PNG Haus Bung

The New Ireland Province will be staging an inter-denominational Church service in honour of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare on 12th March at 10am on Friday morning at the Utu Secondary School Grounds. New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan naturally selected Utu Secondary school because it was where Sir Michael began his teaching career back when it was called Utu Intermediate school and because the road there was named Sir Michael Somare Avenue on the 16th of September 2020, during the Grand Opening of the Legislative Assembly. Acting Administrator CEO for Education Benson Apelis will be meeting with Church representatives to make arrangements for the special commemorative service. “This is an open invitation to all our people who would like a solemn day to come together, united in prayer and remembrance honouring the legacy of our Founding father through a formal church service,” said Sir Julius Chan. Sir J emphasized that “ The Utu gathering will be the only official recognized gathering, any other off shoot events will not be entertained.” Other schools, Churches and individual organisations, Councils and Wards throughout New Ireland are also urged to hold their own services in their own locations. The earlier part of Thursday morning is chosen to allow for viewing of the Funeral service on National Television at 2pm in the afternoon. Governor Sir Julius Chan will be flying into Port Moresby today to attend the HausKrai at the Sir John Guise stadium on Thursday 4th March. He will be accompanied by Deputy Governor Sammy Missen and Traditional New Ireland Chiefs representing the two districts Engleberth Lutham and Valentine Betbet. The Port Moresby New Ireland community is also expected to accompany the New Ireland delegation at the Sir John Guise stadium to show the Provinces last respect and farewell custom to Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. Sir J will also attend National Parliament on the 11th, where Sir Michael will lay in State for the last time. Governor will also accompany the State team to East Sepik Province for Sir Michael’s burial at Kreer Heights in Wewak.

The grand opening of the Western Pacific University in Ialibu, Southern Highlands Province planned for March 01, 2021 has been postponed to a later date. Minister for Sports and Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology Wesley Raminai has announced that the planned opening of the University on March 1 has been postponed. "Another event on 12 March that is being re-scheduled is the Graduation of the Divine Word University," Raminai said. This is in respect for the Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, who passed away on 26 February in news that has placed the nation in a deep state of mourning. Raminai, on behalf of the Ministry of Sport and Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology and his people of Kagua Erave, passed his deepest condolences to the family of Sir Michael, the Founding Father of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. Following a special National Executive Council Meeting Prime Minister James Marape announced a two week mourning period which started on March 01, with a public holiday declared for the country. The special period of mourning ends on 12 March, during which it is planned that a state funeral will be held to farewell the iconic leader of this country and the Pacific. Raminai said Sir Michael’s visionary leadership for this country is well documented and over the next weeks a nationwide initiative will detail many of these crucial achievements of this great man. Sir Michael as Chief Minister following elections in 1972 led the country to self-government on 1 December 1973, and subsequently became our country’s first Prime Minister when Papua New Guinea gained Independence from Australia on 16 September 1975. “To be quite honest some of us were not even born that time so our memories of that significant chapter of our country’s history  are from books, documentaries, stories that were told to us at school of this great man,” Raminai said. “I am humbled to be even talking about this great leader.  I humbly relay my sincere and deepest condolences to Lady Veronica and her children and the family of the Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, his relatives and the people of East Sepik for sharing him with us.” “We have little choice but as a sign of respect like everyone else in the country, we have to cancel events that were planned for over the next few weeks." “This include the opening of the Western Pacific University which was set for 1 March, an important event but we have to re-schedule as a mark of respect. It is also the same for the Graduation ceremony of the Divine Word University in Madang, which will be re-scheduled to another date.” Photo sourced: Western Pacific University FB page

