Bougainville loses a leader

THE people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville are mourning the death of one of their leader who passed away yesterday.
The late minister for natural resources Dr Benedict Pisi passed away at his residence on Sohano Island yesterday afternoon after a long illness.
He was admitted at the Pacific International Hospital in Port Moresby earlier and discharged only last week.
Dr Pisi was appointed minister for natural resources by the Autonomous Bougainville Government president James Tanis, a portfolio he held until his untimely death.
Dr Pisi played a leading role in uniting the Panguna landowners under one association and one executive.
Bougainville’s acting president Ezekiel Masat said the region had lost one of its great leaders.
Tragedy struck Dr Pisi’s family when he lost his mother, brother and sister early this year.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
Dr Pisi began his primary education at Panguna then progressed to Arawa High School and did his university studies at the University of Papua New Guinea and further studies in Russia.
Government officials and relatives are working out a programme for a memorial service.