| Sports |
From humble
beginnings
By UNE O’OME
While Americans celebrate their Independence on July 4 every year,
a simple yet authoritative father Giau Duruba celebrates his
birthday.
This year was a special one as he celebrated his 50th birthday
with his family.
Mr Duruba was born in Geagea village, Amazon Bay, Central
province, on July 4,1957, to parents Duruba Orani and Guina Duramu
from Aroana village who were doing pastoral work there.
Being the eldest male of seven children, Mr Duruba is the clan
chief of Horaedo clan in Aroana village, Amazon Bay in the Central
Province.
Like many Papua New Guineans, primary school was tough as he had
to live away from family to attend Magarida primary school.
Walking to Magarida from Boru (a days walk) in only a laplap in
the blistering heat of the sun for an eight-year-old lad was not
always fun, but divine intervention and prayer from his preacher
father saw him endure.
He went onto Kwikila high school then to Kerevat and eventually to
the University of PNG.
Mr Duruba, was the recipient of the SP Brewery Scholarship
starting from his second year to the end of his study there.
He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Economics in 1978 and
began work with SP Brewery were he met his dear wife, Judy Foison
from Tufi Wanigela in Oro province.
Apart from a year working for Freda Copper, Mr Duruba worked with
SP Brewery from 1978 to 2004.
He held various positions, starting as a management trainee, then
bond store manager and admin manager for the Lae branch, then
personal services manager and finally human resources manager.
While with SP, he travelled to Singapore, Malaysia, France,
Holland, Australia, Switzerland and Austria.
In September 2004, Mr Duruba decided to leave SP Brewery for Bank
South Pacific (BSP).
He is now part of the executive management of BSP serving as
general manager human resources.
Mr Duruba has also served on the Board of Port Moresby
International School and PNG Secondary School Board.
He has also served on the Executive Committee of the Port Moresby
Chamber of Commerce.
Currently is serving as the Chairman of the St. Martins Anglican
Church.
While many may expect such a man to be complicated and complex
with influence from his wide exposure, he is a real Melanesian,
living a real happy life and enjoying in its simplicity and
genuineness with his blessed family (including daughter in-law and
grannies).
Now 50, “Heavy G” as named by his kids and grannies, has two sons,
Samuel a pilot settling in Abu Dhabi and Charlton attending
secondary school in Brisbane and two daughters, Simona who works
in POM and Imelda attending the Port Moresby International high
school. He has two grandchildren Ethan Orani and Bri-aana.
With hair slightly greying and two grandchildren Mr Duruba says he
is thankful to God for the life He has given him.
He chose to share his 50th birthday with the people who have
shared his successes and joys over the years- his family.
Amidst fun, laughter, congratulatory words, expressions of
gratitude and lots of food, a teary eyed Mr Duruba recollected his
humble and simple beginning of his education.
“Do not forget your origins”, he affirmed when addressing his
children.
Looking at his grannies, Mr Duruba reiterated an advice which he
has uttered many times, “send your children to good schools so
they can have a fair chance in life”.
Mr Duruba has sent his children to international schools and for
further studies overseas because this is a principal he lives by.
Attending school in a village with nothing but a few laplaps, he
set out to make something out of his life and to equip the next
generation to have a better start than his humble beginnings.
Many who he has been part of their lives will tell you that he is
a great manager who inspires those that cross his path in his
simplicity and style.
Mr Duruba is an example of what many young Papua New Guineans need
in their families and communities, inspirational role models who
can mentor them.
Thank you abai for being an inspirtaion to me. Many friends that
know you and me say I portray some of your traits. So thanks for
being part of my life.
 
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