Ambassador Rai reflects on Chief Somare’s life in politics

Today marks exactly 49 years ago (April 4, 1968) that Sir Michael Somare first entered the House of Assembly in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea.

Below is a reflection of Papua New Guinea’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Max Rai.

“It’s like yesterday, when I first met Sir Michael as a child in my elder sister’s family home in Wewak.

“My in-law, Paul Kafafi was a well-known radio Wewak announcer, and a work mate of Michael Somare, the aspiring candidate for The East Sepik Regional Seat, challenging an established Australian businessman and Member of the House of Assembly, Frank Martin.

“The occasion for our meeting was a Saturday lunch for the Somare campaign Team. I was at awe of the things Somare said about self-government and independence.”

“It made no sense to me. I was in grade 5 at Yangoru Primary T School, and my immediate concern was that my Australian teacher might leave, if Somare won.

“By the 1972 election year, I was in Form 3 at Brandi High School, and Somare was elected unopposed for the seat, he pulled the rug from the powerful Wewak personality, Frank Martin.

“He became the Chief Minister and Prime Minister at Independence soon after.”

“By the 1977 election year, I was doing final year at UPNG and at the urging of then PANGU Pati National Chairman, and Teaching Fellow at UPNG Political and Administrative Studies Department Moi Avei, (now Sir Moi) we revived the PANGU Pati Student Wing, and I was elected its President, and now DPM Secretary John Kali as Secretary/ Treasurer.”

“We mobilised the students and returned PANGU Pati to Government.

“Despite my personal association with the Chief, I never once sought personal favours from him due to my highest respect of his position.”

“I was content with my career as a first generation diplomat of PNG. And I am still to this day. Still proudly carrying our flag to the four corners of the world.”

“Dear Papa Chief, PNG will love and miss you on the National and International stage.”

“We, my generation of Papua New Guineans who journeyed with you will miss you more, for we know who the real Michael Thomas Somare is! We love you and will miss you Chief. You did it your way!”

Long Live the Chief!

Author: 
Charles Yapumi