away. “We knew that if our country split apart – if our country became the country of Papua, the country of New Guinea and the country of Bougainville, we would be lost.  We needed each other.  If we were divided we would have been much weaker. Papua New Guinea can never repay the debt we have to Michael Somare.”

Australia extends its deep condolences to the Somare family and the people of Papua New Guinea on the passing of Grand chief Sir Michael Somare. Sir Michael was a towering figure in the history of Papua New Guinea. As a driving force in the development of Papua New Guinea’s national constitution, and the nation’s first and longest-serving Prime Minister, Sir Michael has an unparalleled place in the history of Papua New Guinea. As Prime Minister for 17 years, over four separate terms, Sir Michael became a long-standing and respected friend of Australia, working alongside Australian Prime Ministers Whitlam, Fraser, Hawke, Howard, Rudd and Gillard. He was a vital partner who staunchly defended Papua New Guinea’s independence, but always appreciated Australia’s unstinting commitment to his country. Sir Michael believed deeply in the Westminster system of government – with its separation of powers, independent judiciary, and strong democratic processes and institutions. That commitment made Papua New Guinea’s path to Independence, secure and enduring. I know Sir Michael will be deeply missed by his many friends in Australia and across the region. Papua New Guinea is Australia’s closest neighbour and one of our dearest friends. On this sad day, we honour a nation that is family to us. To Lady Veronica and the entire Somare family, I extend my heartfelt condolences and the condolences of the Australian Government.

Prime Minister James Marape has expressed great sadness at the passing of Founding Prime Minister, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, in the early hours of this morning. "it is with great sorrow and grief that I announce the passing of the Father of our Nation, Grand Chief Sir Micheal Thomas Somare," he said. "His Doctor texted me that at 12:10 am today that the great man was rested. "God gives and God rested him from the pain and toils of life. "There is a season for every thing, a time to born and a time to die, " as the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:2. PM Marape said Papua New Guinea honored Sir Michael. "Our nation honors this great leader, the founding and longest-serving Prime Minister of our country, " he said. "I appeal to our citizens and residents for a week of silence, peace and calm as we in pay respect to this one person whom our country owes much. "He is unmatched by anyone of us who comes after him. "He deserves our unified respect now too, at passing, and for ever into our future as a nation." PM Marape passed his sincere condolences to the Somare family. "To Lady Veronica, Bertha , Sana, Arthur, Dulcie and Junior, all grandchildren and the tribal family and the people of East Sepik, we thankyou for allowing this giant of a man to be our national father," he said. "I thank the family too for allowing me to spend some quite moments with him a few days ago, which I now see as a privilege of the highest order. " His words linger. "He is universally loved in our country, may his memory bind our nation still. "Long live his memory." PM Marape said his Cabinet would meet today to announce a formal State funeral programme. "Our flags all over our country and overseas missions are to be flown lowered until we formally come out of mourning," he said. "Our Nation enters our mourning period, where ever you are, until further announcements. "I will personally precede over this period of national mourning. "With tears I say, 'Rest In Peace, Papa'

Papua New Guinea has recorded another COVID-19 death bringing the total number of deaths from to 12 on Thursday 25 February.  A 63 year old male from West Sepik province is the latest reported COVID-19 death. He was admitted to Sandaun Provincial Hospital on the 19th of this month until his death. The death comes as 89 new cases have been reported in West Sepik, West New Britain, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and in the National Capital District.  This is the highest number of cases reported in a single day since the beginning of the pandemic in PNG.  A total of 75 new cases were reported in West Sepik, 12 cases in NCD and a case each in WNB and AROB. Of the 75 new cases in West Sepik, 39 are males and 36 are females with ages ranging between 14 to 78 years. Twenty-two of the cases were showing symptoms of COVID-19 whilst 52 were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Forty-five of the 75 cases came into contact with previous known cases. All cases are from Vanimo Green River. In NCD, a total of nine males and three females between the ages of 23 to 54 were tested positive. Six cases showed symptoms of COVID-19 whilst six others were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Five of the 12 cases came into contact with previous positive cases. In West New Britain, a 33 year old male has been tested positive for COVID-19. He was not showing symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of testing but swab samples returned otherwise. The Autonomous Region of Bougainville also reported its second case. A 42 year old female is the latest to be confirmed positive. She was experiencing fever, cough, chills and headache at the time of testing. The country's COVID-19 case as a result stands at 1,228 with 12 known deaths.  Seventeen provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) have reported cases. The distribution of the cases is as follows: Provinces             Confirmed Cases NCD                     442 Western Province     323 West New Britain     195 West Sepik             114 Madang                        35 East New Britain        35 New Ireland                 23 Eastern Highlands 13 Western Highlands 13 Central                          12 Morobe                            9 East Sepik                    5 Enga                            3 Milne Bay                    2 AROB                            2 Hela Province            1 SHP                            1 TOTAL                    1,228 Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 11,762,965 including 326,531 new cases reported in the last 24 hours.  The death toll is 2,479,678 of which 8,384 were reported in the last 24 hours.

