Former governors Ivarato, Smith pass on

By ZACHERY PER
TWO former Eastern Highlands governors, Malcom Kela Smith and Aita Ivarato, passed away peacefully over the Easter weekend.
Smith passed away in Australia while on medical leave and Ivarato breathed his last in Goroka Hospital after a short illness on Sunday.
Ivarato was the first Eastern Highlands governor following the Provincial and Local Level Government Reform in 1995.
He served as the Regional MP and governor; he successfully unseated strongman Sir Barry Holloway in the 1987 General Election when the indigenous people became sceptical of expatriates since 1964, even though Sir Barry was a naturalised citizen.
Ivarato, from Okapa and a University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) graduate, upset Sir Barry in the election.
He had worked as a research officer with the late Iambakey Okuk (National Party) and later with the Agriculture Bank.
He also taught at Bena High School for a short stint and resigned to contest the election.
Ivarato hailed from Pusarasa village near Okapa station.
He lived as a senior statesman in Goroka with his family until his demise.
The late Smith was a very passionate Eastern Highlander who loved Goroka, enjoyed living in Goroka and grew his businesses in Goroka.
He served as governor from 2002 to 2012, and was a member of various parliamentary committees as governor.
Smith was the owner and founder of Pacific Helicopters Group, one of the largest providers of aviation services in the southern hemisphere.
He was born in England and migrated to Australia when he was a child.
He completed his education and served with distinction in the Australian defence forces.
While serving, he became a qualified helicopter pilot that launched his aviation career.
In 1969, he was posted to Papua New Guinea where he established the Pacific Helicopters Group.
The business soon expanded and diversified into building and construction, hotels and resorts.
Smith remained the executive chairman of the group and remained actively involved in his business, spending time in both Australia and PNG, until his passing.
He was also the founding chairman of the Eastern Highlands health authority, a seat he held until his passing.
Fellow aviation business competitor and Central Governor Robert Agarobe in his Facebook post tribute said he woke up to a sad day to hear a dear friend, fellow aviator and a fellow governor had passed away.
“I met ‘Kela’ in 1983 when I was doing my PETT training in Idubada Technical School to be an aircraft engineer,” he said.
“My aviation life with Kela was a love-hate relationship as competitors and we had our moments.
“However, we were best of friends who shared more than a few beers together.”