Grand Chief’s family prepared tomb according to Murik customs: Bird

Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s tomb had been prepared by his family and relatives from Murik Lakes in Angoram district.
This was confirmed by Governor Allan Bird when addressing concerns about the tomb by some members of the public.
“While we respect that everyone has an opinion, we must also respect the wishes of the family and the burial customs of the Murik people,” he said.
“The grave and tomb was prepared by the family and relatives from Murik according to their custom.
“We even proposed a glass tomb but that was rejected.
“So I ask everyone to respect the burial customs of the Murik people.”
The tomb is at his Kreer Heights property in Wewak overlooking the town and harbour.
Sir Michael had bought the property and built a home, and later used his retirement funds to build the tomb for him and his wife Lady Veronica.
Sir Michael died in Port Moresby on Feb 26 from pancreatic cancer.
The Government declared two public holidays and more than two weeks of mourning.
His body was flown to Wewak on Sunday.
Thousands of people from around the country who attended the funeral service on Tuesday began making their way back to their provinces yesterday.