Former EHP Governor Damson Lafana passed on

Former Governor of Eastern Highlands and Member for Unggai-Bena, Damson Yune Lafana has passed away this week following a short illness.

The late Lafana passed on at Angau General Hospital on March 6.

He was 59 years old.

Lafana was elected to the 6th National Parliament in the 1997 General Elections for the Unggai-Bena Open.

During his term, Lafana served as member for various national committees including of the Emergency Committee in 1998, Public Accounts Committee from July 1997 to March 1998 and Culture and Tourism Referral Committee in 1997.

In 1997, he was chairman of the Health and Family Welfare Referral Committee, member of the Transport and Civil Aviation Referral Committee and Communications Referral Committee.

Lafana was also member of the Education Referral Committee in 1997 and the deputy chairman of the Appointments Committee in 1998.

He was elected Governor for EHP in 1998 following disqualification of Peti Lafanama by court of disputed returns.

He leaves behind wife Hegar, four children and four grandchildren. His son Damhenson is currently in the United States working with the U.S. Marine Force as a sergeant.

Nephew of late Lafana, Gideon, says his late uncle was a dedicated and committed family man, loved his people and was friendly and open to everyone.

Gideon said as a national leader, late Lafana was very instrumental in service delivery such as infrastructure, law and order, health and education. 

He added that during Lafana’s term in parliament, he was loyal and delivered basic services to his people using his own resources when government funds were not available to serve his people.

The body of late Lafana is now at the Lae Funeral Home and will be transported on the highway on Monday to Goroka and will be laid to rest in his home village Unggai Namasearo on Friday, March 17.

Author: 
Quintina Naime