The tourism industry is set for a major boost in the Milne Bay Province with the recent arrival of Air Niugini's Boeing 737 service into the province. The B737 aircraft made it's inaugural flight into Gurney airport on Friday and was warmly welcomed by the the provincial government delegates, including Milne Bays Deputy governor Tom Cameron, Alotau Open MP Charles Abel, LLG presidents and the Provincial Administrator Ashan Numa and other dignitaries. Air Niugini CEO Bruce Alabaster said there was no better time to boost tourism in the province, and with restrictions placed on international borders, the benefits are huge as it gives much more opportunity to discover Papua New Guinea domestically. Air Niugini CEO Bruce Alabaster meets delegates from the MBPG. " So we will be rolling out getaway fares specifically aimed at tourist domestic travel over the next couple of weeks mainly to stimulate domestic tourism markets at a time, cruise ships aren't able to come here," said Mr Alabaster. The B737 service will be operated into Gurney three times a week, as well as the Fokker aircraft on other days. Air Niugini is also looking to extend its other services into Alotau on Friday and Monday. Air Niugini CEO Bruce Alabaster addressing the gathering at Gurney "Gurney is the second domestic airport that we're operating the B737 service to. We operate up to twice daily into Hagen, now to Gurney and we'll be extending out into Manus as well." Mr Alabaster gave his compliments to the national government for the work on the Gurney airport to extend the runway and welcomed the announcement by the Provincial government to build a new terminal. "It's a big step for Gurney, as the B737 service is 60% more capacity than the Fokker aircrafts, so its 144 (16 business and 128 economy) passengers per flight that we are able to bring in at any one time." Alotau MP Charles Abel extended his gratitude on behalf of the political leadership of the Province to the management and staff of Air Niugini and the board of Air Niugini led by CEO Bruce Alabaster who was personally on the inaugural flight. "We are grateful for the decision operationally to include Gurney as one of the locations the B737 aircraft can service." B737 aircraft at the Jacksons Airport, POM before its take off to Gurney, MBP. He challenged Papua New Guinean's to make use of the B737 service to visit Milne Bay Province and other provinces in Papua New Guinea if they couldn't travel overseas. "There are many beautiful destinations within Papua New Guinea and we have them also here in Milne Bay. We've got many resorts, world war II history sites, we got some of the best diving spots in the world, beautiful culture and we like to think, we are a peaceful province, so I'm extending an invitation to all of you, please come to Milne Bay." The inaugural B737 flight to Gurney was commanded by Captain Moses Padigaga and First Officer Bernice Watinga, both from Milne Bay; a real moment of pride and satisfaction to land the giant bird on home soil. "Its long overdue, we are no strangers to Alotau; I must say its feels good to be home," said Captain Padigaga. Captain Moses Padigaga at Gurney Airport upon arrival. Crowd waiting to witness the inaugural flight of B737 into Gurney. B737 ready to return to POM after its inaugural flight to Gurney.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has intensified collaboration with the Government of Papua New Guinea as mass gatherings to commemorate the country’s founding prime minister threaten to accelerate already rising cases of COVID-19. In February 2021, cases rose steeply, with 449 cases reported in the month of February alone, bringing the total to 1,365 with 14 deaths. Hospitals are under pressure as the number of patients mounts and some health care workers are infected with SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes thecoronavirus disease 2019. After former Prime Minister, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare died on 26 February, the country announced 12 days of mourning across the country from 1 to 12 March. Commemorations include church services, community events, a state funeral with funeral procession and traditional “hauskrai” (wake) gatherings. Dr Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Papua New Guinea, paid tribute to the former prime minister and said his team was working closely with the National Department of Health (NDoH) to encourage safe mourning. “It is fitting to mourn the loss of the late Grand Chief, Sir Michael, the “father of the nation”, and it is important to do so safely. Our WHO team is pleased to work with the National Department of Health to re-enforce the importance of protective measures to limiting COVID-19 transmission. We commend the national organising committee which put in place measures such as physical distancing for the hauskrai inside the John Guise Indoor Stadium in Port Moresby.” Distancing is one of several recommendations in a range of guidance WHO has published to support national authorities and other leaders to assess and minimise the risks posed by mass gatherings during the pandemic. “Maintaining the six healthy behaviours during the whole mourning period and beyond will be important to prevent transmission. To protect themselves and others, it is important for mourners to remember physical distancing, wear a mask, avoid crowds, clean their hands, stay home if theyare unwell, and cough into a bent elbow or tissue.” Such life-saving messages are a core part of the Niupela Pasin campaign led by the National Department of Health with support from WHO and partners. WHO is also working with NDoH counterparts in provinces that have reported recent surges in cases, including East Sepik, West Sepik, Madang and the National Capital District. Support includes visits to assess needs and deliver training on topics such as surveillance, clinical management, and infection and prevention control. A joint team is currently in Wewak, East Sepik, the home of late Sir Michael, to support the province’s COVID-19 response, as well as work with health authorities there to mitigate risks of COVID-19 transmission during the mourning period. In West Sepik, the team spoke to officers at the Correctional Services on protective measures after positive COVID-19 cases were reported there. In Madang, the team assessed laboratories and the screening process at Divine Word University campus.

