Long service in forestry rewarded

BBy PETER ESILA
MORE than 50 people were honoured at Government House, in Port Moresby, yesterday as as part of the New Year’s awards.
One of them was a forestry officer who had dedicated most of his life to the industry.
Included was a police officer who died a couple of weeks ago.
His daughter was on hand to receive the award.
“I was in the Second World War and in 1955, I started in forestry. I went to forestry everywhere, I saw PNG everywhere,” said 89-year-old Kairo Aubeta yesterday after he was
made a Member of the Order of Logohu.
“I worked at the forestry college and became a botanist.”
Aubeta worked for the University Of Technology Faculty of Forestry in Bulolo for 28 years and retired last year. He received New Year’s awards in 1975 and 1982 as well.
He hails from Morobe.
Meanwhile, Joyce Airi, the eldest daughter of the late police officer Fred Airi, from Gulf, who died on Aug 15, said she initially did not want
to get the Meritorious Community Service Medal which her father was awarded.
“My father served as a police officer in Milne Bay when he was 17 years old until he was promoted as an officer and later became officer in charge,” Joyce said.
“He stayed with the Milne Bay police department then retired and moved into Kerema and started his own business.
He owns a lodge, hire car business and leased commercial and residential properties to the provincial and national governments – basically he stayed back at home and provided services to the Gulf province.
“My dad was basically involved with the Gulf provincial government where he was the board chairman of the Kerema General Hospital, the Gulf Investment Authority, the Gulf Oil Trust and Gulf Investment Promotion Authority.
“Being a businessman, he also tried the political arena in the national elections from 1997 to 2012.
“What we the children encouraged him to do was not to be a politician but to serve God and serve his people, that is why he left Milne Bay, to serve his people and his community.
“I wish that I had come as a guest to see him receive his award.”
Acting Governor-General and Speaker Joe Pomat presented the awards.