The glue that held us together

Sir Michael Somare has been described as the glue that held together a multi-cultural country.

This was what the National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop, said when farewelling the country’s first prime minister and retired East Sepik Governor.

“Grand Chief, we all love you and fondly refer to you as ‘Father of the nation’. Indeed, this is a title and honour you rightly deserve,” Parkop said in Port Moresby on Wednesday.  

“You are the reason for its survival and progress because you are the foundation that has held this country together for 42 years. Whether we admit it or deny it, a fact is a fact.

“This nation of a thousand tribes was an impossible mission from the beginning. Many were sceptical and they had many reasons to be, given the post-colonial experience in Africa, Asia and the Americans, where nation and people tore each other apart after independence.

“But you are the glue and the common denominator that held this nation of a thousand tribes together because from the beginning, you had faith and trust in our people.

“You had challenges everywhere. Some section of the Highlands were not ready. The Papuans wanted to go. Bougainville did not agree, and the Mataugans (Tolais) wanted to do it their way but because of your faith, trust, vision and patience, we did not tear each other apart.

“You held us together.”

Author: 
Charles Yapumi