“The Board, Management, Staff and Members of National Superannuation Fund Limited, (Nasfund), join Papua New Guinea in offering our condolences to Lady Veronica, children – Bertha, Sana, Arthur, Michael Jnr and Dulciana, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, on the passing of our Nation’s Founding Father, Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare.” Grand Chief Sir Michael’s role in uniting Papua New Guinea before, during and after Independence is one which will forever be etched in our country’s history. The ability to unite a nation of a thousand tribes under one flag was one that only the Grand Chief could do – and we as a nation will be forever indebted to him for his leadership and selfless service. As we mourn the loss of our Founding Father, may we also use this opportunity to reflect on the values and aspirations that the Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare and our founding fathers hoped for – a vibrant united democracy of many tribes and cultures, with equal opportunities for development, progress and prosperity. On behalf of more than 600,000 Nasfund members, we thank and honour you for Papua New Guinea, the nation you proudly led in September 1975 and leave behind, for us to enjoy as free citizens today. You will be dearly missed and forever be in our hearts. Rest In Eternal Peace Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare.

Five fire trucks donated by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) were presented to the PNG Fire Service (PNGFS) to boost their local firefighting efforts. The five refurbished vehicles are equipped to carry 1800 litres of firefighting water and are provided with a comprehensive inventory of firefighting equipment, making these trucks valuable assets to the PNGFS. The donation of these fire trucks would not have been possible without the Australian Defence Force, who provided the naval capability of HMAS Choules to transport the trucks to Port Moresby on 19 February. The Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp presented the trucks to the Minister for Defence, the Hon Solan Mirisim. The delivery represents the continuation of PNG and Australia’s close work together, deepening our strong and long-standing partnership. Alongside the trucks, the PNGFS received more than 150 sets of ex-service firefighting protective clothing for use in structural and bushfire situations and 16 sets of breathing apparatus. This donation was supported by the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership through a funding grant of $55,000AUD (approx K153,000) provided to QFES to purchase the breathing apparatus and cylinders. This equipment is a critical part of firefighting operations, allowing firefighters to enter smoke-filled buildings to rescue people and fight fires at their origin. Through this donation, Australia hopes to give back in the spirit of friendship and generosity that exists between the two countries. During Australia’s bushfires last year, Operation Helpim Wantok saw PNG contribute a deployment of 100 PNGDF personnel, including the first women to be deployed by the PNG Defence Force - to help protect Australian families and support recovery efforts.  “It was at this time last year that Papua New Guinea was offering its own support during Australia’s bushfires under Operation Helpim Wantok. Australia is proud to reciprocate this support with these five fire trucks, reflecting the depth of our shared partnership,” said High Commissioner Jon Philp. “Australia understands all too well the threat of fire and the value of a strong and valued friend like PNG in times of need. Australia and Papua New Guinea are stronger together.”

