End of an era

By GYNNIE KERO and MALUM NALU
APRIL 4, 1968: A young teacher-cum-broadcaster from the Murik Lakes of East Sepik, Michael Thomas Somare, enters the Second House of Assembly to begin a political career which has seen become the nation’s longest-serving prime minister.
April 4, 2017: Sir Michael Somare leaves Parliament in his final term as the East Sepik Governor, with a record Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says will take a long time to emulate.
Yesterday, five days away from his 81st birthday, Sir Michael was escorted into the chamber for the final time by members of the National Alliance Party.
Earlier, there had been uncertainty in Parliament whether he would turn up at all, following some differences over the arrangements for his farewell.
The crowd milled outside the main gate, with security being tight. Journalists wandered around the corridors of Parliament, wondering if the farewell would go ahead, looking for that scoop.
Acting Clerk to Parliament Kala Aufa then emerged from Sir Michael’s office, giving everyone the thumbs-up.
Yes. MPs went in for the last session of the ninth Parliament.
Lady Veronica Somare, their children and family members walked into the gallery.
The man-of-the moment walked in escorted by National Alliance MPs. The crowd rose to attention – a moment in time they will long remember.
MPs and the people in the public gallery gave a standing ovation to the country’s three-time prime minister as he moved to take his seat for the last time.
It was pin-drop silence as he stood to say his final words.
“We progressed through many waves and changes in the world. We survived our own bad decisions and we have united at times when the world thought it was not possible to do so. We must be thankful and we must always count our blessings,” he said.
“Many things have changed and I hope that in 100 years from now, Papua New Guineans will realise the importance of being an independent country.
“I bid you all farewell and say this: I am blessed with a woman who has been my friend and my guide since we were both young people. We have six children who trust us because we built that trust by respecting them as they were growing up.
“We have grandchildren who we think of when we make our private and public decisions. I hope Papua New Guineans will find their own ways to live and trust and care for their family units. I tried to do that my whole life and I think my family can be proud of that.
“To generations of Papua New Guineans that believed in me, I thank you for your love and affection. I gave my best years to this country and I hope you will each find the grace to continue our dream for our great nation Papua New Guinea.”
As Parliament rose, he and other MPs walked to the State Function Room where a farewell luncheon was held with more tributes made
It was indeed the end of an era.