By HARLYNE JOKU
LADY Kaludia Matane, wife of Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane, and Lady Veronica Somare, wife of Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, have been honoured for the support they have given their husbands in their long public service and political careers.
Both were made Companions of the Order of the Star of Melanesia (CSM) under the Orders of Papua New Guinea in the 2008 New Year’s honours list, released by the Government House yesterday.
The two women were among 110 people bestowed with the awards this year.
Lady Kaludia was honoured for her dedicated support to her husband during his long career serving the State and the community in important roles in the public service, statutory and community organisation boards and currently as PNG’s 8th governor-general, and for her care and encouragement for, and participation in women, charitable and community causes.
Lady Veronica was honoured for her dedicated support to her husband over four decades in his role as the nation’s chief minister and first prime minister, senior minister, opposition leader, and as Member for East Sepik for five consecutive terms since 1968, and for her personal commitment to and support for charitable, community and national endeavours, and the encouragement of the family unit.
Sir Frederick Reiher, chairman of the National Honours and Awards Council, said the two prominent ladies were cited for their achievements independently of the prime minister and governor-general.
He said the award was an appropriate recognition of the role of the wives of our national leaders in their contribution to nation-building.
He said the council had been concerned that since the establishment of the Order of PNG almost three years ago, the recognition of the role of women in PNG, and in providing a strong and stable home and family environment for national leaders and others who serve the community with distinction, had not been given adequate priority.
He said the two had been role models for women for over 40 years, supporting schools and churches and contributing to the well-being of the community and nation.
He said the council would continue to recognise the spouses of leading citizens, and also encourage the nomination of women from all walks of life, who have contributed to the good of the community and PNG.