“After 35 years in the air, it is time to give back on the ground”. Cricket PNG would like to welcome Captain Timothy Narara to the Board of Cricket PNG, bringing his vast experience from 35-year aviation career. After serving with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and Air Niugini, Tico spent the next 22 years with Emirates Airlines, where he was the first Papua New Guinean to be licenced to fly the Airbus A380 – the largest passenger aircraft in the world. Retiring from flying at the age of 56, Tico’s is looking to give back to the community and believes cricket is one platform to start giving back Papua New Guinea saying: “My mission in life is do well in whatever I do. I have achieved that in my career, and now it is time to give back and share all that knowledge, exposure, and experience. The satisfaction of giving back motivates me to strive for that.” Over the last decade, Tico has always supported Papua New Guinea whenever they have played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During the 2019 ICC t20 World Cup Qualifiers in the UAE, Tico acted as the Barramundis unofficial liaison officer, working the CEO, Greg Campbell. Cricket PNG CEO Greg Campbell said, “It was a pleasure to work with Tico during the qualifying tournament in the UAE. He has been behind the Barramundis during our UAE tours, and you could see he was extremely passionate about giving back to Papua New Guinea whichever way he could. We did get in his ear about joining the Board once he retired from flying, and its great that he leapt at the opportunity once he was available.”Tico brings multicultural experience having worked with over 150 nationalities after 22 years with Emirates. This exposure will be an asset to the Board as Cricket PNG strives to bring cricket to all of Papua New Guinea. Board Chair Helen Macindoe said; “We are excited to have Tico join the Board, and we see his international experiences as an asset. We are building to our first global ICC tournament and we will look to Tico to understand how we can leverage our participation in the tournament to expand the reach of cricket to the rest of Papua New Guinea. We love Tico’s mission, “after 35 years in the air, it’s time to give back on the ground” and we hope we are the platform to help Tico give back to Papua New Guinea.” Tico joins the Board as a Director and takes over from Mr Johnson Kalo whose role with Kina Bank did not allow him to dedicate the time he would have wished to Cricket PNG. CPNG would like to thank Mr Kalo for his service and commitment to cricket in PNG.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop led grieving Active City participants and students in black on Sunday to respect and honour the passing of Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare on Friday.  Undeterred by rain and wind, they walked 8 kilometres in the weekly event, 'Walk and Yoga for Life' from Murray Barracks to the Sea Park Bazaar along the Paga Hill Ring road. The students from University of Papua New Guinea joined hundreds of participants.  The Walk and Yoga for Life program was dedicated not only to mourn Papua New Guinea's 'papa' but also to celebrate his life and legacy. Speaking at the end of the silent walk in grief, Governor Parkop said if one looks at Sir Michael’s life, it is an embodiment of the true spirit of Papua New Guinea.  He said the entire nation is mourning the passing of this great man.  He was born in New Guinea Irelands, said Governor Parkop, grew up in Momase, educated in Southern Region and all his friends who partnered him for independence are from the Highlands Region and all other corners of the country.  “The government has put together a program that will honour and celebrate the life of this exceptional man. In these two weeks, I want to make this call for our people to come together as one nation and one people. He deserves the recognition, accolades, salutations and the honour that we give.  We would not have been here as we are now facing the future without his vision, passion and commitment to our nation.  In 1968, he got elected into the National House of Assembly. His agenda was independence. At that time our people were tribe-oriented with thousand tribes and 860 plus languages.  We were fragmented. We did not see beyond our tribal boundaries. We would hate the tribe on the other side of the mountains, rivers, valleys and islands. But, this one man had faith in us that we can do it, while many others doubted. Here we are so many years later. We have defied the whole world. We are still one nation and one people. There are many challenges but we are still here because of him." Governor Parkop said many other nations in comparison have gone through turbulent pasts in civil wars, bloodsheds and military dictatorship.  “Many thought that we would fail in light of crisis in Africa and Asia. We got independence on a golden plate without bloodshed. It is a testimony to this man who believed in us.  Governor Parkop called on young Papua New Guineans to believe in their abilities and the country’s potential.  “To you, young people, I urge you to believe in yourself. Believe in our country. Believe in its potential.  Believe in your ability. The world did not believe that we would succeed as a nation. It is all because of this one man that we have come a long way. And, we have a long way to go. We can become a greater nation because this exceptional man has left a very strong foundation and a very strong legacy for all of us. We cannot ask any more from him now.  “He has spent all his life serving our entire country and her people and not his family and the people of Sepik and lake Miruk. He gave his life to Papua New Guinea,” he said.  He said Sir Michael passed on at the age of 84, adding he has served 17 years collectively as Prime Minister and spent over 45 years in politics, a record in itself.  Governor Parkop likened Sir Michael to Moses in the Bible, calling on everyone to step up and be the Joshua to take the country to promise land. “He did not fail us. It is up to us to deliver the promised land. Our country has great potential. That is why he believed in it. He was passionate about it. That is why he gave his full life to this nation. You all rise up to realise the dream of this exceptional man had,” he said. 

