It took one special man; the son of a policeman, to unite Papua New Guinea.
This was said by the Commissioner of Police, Gari Baki, during Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s Royal PNG Constabulary ceremonial farewell parade yesterday.
The Grand Chief’s arrival at Bomana Police College was accompanied with a police motorcade and welcomed by the Commissioner on the parade ground.
Baki, in his welcome speech, gave a brief recap of the life and accomplishments of the Grand Chief in his family life and politics.
He said Sir Michael was one of the very few vocal voices calling out for a united Papua New Guinea.
“I believe and I am certain that a lot of Papua New Guineans hold similar views that the Grand Chief was a leader anointed and appointed by God to lead his people peacefully into independence.”
Baki said time does not allow us to do justice to a man who has dedicated all his life to his country.
He sincerely thanked Sir Michael on behalf of the 6,600 police men and women throughout PNG, including the senior officers and leaders present at the event.
“You are a very special man in our country’s history and this is the least the RPNGC can do.
“You not only brought Papua New Guinea independence but you have left a lasting impression of what a leader should always be,” said Baki.