death

The majority of deaths on screen are violent, bloody, traumatic affairs, with few realistic portrayals of what a death from illness or so-called "natural causes" actually looks like.

Little wonder we have such a fear of death, and especially of being in the presence of it.

It's still a terrifying notion, because most of us have no idea what we will see.

My own curiosity about death led me to write a book on the topic.

In bringing together medical research and personal stories from those who've undergone near-death experiences, I learned a lot.

Ambunti-Dreikikir MP, Ezekiel Anisi, was in Port Moresby to collect his election materials when he collapsed at a guest house. He was seeking his second term in office.

According to a family member, he died on the road while being rushed to the Pacific International Hospital.   

However, PIH told Loop PNG this morning that there is no record of the MP with them.

Late Anisi was elected to Parliament at the age of 25, and is a member of the ruling People’s National Congress Party.

Wendy Davison, 50, died at home in Derby last month after a 10-year battle with cervical cancer.

Russell Davison, who has been left "heartbroken", said he did not want her body to go to a mortuary and he wanted to challenge attitudes towards dying.

It is legal to keep a body at home and Derbyshire Coroner's Court confirmed Mrs Davison's GP reported her death.

Mr Davison said: "Death seems to be such a taboo subject in our society, no-one seems to want to talk about it.

What even fewer people realize is that following his death in 1973, it took six years -- and $30 million -- to settle matters between seven heirs and deal with his legacy.

When an established artist dies, what happens to the art? Family squabbles and long legal battles, often spanning decades, can paint a picture of greed that puts soap operas to shame.

The causes include unsafe water, lack of sanitation, poor hygiene practices and indoor and outdoor pollution, as well as injuries.

The new numbers equate to these pollutants being the cause of one in four deaths of children 1 month to 5 years old.

One new report highlights that the most common causes of child death are preventable through interventions already available to the communities most affected. These causes are diarrhea, malaria and pneumonia, which can be prevented using insecticide-treated bed nets, clean cooking fuels and improved access to clean water.

Polye said the loss of one of Morobe’s elite sons is a loss for Papua New Guinea.

He acknowledged the former Chief Secretary’s contribution to the development of this nation, further describing him as “honest, hard-working” and someone who maintained transparency and accountability during his colorful career as a top public servant.

“Late Sir Manasupe was a very professional Chief Secretary who guided all department heads to serve the interest of the country,” said Polye.

Director for Traffic Police, Joe Joseph, says progress is yet to be made into the former Miss PNG’s investigations.

Furthermore, the main alleged suspect and key witness implicated in the death of the late Laufa is also yet to be charged.

However, the need for justice for the family is paramount.

“Police were not present during the actual happening of the incident and police are only following due process to complete the investigations as soon as possible.”

Traffic police are relying on statements given by witnesses to build a case.

A senior ex-combatant, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed his disgust regarding the absence of a firing party, and that the late Sir Michael Ogio was not accorded a gun salute at his burial.

“Those present were expecting a military burial but were disappointed when their leader was laid down silently.”

He explained that at any funeral of a head of state, the military takes charge of things from the day of death to the burial. However, it was reported that the PNGDF contingent to the burial in Bougainville was downsized and the firing party removed.

“He had a distinctive voice with his fluency in English,” stated Polye. 

“He used to critically analyse important issues affecting the country and created forums on the radio airwaves to prompt policies and legislations to address them.”

Polye said late Hau’ofa had left a legacy with over 50 years of experience which young presenters would aspire to live by.

“He was a strong advocate for democracy, rule of law, good governance and systems of governance, amongst others.

The deceased is Julie Tokam, wife of the former police and correctional services commissioner Henry Tokam.

Julie passed on at the Angau Memorial Hospital (Lae) last week after an illness.

Her body was taken in a convoy to Wandi village, 5km west of Kundiawa, on Sunday.

Thousands of mourners from within the district and the neighbouring Jiwaka Province have arrived in Wandi since Monday to pay their last respect.

Late Julie was laid to rest yesterday while the Narku tribe will host a feast to commemorate her death later this week.