Late Sir Michael

He said the family wants to transport Sir Michael home on Air Niugini, however will honor the wish of the people. 

PNGDF ceremonial guards will accompany the casket on the RAAF C27 to Wewak. 

Meanwhile the Hercules that left earlier today with the hearse, has landed in Wewak.

Pic: Papua New Guineans await the arrival of late Grand Chief, at Boram Airport by Russell Saigomi

Head of VLRC Lawson Jack Samuel in his email to CLRC Secretary Dr. Mange Matui, said the hearts of the VLRC staff are with Papua New Guinea at this time of sorrow. 

“I have been watching the proceedings at the national haus cry for the last nine nights, and I could not holdback free-flowing tears and It is very hard indeed not to, especially for someone who is not only from Sepik or PNG but a true leader of Melanesia,” Mr Samuel said.

They hold placards and flags since 8am. 
 
The body of the late Sir Michael will lay in state today at the Parliament house. 
 
The Governor General Sir Bob Dadae and Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika are part of the proceedings during today's special parliament sitting in honour of the Grand Chief. 
 
Late Sir Michael is the first Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and the longest serving Prime Minister in the country. 
 
He died at the age of 84.