Sir Julius Chan

Sir J expresses sadness over Sir Wilson’s passing

“Many great men come and go; they leave their mark where they thread on Earth and their legacy transcends through the ages. The former Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea, the late Sir Leonard Wilson Kamit is such a man,” said Sir Julius

He said Sir Leonard Wilson Kamit was a career banker for over 39 years and was one of the key pioneers within the Central Bank since 1973.

“He worked alongside the first Governor of the Central Bank, the late Sir Henry ToRobert and, indeed, over my two terms as Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.

Sir J Credited For Services To Gov’t

“Let me pay tribute to the generation before us. The founding fathers and mothers of our nation. Some of whom have gone before us, some remain and one who remains none greater than Sir Julius Chan.

“Let me pay a special mention to him as he is the last men standing in as far as the class of leadership that fought for our country’s independence. That define and design our nation’s sovereignty.

Sir J meets with Marape

Marape was accompanied by Governor-elect for Gulf Chris Haiveta, member-elect for Kavieng Ian Ling-Stuckey, member-elect for Gazelle and Deputy Leader of the United Resource Party, Jelta Wong.

Sir J, who is still recovering from an ailment, was in high spirits after his election.

He shared his experiences with the formation of governments and the complex task of establishing an effective cabinet including, restructuring an inner and outer cabinet to better manage the output of Ministers.

Special Welcome For Sir Julius

Sir Julius thanked the New Ireland community, including the National Airports Corporation staff who paid the highest respect with a wash down of the Air Niugini aircraft that he flew in from Kavieng and a red carpet entrance.  

NAC Managing Director, Rex Kiponge was also there with the New Ireland community to welcome Sir Julius and wife Lady Stella Chan.

Sir Julius shared his experience from almost 49 years ago in 1973 adding that Air Niugini and the Central Bank was set up under his leadership as the then Finance Minister.

Sir J: PNG needs strong and decisive leadership

One of Papua New Guinea’s founding fathers and member-elect for New Ireland Regional Sir Julius Chan has described the 2022 National General Election as one of the worst in recorded history. 

Sir Julius said it has cast uncertainty on the country’s democracy.

Sir Julius said the latest barbaric incident outside the Sir John Guise stadium on Sunday 24th July, came as a shock, seeing men with machetes slashing people openly.

Election Deferral Must Never Happen Again: Sir Julius

He said the recent deferrals have thrown the nation off course and has created a worrying precedent.
                     
“Our constitution is clear. The dates have been set. We should not have any excuses. 
 
“We have five years to prepare. Within that period the Electoral Commission has one simple task, to ensure the electoral roll in up to date. Yet here we are, late again. This time worse than previous years,” said Sir Julius. 
 

Newcrest Executives visit Sir J

Executives included Managing Director and CEO Sandeep Biswas, Country Manager Stanley Komunt, Strategic Engagement Manager Tim Bryson, and Environment, Social and Government Manager Felix Kipalan.

Discussions centered on Mine life extension, alternative energy sources of power, Lihir Ringroad construction, education assistance and other major infrastructure development projects through the revisiting of the Tax credit scheme.

The New Ireland Government emphasised on revising the tax credit scheme to make it more realistic and responsive to the host province.

EHP Thanks Sir J For Contribution

Eastern Highlands Governor, Peter Numu led the delegation including Provincial Administrator, John Gimiseve and 24 LLG president and members of the Provincial Executive Council.

Governor Numu said the delegation made the unannounced trip at such short notice because they wanted to thank Sir Julius for his contribution to the country.

They presented gift offerings of six pigs, bundles of taro, Goroka’s finest export coffee, a bow and arrow, bilums and a headdress specifically for great chiefs.

Self-Reliance Way Forward: Chan

He said New Ireland has chosen to walk the talk of self-reliance and Autonomy since 2007 and recent achievements stand testimony of the work and ability to become fully autonomous. It is also to involve women in certain local government seats.
 
In March of 2008, NIP Autonomy Committee was set up headed by late Stephen Mokis and worked for five years to prepare for autonomy. The committee held consultative meetings and workshops with a number of government agencies.

Set Up Peacekeeping Force: Sir J

The SPPKF idea was the brainchild of Sir Julius after his government successfully executed the granting of Independence for Vanuatu in 1980.

In his recollection of the proposal, Governor Chan said it was put forward to the Pacific Island’s Forum in 1981.

“We proposed for the formation of the South Pacific Peace Keeping force to help prevent any disorder in countries in the Pacific, if invited by heads of the troubled countries to assist,” he said.

However, Sir Julius said, Australia and New Zealand were not keen to support the proposal at the time.