Late Hon. Sam Basil

Late DPM Basil Laid To Rest

His tomb is in front of his home that he has been building since 2012. Hundreds gathered at Sagayo to bid his farewell. 

In a ceremony befitting a respected Statesman, the late DPM's casket was slowly brought to his tomb, where the PNG flag was neatly folded and handed to his mother, Cathy Basil, as a sign of appreciation for her late son's contributions to the nation.

The Late Basil's casket was then lowered into his tomb, followed by a three-volley salute that was fired in his honour by the PNG Defence Force.

Saonu-Basil Scholarship Announced

This was announced on Thursday, May 19 at the Funeral Service of the late MP at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium.

The AES is to be named as, ‘Saonu-Basil Academic Excellence Scholarship’, the K400,000 annual scholarships will be administered to students for Political & Development Sciences in Post- Graduate and PhD Studies.

Morobe Governor, Ginson Saonu made this announcement and explained that the scholars will capture the legacy of the Late Sam Basil for Morobeans for generations to come.

Morobe Tertiary Students Hold Sorrow Walk

Morobe students’ leader, Harru Runuka from Divine Word University said the walk was to show their respect to their late leader, who was one of Morobe’s outstanding leaders. 
They said they cannot make it to Buang or Lae to be part of the burial, but the walk shows that they are with the rest of Morobe as they grieve. 
 
The students started their walk from Jomba Police station towards Madang town and to Laiwaden field, where the student leaders made speeches to appreciate the late leader’s contribution to the people of Morobe and PNG. 
 

Police Respond To Congestion

A growing crowd outside the DCA Beachfront, made up of Buang and Lae residents, turned unruly when it became evident that there were no vehicles available to take them to Bulolo for the Late Deputy PM's burial.

Youths started chasing after PMV buses and trucks, forcing them to take them to their desired destination. 

The Late DPM’s family had to call for assistance as their driveway was congested. 

About four police vehicles arrived to clear the road, with private vehicles keeping well away from the DCA buai market area.

Basil Did Things His Own Way: PM

The Prime Minister was speaking at the State Funeral held for the Late DPM at the Sir John Guise stadium on Tuesday.

In his address during the emotional State Funeral Service, Prime Minister Marape thanked the late parliamentarian’s family, the people of Bulolo and Morobe for returning him without fail over the last 15 years, to serve them and the country.

He said late Basil was a strong leader who did things his own way.

PPP Pays Tribute to Sam Basil

The National President of PPP, Sumasy Singin noted the sudden tragic death of the late Mr Basil shocked the nation, leaving a huge hole to fill in Bulolo electorate, Morobe Province, ULP hierarchy and PNG national politics.
 
“The PPP Parliamentary Wing, its National Executive, friends and supporters send our most sincere condolences to the family, friends and associates of the late Deputy Prime Minister on his sudden passing following a tragic road accident along the Bulolo Highway, Morobe Province.
 

Driver in DPM’s accident to be charged

The collision also claimed the life of the late DPM’s Close Protection Officer, First Constable Neil Maino.

Following a brief from the Divisional Commander Northern Assistant Commissioner Peter Guinness, Commissioner Manning said, “A Police investigation commenced immediately following the incident and on documenting the accident scene and interviewing the two survivors of the accident, police investigators were satisfied with the evidence on hand to lay charges on the driver of the other vehicle.

Parliament Receives Deputy PM For The Last Time

Speaker of the House, Job Pomat received the casket from the pallbearers and ceremonial guards.

The late Deputy Prime Minister was received and honored with the traditional lie-in-state ceremony for an hour where Members of Parliament and other state heads paid their respects.

At 12:26pm, the casket of late Basil left the House of Parliament and was transported to the funeral home.

At 2pm today, the casket was brought to Sir John Guise Stadium for the State Funeral Service.

Gure to lead ULP

The party executives, in a meeting this morning in Port Moresby, made the announcement.

Gure’s appointment comes following the tragic passing of party founder and leader, and Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil. Basil, who was Member of Parliament for Wau/Bulolo, died in a vehicle accident along the Lae-Bulolo Highway last week. 

The body of the late DPM was flown into Port Moresby yesterday evening and lies in the funeral home.

A Lie in State ceremony will be held for him tomorrow, Tuesday 17th May, 2022.

Probe Into Basil’s Death

The Prime Minister has instructed Police to give a full account of the last steps of the Deputy Prime Minister, the journey the oncoming driver took, and every circumstance behind what happened in the lead-up to his passing.

“A report is expected for us to bring to full conclusion the passing of our nation’s Deputy Prime Minister,” said Prime Minister Marape.

The P.M said the loss of Basil to the nation was one that words cannot express.

He added that the nation is coming to grips with the passing, for the first time, of a serving deputy prime minister.