late Grand Chief

Port Moresby residents have lined the streets to Jackson’s airport to bid farewell the Founding Father of Papua New Guinea, for the last time. 

The body of the late Grand Chief will depart at about midday today. 

His casket will be boarded on the Q400 aircraft for Air Niugini.

Members of Parliament, including the Prime Minister and the Governor for East Sepik are already in Wewak, to receive the casket. 

Different tribes from the Great Sepik Region are already in Wewak.

A haus krai is set up at Forot mining settlement in Wau.

The mourners, were in black attire to signify they are grieving with the country. 

Spokesman Wayne Sia said the Sepik people living in Wau are at a loss over the death of the country’s first prime minister, and father of the nation. 

He said the Arapesh people from Dagua recognise ties with Sir Michael in PNG’s political history, through their late leader Sir Peter Simogun.