Farewell, Dr Dakulala

By HELEN TARAWA
PRIME Minister James Marape described late Dr Paison Dakulala as a deeply committed person to God and in serving this country.
“I got to know him when he started work at the National Control Centre in response to the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
“He was extremely faithful to his duties and for that I come here to my pay respect.
“He worked with our national response team to ensure that our frontline defense was given the attention.”
Speaking at his funeral service yesterday, Marape said Dakulala was at the forefront of the fight against the coronavirus in the country.
“On behalf of all citizens, I pay respect to this humble man who was fully committed to his duties,” he said.
Marape said Dr Dakulala’s name was submitted to Cabinet for the Health secretary’s post but Cabinet had concerns over his health and the pressure and stress related to being secretary and opted to allow Dr Dakulala a less strenuous responsibility.
“As you are taking the body back home to lay him to rest, please convey our greatest appreciation for the services he had rendered to the people of PNG and the nation,” Marape told the Dakulala family.
Health and HIV/AIDs Minister Jelta Wong said Dr Dakulala was passionate, loyal, steadfast and committed to his duties.
“He turned up every day without failure, seven days a week,” he said.
“He predicted what we are seeing today and he prepared his staff with the plans and processes we are rolling out today.
“Such was the commitment and drive that he had.”
Meanwhile, Esa’ala MP Davis Steven said Milne Bay had lost one of its finest sons, their pride and an elite from the islands.
Steven said Dr Dakulala was among the few medical professionals who was recognised as a Member of the British Empire for his leadership in the country’s response in dealing with the Covid-19. Dr Dakulala was deputy secretary for Health at the time of his passing.
He is survived by wife Judith and children Sirus, Sharon and Samuel.
Dr Dakulala’s body leaves for Alotau today to his home on Fergusson Island, Esa’ala, where he will be laid to rest.