This just in, there has been another COVID-19 related death bringing the total number of COVID-19 deaths to 12.  This death comes as 89 new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours…the highest number of cases reported in a single day.  This now brings the total number of COVID-19 cases for PNG to 1, 228 confirmed cases.   Continue to practice COVID-19 safety protocols and keep listening to the news on this station & follow our news website: pnghausbung.com for more on this story. 

It is with great sadness that the Somare's on behalf of Lady Veronica Somare announce the passing of her beloved husband, the father of her children and grandchildren and great grandchild Sir Michael Thomas Somare at 12am on Friday 25 February 2021. Sir Michael was only diagnosed with a late stage of Pancreatic Cancer in early February and was admitted to hospital on Friday 19 February 2021. Sadly, pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers that are rarely detected early. We as a family had only two weeks to look for possible treatments for our father. "Sir Michael was a loyal husband to our mother and great father first to her children, then grandchildren and great granddaughter,"said daughter Betha Somare. "But we are endeared that many Papua New Guineans equally embraced Sir Michael as father and grandfather." She said as a man of great faith, they are pleased that Sir Michael was able to be given his last rites and Anointing by Cardinal Ribat. "In our presence Sir Michael opened his eyes to acknowledge the blessing by his Eminence before passing away peacefully." "We take this opportunity to thank the Cardinal for making himself available so quickly." Arrangements will be made in due course to take Sir Michael home to his final resting place in the East Sepik Province. "We his children know that it is the wish of both our parents to be laid to rest together on Kreer Heights in Wewak." "We thank everyone who in those few days had worked so hard to save Sir Michael’s life be it through a medivac, healthcare itself or providing transport. We also thank everyone who wrote in to express their support and offer their prayers to our father and our family." "We are humbled." Photo sourced: voanews.com

Bougainville has confirmed its second positive case of COVID-19 for the region this week. The Bougainville Public Health Committee said the case is that of a female, who displayed symptoms of the virus and went in for voluntary testing this week. Her sample was tested at the Buka Triage Center using the Gene Xpert machine and brought back a positive result. The ABG Health Clinical Team confirmed that her condition is stable and she is currently being treated and is in self-isolation at home. Contact tracing and sample collection has already commenced for close contacts of the positive case, and those currently being tested. These samples will be tested to determine the status of the contacts and inform intervention to prevent any further spread of the virus. While the COVID-19 Response Team is engaged in its quick response efforts, the general public is urged to remain calm and to strictly adhere to Covid-19 protocols to prevent spread of the virus. This includes the Niupela Pasin preventive measures which are: Wear a facemask or face covering in public places to protect yourself and others Keep at least 1.5 meters’ distance between yourself and others. Limited social gathering and times spent in crowded places. Greet each other without touching. No handshake, no fist or elbow bumps. Greet with a smile, bow, nod or a simple hello. Clean hands frequently, wash with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizer Cough or sneeze into your bent elbow not your hands. Avoid touching your mouth eyes and nose Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. If you have Covid-19 symptoms such as fever, dry cough, sore throat or shortness of breath, call toll-free #: 74460830 or visit your nearest health facility. The Triage Center located at the Buka General Hospital is operational and has the capacity to conduct assessment of clients and collection of samples for testing. The public is urged to visit the Center and get tested if you are not feeling well. While Bougainville is no longer in an emergency period, the ABG through the Bougainville Public Health Committee, will take immediate action to implement necessary precautionary containment measures to prevent any further transmission.

