Donigi’s influence will remain a beacon for many
The National, Thursday February 20th, 2014
FROM the news we are getting, it seems that the late prominent lawyer and ambassador, Peter Donigi, was not accorded the honour and respect he deserved.
I did not know him, but was told that he was an intelligent and smart man.
Almost 10 years ago, during a student crisis, a university student taught by Donigi said that the professor urged them to use their heads, not bellies, to see themselves through issues with good decision-making as it was better to think like a bird that could see far, rather than a pig that could not.
My own assessment of the man from reading his letters and commentaries in the papers is that he was an intellect, a true Melanesian and possessed values.
His views on different issues were very simple and easy to understand.
It is unfortunate the he did not get into parliament because he would have made a lot of contribution in breaking down hard, western ideologies for the masses to understand as well as encouraged them to decide which we should adopt, adapt and use or discard.
I know Donigi had that ability to challenge us in the way we think.
I thank the Lowan people of East Sepik and Donigi’s family for helping our country in many ways.
We are thankful that he left a lot of things behind; his books, papers and influence.
In a few years, some young minds will take over the baton Donigi carried while he served as an ambassador and lawyer.
We will remember Donigi and continue to use our heads and reach higher like birds.
PNG Tauna
Port Moresby