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Sports |
THIS morning we’re deeply saddened by the death of two outstanding
people. It seems that these losses never come singly, but together, and
the human soul is strained to its limits in dealing with them.
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SIR James Frazer was for three decades the man successive PNG governments
turned to for legal drafting. For most of those years, Jim Fraser was the
nation’s Chief Draftsman , responsible for drawing-up the legislative
framework that is the basis of our nation’s existence.
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HE was never loved by all. Jim was far too astute to be tricked by the
glib and the smooth, and his friends will remember that he could be
scathing in his criticism of the devious behaviour of those with private
agendas to fulfil. Such people met their match in James Fraser, and they
feared his acute perception and his lack of patience with time-wasters
and flatterers.
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BUT he was also the trusted confidante of prime ministers and speakers,
and the staunchest of friends to those whom he respected. We extend to
his wife Lady Makaleta and his family our sympathy, and we share in your
sense of loss. Sir James died of cancer on Tuesday, aged 71.
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THE second death, untimely and unexpected, was that of Steven Mago, who
was a staunch contributor to the growth of tourism in and to our country.
Steven was one of PNG tourism’s champions, committed to selling our
country and our people as the perfect holiday
destination.
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IN the pursuit of that goal, Steven, who was a journalist, frequently
contributed stories and features about some of his favourite PNG tourism
destinations to The
National. The features came with excellent pictures, for Steven also had
a real gift as a photographer.
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WE understand that he was with a party of tourists travelling from Mendi
when he suffered a fatal heart attack. We are saddened at the premature
death of another dedicated Papua New Guinean. His input within the
tourism industry will be missed, as will his articles and pictures.
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QUIZZERS: We’re sure those Quizzers awaiting their honourable mention
will understand the delay – we’ll celebrate your achievements tomorrow.
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– Dee Nesenolis
 
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