Former ambassador Donigi laid to rest in village

 By GABRIEL FITO

ONE of the country’s prominent lawyers, Peter Donigi was laid to rest at his Lowan village on the west coast of Wewak yesterday.

His wife Dianne and six daughters, his brother Pastor Anthony Donigi and former Mining and Petroleum secretary Joseph Gabut escorted the casket from Port Moresby to Wewak on Sunday.

They were received at the airport by relatives and fellow lawyer Alois Jerewai.

A funeral service was held at the Assemblies of God Rev Maru Memorial Church on Sunday evening.

His body was taken to the village on Monday morning. Wewak district administrator Ricky Wobar represented the government and people of Wewak district in escorting the casket to the village. He conveyed the district’s condolence to the Donigi family and relatives.

Gabut described Donigi as “a resource nationalist” who believed and fought for Papua New Guineans for more than 30 years for the 100% ownership of their land, the airspace and minerals beneath.

“He has written two books and papers for our children to learn in schools. Peter is not dead because his spirit and mind has been transferred to the books for our children to study and see, maybe for 100 years.

“These children will forget all the politicians we have today but not Peter. His memory is everlasting,” Gabut said.

Jerewai described Donigi as a man who always fought for truth and justice.