Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare

DWU 39th graduation postponed

The graduation ceremony will now be held on Friday 19th March. 

DWU President Professor Father Philip Gibbs SVD announced the decision of the University Council over the weekend. 

“After consultation with the Chair of Council I can confirm that the DWU Graduation which was to be on the 12th March is now postponed by one week and is rescheduled for Friday 19th March,” said Professor Gibbs. 

Father Gibbs also noted that there will be difficulties for parents and students who have booked flights and accommodation for the planned graduation on the 12th of March.

BSP pays respect to late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare

In a statement BSP says it joins the rest of PNG as it mourns the loss of the country’s founding father and first Prime Minister.

 “It is with sadness that we hear of the passing of our Founding Father of the nation, the Late Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare in the early hours of Friday 26th February 2021, at the age of 84, after succumbing to cancer,” said BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming.

Namah pays tribute to Sir Michael Somare

From Wutung in West Sepik Province to East Cape in Milne Bay, from the Shortland in the Autonomous region of Bougainville  to the isles of the Coral Sea in Milne Bay to Manus in the Bismarck Sea and New Ireland and New Britain in the New Guinea islands from Yonki to Lake Kopiago in the highlands and the Torres Straits in Western Province to China Straits in Milne Bay in the Southern Region and from Tewaii Siassi to Wutung in Mamose region,  we mourn our first Prime Minister, our finest and dearest Chief and Father. 

New Ireland prepares to farewell Sir Michael

Sir J said, it is only fitting that we give Sir Michael this farewell after more than 40 years in politics especially recognising and appreciating his contributions to the province and people of New Ireland.

Everyone in New Ireland is welcomed to attend this event which will start at 10am with a motorcade from the airport to the Catholic Mission field.

There will be singsing, dance and passim custom for the Grand Chief and his wife Lady Veronica.

Sir Michael's final words

Those were the remarks of the founding father of this great nation, Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, during his 80th birthday celebration in Wewak, East Sepik Province. He made the statement when he also officially announced his retirement from politics in front of his family, friends and diplomatic corps.

“My wish is that we will learn to treat our adopted system of government with unwavering respect. May we never let the sins of our own past dominate our ability to lead by example.”