Farewell

Joses, who was instrumental in the successful conclusion of the 2022 elections in Finschhafen District, was farewelled in a small ceremony yesterday by the provincial election advisory committee. 

In his farewell speech, Morobe’s election manager, Simon Soheke, said: “I believe you have been patient enough to be elevated to this higher position in HQ.”

“Although there will be a vacuum here, we are also happy that you have been elevated from the office of Morobe and you will take on your new role as a ‘pikinini Morobe’.

During the meeting, Marape expressed his gratitude to Mr Wagener for his time in Papua New Guinea and urged him to continue advocating for PNG and the Pacific region in his new role as the UN Resident Coordinator for Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister informed Wagener about PNG’s offer to provide assistance in reclaiming the vanishing shorelines of other smaller island states affected by climate change.

PMGH CEO Dr. Paki Molumi thanked the doctors for their contribution to the work of PMGH during the last 12 months especially during the difficult time of pandemic.

Dr Molumi said, “You had stood with us at the time of COVID with the rest of our staff and thankfully you come out of the pandemic with PNG. So as much as you wanted to do what you wanted to do at PMGH in these two years has disturbed us all, but I thank you during those hard times, despite that you continue to do your job.”

A respectable senior in the medical fraternity, Dr Maku was one of the first three obstetricians and gynaecologists to have graduated in 1989.

He remained in clinical health service for 42 uninterrupted years, making him the longest serving obstetrician and gynaecologist in the country.

Displaying true patriotism, Dr Maku, from East New Britain Province, was employed by the National Department of Health, based in Nonga Hospital.

The funeral service of the late business editor of Post-Courier will be held at the Sione Kami Memorial Church, starting at 9:30am today. Her casket will then be brought to the Post-Courier HQ at Konedobu for the staff of PC to bid their farewell.

After Konedobu, she will overnight at Kaubebe, Boroko (PC compound opposite Aku Lodge).

She will then be buried at the Nine-Mile cemetery, outside Port Moresby, the next day.

The sudden passing of the veteran journalist has shocked colleagues in the media industry.

Speaking during his Royal PNG Constabulary farewell yesterday, he said like members of parliament, the work of the disciplinary forces has to be undertaken in respect to the rule of law.

Following the rule of law will determine if we can advance as a nation or collapse into mayhem and lawlessness.

“We have to uphold the law as prescribed by our constitution and must be given the same respect like all others.”

Somare urged all police men and women in the country to take pride in their work; with real conviction and real service to the community.

An overwhelmed and emotional Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare stated this during his farewell yesterday at the Bomana Police College.

Thanking God for the gift of life, Somare said he has watched this nation grow from an idea to what is before us today, with the power to decide on our own destiny.

“We are going through the notion of nationhood so we must be patient,” said the Grand Chief.

“We must remember that despite going on to 42 years of independence this year, it is still quite young.”

Speaking at his farewell ceremony organised by New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan on Tuesday, Sir Michael said leaders in past governments always work together to unite the people of the country and not to create divisions.

“We always have this in our heart and mind to put our people first and to unite them despite our cultures and different languages.

“We strive and take heed of our fellow leaders’ advice and always put our country first,” said Sir Michael.

He added that young leaders sometimes disobeyed advice which always leads to wrong directions.

This was what the National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop, said when farewelling the country’s first prime minister and retired East Sepik Governor.

“Grand Chief, we all love you and fondly refer to you as ‘Father of the nation’. Indeed, this is a title and honour you rightly deserve,” Parkop said in Port Moresby on Wednesday.  

“You are the reason for its survival and progress because you are the foundation that has held this country together for 42 years. Whether we admit it or deny it, a fact is a fact.

“Who would have thought, in 1968, that my journey into the world of politics will take this long and this far?

“I have been blessed with a long life and over the years, seen this country progress from a colony.

“I will go, but if need arises, I will still speak on important issues for the betterment of PNG,” he said.

He thanked the country for the support and farewell in particular.

He also thanked the Motu-Koitabu people for giving their land, years back, to make it Port Moresby’s national capital.