Sir Julius Chan

Sir Michael was invited to New Ireland by Governor Sir Julius Chan, to farewell him the New Ireland way.

The elders and Maimais (chiefs), including Sir Julius and other New Ireland MPs, were at the airport this morning.

Sir Michael, who flew in on a chartered plane was given a motorcade around Kavieng town.

School children and residents lined the streets, chanting "thank you Grand Chief for giving birth to PNG”.

Sir J said, it is only fitting that we give Sir Michael this farewell after more than 40 years in politics especially recognising and appreciating his contributions to the province and people of New Ireland.

Everyone in New Ireland is welcomed to attend this event which will start at 10am with a motorcade from the airport to the Catholic Mission field.

There will be singsing, dance and passim custom for the Grand Chief and his wife Lady Veronica.

The deal was signed in Kavieng last Thursday.

The contract, worth nearly K25 million, was signed between CETC International Company Limited and New Ireland Development Corporation, the business arm of the New Ireland Provincial Government.

CETC International is one of the world’s largest multi-national companies involved with electronic technology products, space and aviation electronics and solar systems apart from other hi-tech systems and devices.

He said he and the Provincial Executive Council (PEC) have followed and concluded the necessary legal requirements for him to state this and urges other provinces to follow suit.

Chan said Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and the Government have not said anything against New Ireland’s push for autonomy and believes they support it.

“New Ireland is already autonomous. You people are taking me too lightly,” stated the Governor.

He sad the action by both MPs were disheartening after treating them as family.

Both Milne Bay Governor Titus Philemon, and South Bougainville MP Timothy Masiu, defected to the Government ranks last week. Philemon joined the United Resources Party (URP) while Masiu joins National Alliance (NA).

In a letter to the family of late Sir Henry, the Governor expressed his sadness at the loss of a beloved husband and father. He said: “I am saddened by his passing. I feel I have lost a childhood best mate. Indeed I know I am not alone in this - his passing is of great sorrow and sadness, a true loss for so a man.” 

The Governor said his memories of late Sir Chow are many and deep, where both grew up in Rabaul with their parents, sharing a close friendship despite the pressures of starting businesses and raising their families.

The chiefs rallied behind Governor Sir Julius Chan to support what they term a courageous step for peace from the BRA Commander.

He was the first to meet with Sir J within three days of him assuming the Prime Ministership of Papua New Guinea in 1994 in Honiara, during the height of the Bougainville conflict.

The veteran politician was the first finance minister when Papua New Guinea gained independence in 1975.

Sir Julius comments followed the revelation by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill of the National Executive Council’s decision to give equities of Ok Tedi and Panguna Mines back to the landowners.             

He also challenged the government to give special attention to the Bill he is sponsoring to make amendment to the Land Act.

Former prime minister and Governor of New Ireland Sir Julius Chan made this call yesterday when he moved to join the Opposition camp in Port Moresby.

Sir Julius along with the founding father Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Sir Mekere Morauta called for unity among the Members of Parliament and to lead the country in a democratic way.

“Do not cast aside all those across the aisle on the other side, instead declare the formation of a government of national unity,” Sir Julius told the Opposition members.

He said the nation and the Government thanks him for his service, but the global challenges that face the country are different today than in decades past.

“We were aware that Sir Julius had been planning to move to the Opposition for some time, and I am more than respect his decision,” O’Neill said.

“Government of today is faced by more complex global challenges than at any time in our history.

“We need the next generation of leaders, who are aware of global markets and are schooled in global politics, to lead our nation.