MPs pay last respects

PARLIAMENT was suspended yesterday morning as Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, Speaker Jeffrey Nape, Cabinet ministers and Opposition and Government Members paid their respects for the late Bernard Narokobi.
The body of the late Narokobi was laid in State at the Grand Hall of Parliament where MPs viewed the body and met with the grieving relatives.
When Parliament resumed at 10.30am, Speaker Nape announced the death of Mr Narokobi and a minute of silence was observed.
He then suspended Parliament and, along with Sir Michael, led the MPs into the Grand Hall to pay their respects.
Mr Narokobi was a Member of Parliament representing Wewak Open from 1987 to 1997. During his time as MP, he served as minister for Justice (1988-1992), was Opposition leader between 1998 and 2002 until he lost his seat in the general elections.
A funeral service will be held today at the St Josephs Catholic church from 10am.
The body of the late Mr Narokobi will be flown to Wewak tomorrow and later transported by road to his Dagua village for burial.