Deputy PM, Catholic archbishop knighted

DEPUTY Prime Minister Leo Dion and Catholic Archbishop of Port Moresby John Ribat are among the three who have been knighted in the Queen’s Birthday honours list.
Dion and Ribat were awarded the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) and given the rank of Knight of the British Empire.
Both could not be reached for  comment last night.
Tipo Vuatha, the secretary to the Governor-General, received the third highest award – the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) and was given the rank of Knight Bachelor.
This means that Dion, Ribat and Vuatha will be referred to with the title of Sir.
Dion was recognised for services to the nation and East New Britain in the roles of Governor and deputy Prime Minister and for distinguished service in the police force.
Dion was awarded the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George for public and political service last June.
He was elected to Parliament in December 2000 during a by-election for the East New Britain provincial seat.
Dion was re-elected in 2007 as Governor for East New Britain.
Ribat, 59, from Volavolo in East New Britain was first ordained as a priest on December 1, 1985. He held various leadership positions in the church before his appointment as Archbishop of Port Moresby in March, 2008.
He is currently the president of the Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
Ribat was recognised for promoting harmony among Christian churches in the country.
Vuatha, who has served for 15 years as Secretary to the Governor-General, was recognised for distinguished public service, in particular at Government House.
The honour’s list recognised 95 people for their services to the country. They received awards in the categories of Order of Saint Michael and St George, Order of the British Empire (CBE, OBE, and MBE), British Empire Medal (BEM) and order of the British Empire (Military Division).
Justice David Cannings, lawyer Manuel Varitimos and Secretary to the Department of Foreign Affairs William Dihm, were awarded the Order of the British Empire in the rank of Commander.
Deputy Police Commissioner Jim Andrews, acting Chief Ombudsman Phoebe Sangetari and Nasfund chief executive officer Ian Tarutia were awarded the Order of the British Empire in the rank of Officer (OBE).
Assistant Commissioner of Police Joanne Clarkson and Assistant Commissioner of Police (NCD/Central) Sylvester Kalaut were awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for their services to the Police Force.