70 awarded in Queen’s birthday honours

GOVERNOR-General Sir Bob Dadae recently hosted the 2017 Queen’s Birthday imperial investiture ceremony in which close to 70 individuals were recognised for their service to the country.
Among them was Rev Giegere Wenge, who was awarded Knight Commander of the British Empire (KBE) for service to the community and the Lutheran Church of PNG through leadership and ministry roles that included being bishop and head of the church.
Other recipients included former judge Don Sawong, who was made Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the community and the judiciary as a judge in the National and Supreme courts.
Recipients of the Officer of the British Empire (OBE) included Daryl Holmes for service to health through the YWAM medical ships, and Max Rai for public service in foreign relations and trade.
In the military, Col Siale Diro was invested the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Defence Force.
Naval Commander Mozart Vanamos was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the PNG Defence Force.
Outstanding recipients who received awards this year included Dr Lawrence Kalinoe, who was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to law and public administration as secretary of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General; and Phoebe Sangetari for public service through her leadership role in the Ombudsman Commission.
Mark Nizatte was made a Member of Order of British Empire (MBE) for services to conservation and environment, and Asistant Commissioner of Police Peter Guiness received the Queen’ Police Medal for distinguished services to the Royal PNG Constabulary.
The Orders of PNG 2017 independence anniversary investiture ceremony will be held today at Government House.