Jenny Gonapa had no office when she started her business in 2009 – just alaptop, an idea and her determination. Today, PNG Highlands Tours is regarded as a reliable tourism operator, anachievement obtained through Jenny’s commitment to learning and hardwork. In many ways, her journey as an entrepreneur started back in 2001 whenshe was selected to undertake an Australian Government supportedscholarship – a business management diploma she completed through TAFEQueensland. After she graduated and returned home, Jenny worked with a tour operatorin Goroka, but in the back of her mind was the desire to run her ownbusiness. With the encouragement of her brother, who also worked for a tour operator, she started PNG Highlands Tours. The first few years were tough – as is the case with many start-ups – butJenny and her husband were committed. They invested thousands of Kina to attend overseas travel expos, promoting the business and hoping to attract tourists. “I participated in a lot of travel shows like our very own Lukim PNG NauExpo, the South Pacific Tourism Exchange in Auckland, the Birding Fair inLondon and even the world’s leading travel show – ITB in Berlin,” Jennysaid. “It was costing me and my husband so much time, effort and money, and Ihad not gotten one tourist to take an interest in coming on my tours. We were sacrificing a lot just for me to attend these expos, and every time Iwent, I came back without any booking.” With prospects looking bleak, Jenny was about to give up when she got acall from a friend. “Alice Kuaniningi, the then marketing manager for the PNG TourismAuthority, was assisting me and other tour operators with attending exposand roadshows,” Jenny continued. She told me, ‘You mustn’t give up. You’re dealing with humans, not cargothat will be brought in on ships. Be patient!” Sure enough, the first group of tourists signed up for packages in 2012. They were American and European retirees – a demographic that hasremained a key market. Tourists bought full packages, which featured trekking, cultural festivals,bird viewing, diving, village stays, road transfers and hotel reservations. With the business growing steadily, Jenny invested in land in Goroka whereshe built an office and diversified into other operations, including a bottleshop, food bar and grocery store. PNG Highlands Tours has five permanent staff in Goroka and agents in PortMoresby, Rabaul, Kavieng, Mt Hagen, Tari, Mt Bosavi, Karamui, Telefomin,Madang, Simbai, East Sepik, Milne Bay and Tufi. They use digital platforms and clients can book online through theirwebsite, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn, or through travel agents in theUSA, Europe, Japan, North America, Australia and New Zealand. In 2019, Jenny took part in the PNG-Australia Partnership’s Laikim Sisterproject, which strengthened grassroots business connections between Papua New Guinean and Indigenous Australian women. “I learnt a lot from my sisters from Australia when they came up last year,”Jenny said. “I can say that this was the best network and exchange program to havebeen part of.” Jenny opened an office in Cairns, was planning to open new offices inSydney and Canberra, and was working with agents around the world toincrease bookings before things were disrupted by COVID-19. Flights stopped, tours were cancelled and business ground to a halt. “Our income is mainly tourists travelling into the country, and when theborders are closed we are shut down completely,” Jenny said. “We are not recovering as yet – maybe [this will happen in] late 2021.” To assist small and medium enterprises to survive the pandemic and adaptto challenging conditions, the Australian Government supported PNG Highlands Tours and other Laikim Sister entrepreneurs by providingbusiness coaching and mentoring. They have been taking part in Zoom video sessions and working throughstrategies to pivot their businesses and cope with the personal stress. For Jenny, the connections built through Laikim Sister proved useful as sheadapted her business to export handicrafts and cultural items. “I built my network of handicrafts business from here and have beenexporting to keep my business going,” she said. “I have done five exports so far and am preparing to send more in thecoming weeks.” Times are challenging, but Jenny has the mindset of an innovator. She’sfocused on the opportunities and keeps moving forward.