Mourners flock to farewell Basil

**The Late Deputy Prime Minster Sam Basil’s mother Cathy (standing) with Basil’s daughter at the funeral service at the Sir John Guise indoor complex in Port Moresby yesterday.**

MEN and women, young and old started moving to the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday as early as they could.
The casket of the Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil was expected to arrive at 2pm.
All seats were occupied.
Some stood near the door while others made use of the black carpet rolled out on the floor.
They wanted to get a glimpse of the casket and pay their respects before the casket bearing the body of the Bulolo MP leaves Port Moresby today for his final journey home (Morobe).

**The family of the late Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil at the top of the steps leading to Parliament House watching as the casket leaves Parliament. – Nationalpics by NICKY BERNARD**

The casket eventually arrived for the funeral service.
It was received by the head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Bishop Jack Urame, designated family representatives and Members of Parliament amongst other invited guests.
The service began with a prayer, hymns sung and a sermon followed by a eulogy and tributes.
Prime Minister James Marape wept as he read out the last exchange of text messages between himself and his deputy.

**Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae and wife Lady Emeline paying their respects during the funeral in Port Moresby yesterday.**

Opposition Leader Belden Namah described the late Basil as a forthright man who spoke
his mind and acted on his convictions.
“He (Basil) was someone who put his electorate before anything else,” Namah said.
“He had served in many ministerial portfolios and twice as the Deputy Prime Minister.”
Autonomous Bougainville Government vice-president Patrick Nisira said: “As we mourn the loss of this great man let us also celebrate his commitment to Papua New Guinea through duty, loyalty and honour.”

Papua New Guinea Education Institute students Dulcie Suenu (left) with Marshellah Mugau holding a photo of Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil at the funeral in Port Moresby yesterday. – Nationalpic by KENNEDY BANI

Speaking on behalf of President Ishmael Toroama during the funeral service in Port Moresby yesterday, Nisira said: “The emotional response by the people of
the Morobe and the rest of the country is a testament to late Sam Basil as a man, a leader and a visionary.
“He will be fondly remembered on Bougainville for his collaboration with our three national MPs in North, Central and South Bougainville on important infrastructure development programmes on Bougainville.”