Governor-General

Sir Paulias Matane’s family members have confirmed his passing.

At his passing, the former governor general was ninety years old.

He was born to parents Ilias Matane, a missionary, and Elsha Toto on September 21, 1931 in East New Britain at Viviran Village, Gazelle district.

He was invested with the Insignia of the ‘Companion of the Order of the Star of Melanesia’ (CSM), on 4^th April, at the Government House, Port Moresby, from Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae.

His significant contribution as a Priest with diverse roles in Pastoral ministry, promoting vocations, the ‘Voice of Peter ToRot’ radio and television, as Bishop of Kerema, Bereina and Kavieng, is recognised. He is also appreciated for his wider leadership as the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

The Governor-General’s investiture will take place next week at Buckingham Palace.

He will be bestowed the Knight of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (G.C.M.G).

The GG will also assume the title ‘Grand Chief’ by virtue of the position as Chancellor of the Orders of Papua New Guinea.

On his return from London, the GG is expected to make a formal courtesy call on the President of Singapore, Tony Tan, to strengthen relations between our two countries.

After reaching the finish line, GG Bob Dadae said Team PNG athletes have done a good job representing the country and putting PNG on the world map, and that the Fun Run was one way to keep supporting them.

“Thank you to everyone who took part today. For those who didn’t, I encourage you to join us next year,” said Dadae.

He added the Fun Run unites the people of PNG.

“It was fantastic. There was a good turnout this morning. It was good to see a lot of Papua New Guineans, young and old walking together.

Newly-appointed Peru Ambassador, Miguel Julian Palomino De La Gala, said the signing today signifies the ties that will bring two nations together in bilateral and economic relations.

Dadae said Papua New Guinea is pleased to have Mr. Palomino as Ambassador for the Republic of Peru to PNG and we look forward to further developing bilateral relations between our countries.

“The Pacific Ocean connects us and plays a significant role in the livelihood both our people,” stated the GG.

In a statement, the Council said the president is the head of the organisation in PNG.

“The National St. John Council is a statutory body in the Parliament, which means it is an auxiliary to the Government, and is responsible for the governance and oversight of St John Ambulance and its operations across the country,” reads the statement.

In accepting his appointment, the GG said: "On behalf of all, I extend my immense gratitude and respect for the incredible work performed by St John Ambulance personnel every day. 

On Tuesday Governor-General, Dadae executed on behalf of the state for work to begin on a new court complex , a provincial headquarters, and maintenance road works in the Highlands Region.

The new court complex will be built in Wewak, East Sepik Province. Valued at K16.7 million and was awarded to Gold Bell Constructions. The State is fully funding this project

The construction of the West New Britain Haus valued at K95.8 million was awarded to Pheonix Builders and funded through the New Britain Palm Oil Trust Fund.

The official carrier, The Royal Australian Airforce, touched down at 10:55am at the Jacksons International Airport to the welcome of a PNG Defence Force Guard of Honour and Royal PNG Constabulary Band.

At 11:02 am Governor-General Cosgrove disembarked and was greeted by Chief Protocol Officer, Morea Veratau, Minister for Sports, Special Events and APEC, Justin Tkatchenko, Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Bruce Davies, Chief Secretary, Isaac Lupari, and Foreign Affairs Secretary, William Dihm.

His Excellency, Governor-General Bob Dadae, will pre-sign the instruments/writs at 10am.

The GG will commence the 22 provincial instruments, plus Kabwum Open seat instrument/writ.

The issuing of writs signifies the start of nominations for intending candidates to contest the elections, which will commence at 4pm.

The nomination period will close at 4pm on April 27, followed by eight weeks of campaign, two weeks of polling and two weeks of counting period.

Return of Writs of the election must be before July 24.

Governor-General Bob Dadae will pre-sign the 111 Writs tomorrow morning at Government House, Konedobu.      

According to PNG Electoral Commission, at 9am, the GG will pre-sign 88 open seats' instruments/writs.

And continue with the 22 provincial seats' instruments. 

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato will address the media after the completion of the issuing ceremony by the GG.

When the Writs are Issued by the GG, the nomination period of seven days will start for intending candidates.

The nomination period will close at 4pm on April 27.