Kuni people will not forget Sir Michael

AS we continue to reflect on history, people will know some of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s untold stories.
This land was controlled under the first “Papuan Council of Chiefs” in 1959 under the leadership of Sir Raphael Aida from Kuni of Dilava Tribe.
Queen Elizabeth has recognised the council and had awarded five medals of the British Empire to Sir Raphael for his leadership during the time when Sir Michael was a radio broadcaster in his young age.
Sir Michael was fond of the governing body of the Papua Council of Chiefs, especially president Sir Raphael.
After Independence when Sir Michael became the first prime minister of Papua New Guinea, in 1977, he sent Sir Moi Avei to the land of Kuni for his friend and brother Sir Raphael for some historical relics of the Kuni people to be placed in the House of Assembly.
Sir Raphael presented Sir Moi with two ancient axes and other sacred relics, which are now the property of Government.
In 1979, Sir Michael went to the Kuni people in the southern part of a land called Bakoiudu to officially open a rubber factory for the Kuniko Corporative Society Farmers.
Sir Michael was warmly welcomed with traditional dancing and 10 pigs were killed to commemorate his visit.
We will always remember you Sir Michael.

Sir Raphael Aida’s Family and the Kuni People