Farewell

Chamber of commerce applauds Somare’s stability

Representing the business community at the farewell program of Sir Michael was the Chief Executive Officer of Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce, David Conn.

Addressing the founding father, Conn said “you brought stability”.

“We don’t need a government that flip flops on policy. We don’t need a government that makes us feel that they are hostile to us,” he said.

Conn stated that in the last 12 years of Sir Michael’s term, PNG saw sustained growth in the economy and the nation’s GDP.

Street to be named after Somare

National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop announced this when farewelling Sir Michael this afternoon.

According to Parkop, the hill at Four-Mile, where the grand chief’s Port Moresby residence is located, will be called the Michael Somare Hill.

Also, a street at Waigani, referred to as Somare circuit will be renamed as Michael Somare Boulevard.

Parkop said following the elections, a four-lane road will be built there and a big statue of the Grand Chief will be erected.

Farwell program deferred to afternoon

Instead, it has been rescheduled to start at 12:30pm today.

The program will go ahead at this time as planned. It starts with a farewell program at the parliament house, then to the Constitutional Park where the East Sepik Council of Chiefs will host their farewell program.

A motorcade is then organised to proceed from the park to the former self-government office, now the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, located at Konedobu.

Life of Justice Davani celebrated

The event was well attended by her colleagues from the Judicial and Legal services, families, friends and people she called friends through the one thing she was passionate about- sports.

Notable leaders present were Minister for Sports Justin Tkatchenko, Sinesine-Yongumulg MP Kerenga Kua, Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat and Northern Governor Gari Juffa.

Instead of the event being a teary one, those who attended had smiles in between tears at the life of this extraordinary woman who was full of life.