Geno made grand chief

By BOSORINA ROBBY
TWO former parliamentarians and a former police commissioner are recipients of the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu in the 2012 New Year honours list.
The award carries with it the title of grand chief.
They are Sinai Brown, former member for Gazelle in East New Britain, Sir Akepa Miakwe a former member for Unggai-Bena in Eastern Highlands and former police commissioner and former chief ombudsman Ila Geno.
The award recognises 20 years of service, achievement, and merit in the highest degree, by citizens.
Geno, who was surprised with the honour, thanked those who nominated him for this highest award, and their confidence in him over the years.
He also thanked his wife and children, senior officers and general duty officers in the police force, especially those in the criminal investigation division.
“I also want to thank my fellow ombudsmen at the Ombudsman Commission for the years we worked together – especially John ToGuata from the police and now in the Ombudsman, Nemo Yalo, late Peter Peraki and judge David Cannings in his capacity as counsel to the OC when I was chief ombudsman,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, Brown has been recognised for his services to the community and national and provincial governments through his contribution to the advancement of East New Britain as a minister of state.
Sir Akepa has been recognised for his services to the community through effective leadership in the development of the coffee industry in the Eastern Highlands and as a former state minister.
The Officer of the Logohu (OL) award recognises Hugh Laird (agriculture and rural industries-tea and coffee), David Simon Saungei Nelson (business management and Pangu Pati), Karol Kanawi Popei (health-specialist surgeon), Jeffrey Wayne Ransley (pre-Independence administration Western), Brian Riches (public administration and commerce) and Fr Benjamin Francis Madden, OFM Cap (community and Catholic church in Southern Highlands).
Others recognised are Naomi Polum (education and athletics), David Gole (architecture and humanitarian causes) and Dorothy Huku (community and provincial administration)