Papua New Guinea has recorded the 14th COVID-19 death on Monday. A 60-year-old male from the National Capital District is the latest reported COVID-19 death. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Port Moresby General Hospital from 24th February till his death on Monday. The death comes as 49 new cases were reported around the country on March 1, bringing the country’s COVID-19 cases to 1,365. The cases were reported in four provinces: 13 in the National Capital District; two in West Sepik; three in Morobe province; and 31 in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. In the NCD, nine males and six females, ages ranging from 28 to 62 years were tested positive. Ten of the 15 cases showed symptoms whilst five were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Four cases came into contact with previous positive cases. Of the 31 new cases reported in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, 18 are males and 13 are females. The youngest of them was an eight-year-old whilst the oldest was 59. Twenty-two cases showed symptoms of COVID-19 whilst nine were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Nineteen of the cases had contact with previous positive cases. The Morobe province reported three new cases. All three cases are females between the ages of 30 and 38 years. Two of the three cases came into contact with previous positive cases. The country’s COVID-19 cases as a result stands at 1,365 with 14 known deaths. Seventeen provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) have reported cases. The distribution of the cases are as follows: Provinces Confirmed Cases NCD 505 Western Province 323 West New Britain 196 West Sepik 141 East New Britain 38 Madang 35 AROB 34 New Ireland 23 Central 14 Eastern Highlands 13 Western Highlands 13 Morobe 12 East Sepik 9 SHP 3 Enga 3 Milne Bay 2 Hela 1 TOTAL 1,365 Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 113,467,303 including 384,959 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll is 2,520,550 of which 8,320 were reported in the last 24 hours.

People in the remote village of Piambil under the foothills of Mt. Giluwe, in Imbonggu District of Southern Highlands Province covered from head to toe in white clay to express their deep sorrow and paying their last respect to our founding father of this beautiful nation, Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. Jackson P Kola on national mourning day 1 of late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare – Source: Facebook showing PNG mourning

Why did Sir Michael choose his resting place? I honestly don't know and it's something his family will probably write about in the future. All I know is that sometime in 2004, while still PM, Sir Michael decided and picked that spot for him and Lady to rest. He commissioned architects and the building project commenced. Like the Pharaoh of ancient Egypt he built his tomb deliberately. Before he was hospitalized he asked to be driven around the city and he made remarks about "how beautiful Ela Beach was" and "how remarkable that there is a Hilton Hotel" where it was. And that there were significant changes to the Port Moresby landscape.Sir Michael lead the founding fathers. So where are they? Mathias Toliman rests in East New Britain, Sir Tei Abal is in Enga, Kondom Agaundo is in Chimbu. Sir John Guise rests in Lalaura, Central Province (thank you Bryan). Sir Paliau Moloat on Baluan Island in Manus (thank you Bap). It would be interesting to find out where they all are resting. Before I spoke to NEC I decided to check where the US founding fathers were buried. George Washington, 1st President, Virginia, John Adams 2nd President, Massachusetts, Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President, Virginia, Abraham Lincoln 16th President, Illinois. You will find in every location there is a shrine over the grave giving prominence to each founding father and President. Americans do annual pilgrimages from state to state to visit these places and learn about their history.I feel strongly that this is what Sir Michael wanted us to do. To go to the homes of the founding fathers and learn about their culture and history. I read up on Mathias Toliman and Kondom Agaundo because of Sir Michael.NCD has Parliament Haus, the Supreme Court, Apec Haus, Central Bank, etc, etc. What does East Sepik have in terms of Institutions? What does Milne Bay have? What does Hela or Chimbu or West Sepik have? Why do we choose to pack every significant landmark in NCD? Why would other PNGeans visit Wewak? There is nothing there except Sepiks and perhaps Vanilla and the War Memorial at Wom. Why should PNGans visit New Ireland? Or AROB? Is this what Sir Michael wanted? For future PNGeans to visit him in the place he loved and learn his history there? I ask PNGeans to have an open mind. Sir Michael was the architect of independence and guided this country for a very long time. Perhaps in his death, he is still trying to point out the way to us. It could be. Or it could be as simple as Sir Michael and Lady Veronica deciding that like they were in this life, so they should be in the next life. Like all of you, I loved him and I will always shed a tear when I think of the words he has spoken to me. He has given so much and I have nothing to give him except honor his final wish. He is not here to argue with us. And who am I to argue against Papa Somare? Let him rest in peace. Words courtesy of East Sepik Governor Allan Bird

Late Sir Michael Somare's Memorial Service at Pacific Adventist University in Port Moresby this morning. Image courtesy of Elison Zodii Ebu via Elizah Palme facebook wall Image courtesy of Elison Zodii Ebu via Elizah Palme facebook wall Source: Elison Zodii Ebu via Elizah Palme facebook wall