HUNDREDS of Papua New Guineans in Brisbane gathered at St Stephen’s Cathedral on Sunday March 14 to remember the life of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
Sir Michael, “The father of the nation” was PNG’s first prime minister after independence from Australia in 1975 and served in office for 17 years over three separate terms.
He died on February 26 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 84.
PNG’s government immediately declared two weeks of mourning that ended with a four-hour service conducted by Cardinal Sir John Ribat in a stadium in Port Morseby, attended by 20,000 people. His body was flown to his home of East Sepik for burial at Wewak.
During the Brisbane memorial Mass, Sepik man David Tekwie detailed Sir Michael’s many achievements as prime minister, minister of foreign affairs, leader of the Opposition, and governor of East Sepik province.
Sir Michael was prime minister across three terms: from independence in 1975 to 1980; from 1982 to 1985; and then 2002 to 2010 and part of 2011.
“Somare’s political style was both fiercely nationalistic and conciliatory,” Mr Tekwie said.
“His economics aimed for betterment of the people, rather than simple economic growth.”
Former Prime Minister, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, who served alongside Sir Michael as foreign minister and as a member of PNG’s Pangu party said the Grand Chief served his country with great commitment and distinction for close to 50 years.
“If you look at his long record of service he was also known for his capacity for forgiveness. The various coalition governments he put together to form stable government is testament to that,” Sir Rabbie Namaliu said.
“I personally valued his enduring friendship, his political support greatly, even in difficult and divisive times.
“Grand chief Sir Michael Somare held Australia, and Australians, in high regard. He always regarded Australia as PNG’s closest friend, neighbour and bilateral development partner.”
Journalist Sean Dorney also spoke at the Brisbane memorial describing Sir Michael as a natural leader who resolutely believed in consensus and compromise, and who on a personal level, was concerned for those he dealt with, and their families.
“Charisma. Michael Somare had it by the canoe load,” he said.
“He lived to the age of 84, an extraordinary life in a country where the average life expectancy is 20 years short of that at 64.
“But he achieved so much, he could have been 104.”
“He was a truly great man. Sir Michael, your nation loves you and misses you. Rest in Peace.”
