Jacinta recalls generosity

By GYNNIE KERO in Wewak
JACINTA Lunge wept as she read stories in The National newspaper in Wewak yesterday of how a grateful nation was saying goodbye to Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
She told of how when he was prime minister, he gave her K300 when she was stranded in Goroka.
She had gone to Goroka in 2002 to be treated for an eye problem but then someone stole her purse.
Lunge from Yangoru-Saussia in East Sepik, said the Boram Hospital in Wewak did not have any eye specialist.
She was feeling desperate in Goroka and used a public phone to call her children in East Sepik.
“I was feeling really down,” Lunge said.
Sir Michael, who was at the Bird of Paradise Hotel, noticed her walking past carrying a Chambri basket.
He told a policeman to call Lunge.
“When I was escorted to see him, he asked me which part of Sepik I was from. I told him Yangoru,” she said. “When he heard how I lost my money, he signed a cheque for K300 for me.
“Sir Michael told me to use the money to travel safely back home to Wewak.”
Lunger never met Sir Michael again.
After hearing of Sir Michael’s death, Lunge came to Wewak to pay her respect to the man who gave her K300 when she was feeling down and hapless.
“I was working in my garden when I learnt about his passing on Feb 26,” she said.
“I was shocked and saddened by the fact that I won’t see him again.
“Sir Michael was truly someone who helped people with genuine needs.
“I’m thankful that despite what foreigners think of him, Sir Michael had a vision that one day we will have our own lawyers, doctors and teachers.
“I’m proud and happy to speak as a mother of well-educated children.”
She can never repay him that K300.

Shops allowed to open up to midday yesterday since closing on Saturday

SHOPS in Wewak, which had been closed since Saturday, were allowed to open for half a day yesterday to allow residents to do their shopping.
East Sepik administrator Dr Clement Malau announced the shopping hours yesterday up to midday.
Police commander Supt Albert Beli said security provided by police was very good with no major incidents reported.
He said the people continued to ensure that the town remained clean and those coming through from the highway were well-behaved.
Supt Beli said people arriving into town managed to buy supplies in town before shops closed again at noon.
“The town looks clean and the residents have been welcoming to everyone, something that began since the passing of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare,” he said.
Police were to provide security overnight as the casket remained at the Sir Michael Somare Stadium.
They will provide security today during the funeral service at the stadium and the burial at Kreer Heights.
Malau said the funeral and burial service would be conducted by the Catholic diocese in Wewak.
Supt Beli expects security to remain tight especially around the family home at Kreer Heights.
“While there was an issue at the airport, it was sorted and dealt with quickly,” he said.
“Otherwise, we don’t expect more issues.”

Grand chief described as champion of democracy

FORMER Manus governor Arnold Marsipal has described Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare as a champion of democracy.
Marsipal, a life member of Pangu Pati, highlighted the close relationship he shared with Sir Michael.
He noted that the grand chief’s middle name “Thomas” was given by the Manus people.
“He was given the name ‘Thomas’ by Manus and we honour and respect him,” he said.
Marsipal recalled the emotions and feeling of pride on Independence Day in 1975. “I was there when I witnessed and cried with joy when our flag was raised,” he said.
“We have to thank Australia for allowing us to gain independence.
“Sir Michael is the champion of democracy.
“He is the true Sana (peacemaker).”
Marsipal said he was privileged to have served three terms in parliament with Sir Michael.
“Sir Michael was one who was humble and had patience,” he said.
“He was truly a peacemaker and loved everyone which I witnessed.”
Marsipal said Sir Michael’s leadership and ability to unite and his vision had allowed many achievements to take place, most importantly Independence and even the building of the Parliament House.
“In 1982, when I was in parliament, he told me to open his wardrobe and get one of his best shirts to wear,” he said.
“I wore the shirt and told him I’ll be with you in Pangu Pati.
“I am so broken to be here to farewell him.”

Sir Michael’s body lies in provincial assembly for last time

THE body of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare yesterday lay in state in the East Sepik assembly he had presided over for many years as governor.
He retired before the 2017 general election.
His successor, Allan Bird, and West Sepik Governor Tony Wouwou were assisted by the Clerk to Parliament Kala Aufa in yesterday’s special sitting to farewell him.
Bird called on the provincial assembly to be united in its thinking to change the country.
Wouwou called for unity between the two provinces. “United we shall stand (and) we will work together in the best interest of our future generations,” he said.
Wosera-Gawi MP Joseph Yopiyopi remembered Sir Michael in his capacity as prime minister and governor.
“We will carry on Sir Michael’s legacy and continue to speak of his life,” he said.
The casket was then escorted through Wewak town in a motorcade to the stadium.
Students from secondary schools in the province filed past the casket, which was to remain at the stadium overnight. People from East and West Sepik and other provinces who arrived by boats and planes were expected last night to pay their last respect to Sir Michael.
He will be buried in a tomb at his Kreer Heights property.