The Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill has offered deepest condolences to the family of the Late Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc, following his passing in the early hours of this morning.
“It is with great sadness that the nation has learned of the passing of the Late Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc, one of our great servants of the people,” the Prime Minister said
“To Lady Zurenuoc, his extended family, and the people of Finschhafen, I offer the deepest condolences of our Government and a grateful Nation.
“For three decades, Sir Manasupe served the people of Papua New Guinea, and earlier, the people of Morobe at the provincial level.
“It was my esteemed honour, to have worked with Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc as the Chief Secretary to our Government for four years.
“This was through some of the most challenging times that our country has faced at a political and economic level.
“His advice was of the highest level, always sound and wise.
“His conviction was to do what was right, and in the interests of the people of our nation.
“Even though he held the highest office of our public sector, he was a most humble and genuine person, who always maintained a common touch.
“The Late Sir Manasupe made an enormous impact on the evolution of the public sector in our country, and the services that it delivers for our people.
“He believed in and he led reforms to deliver essential services to our people, many who have never had access to healthcare and education in the past.
“Sir Manasupe and I shared a dream on so many areas required to build our nation, in particular we believed in the importance of devolving power and authority from the centre, to rural and remote areas.
“Empowering the people in our communities is an essential part of developing and advancing our nation, and I offer thanks to the commitment of Sir Manasupe in advancing devolution.
“In the coming days and weeks, we will lay to rest this most intelligent, capable and proud former leader of our Nation’s Public Service.
“On behalf of the nation, we offer our thanks to Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc, for his tireless work for Papua New Guinea.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”