Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare is not only the father of the nation in PNG but also a role model and friend to all the Pacific Island countries.
In a small, chapel facing the Pacific Ocean, Sir Michael on Saturday, witnessed the marriage of his longtime friend the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara’s grandson’s wedding.
The relationship between the Mara’s of Fiji and Sir Michael and his family continues today.
Ratu Penaia Kamisese Tuivanuavou Ganilau, the eldest grandson of former Prime Minister Mara of Fiji married Princess Odette Inez Kilinalivoni Tupou on Saturday February 6, 2016 at the Seaside Chapel of the Shangri La Resort, Fiji.
The Tongan Royal family, Tupou, and the chiefly Mara family of Fiji has once again strengthened their historical ties through this auspicious marriage.
Sir Michael said: “I first met Ratu Tiu (Ratu Penaia Kamisese Tuivanuavou Ganilau) when he was just a toddler who spent a lot of time with his maternal grandfather, my late friend and mentor, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
“I was honoured to witness the wonderful ceremony and be part of the next generation of Mara’s, rekindling the ties that exist between our two families but also our two countries.
“While I attend as a personal friend and guest of the Mara family, I remain a sincere friend of the Fiji people.
“I have also known the late King George Tupou IV and am equally pleased to see the union between one of his decedents, Princess Odette Kilinalivoni Tupou be united in marriage to Adi Ateca Mara and Ratu Apeli Ganilau’s son Ratu Tui.
“We (PNG) are the larger of the island nations and I feel it is important to maintain the long historic ties with our neighbours for the next generation of our children to make reference to as they forge relationships into the future,” Sir Michael said.