Queen’s letter to be read

By JAMIE HARO
A LETTER written a few weeks ago by Queen Elizabeth to all bishops will be read during a memorial service organised by the Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on Sunday.
Bishop Lindsley Conway Ihove said the service would be held at the St John’s Cathedral in Port Moresby.
Bishop Ihove said the letter written by Queen Elizabeth was sent to all bishops during the Lambeth conference in Australia.
The letter will be read during the service on Sunday.
“Her Majesty wrote her greeting to the Lambert conference,” he said.
“For the Anglican Church in PNG, the letter is currently in Popondetta. We will have it returned to Port Moresby to be read to church members on Sunday as a tribute.”
He said they were finalising plans for the service before invitations were sent out to sister churches for a combined Sunday service.
“Since a 10-day mourning period was declared, we have decided to (have) a service to commemorate the role she played as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England,” he said.
“In commemoration, mothers will be painting their faces in mud and representing their parishes to pay tribute as a sign of sorrow for the church.”
He said the Anglican churches and parishes in PNG viewed the late monarch as an icon, a role model to the church during her reign.

Manning recognises Queen’s contribution

POLICE Commissioner David Manning has described Queen Elizabeth II as a constant presence and beacon of hope for Papua New Guinea when it became an independent nation 47 years ago.
“Sadly, as Papua New Guinea prepares for our 47th independence anniversary celebrations, we learnt of the passing of our Head of State, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second,” Manning said.
“The Royal family has enjoyed a long and close history with the country and especially the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. Papua was annexed by Great Britain in 1884. In 1939 King George VI saw fit to grant the prefix “Royal” to the Royal Papuan Constabulary in recognition of the long and meritorious service of the local people in the service of the administration.
“On June 2, 1953, 25 members of the Royal PNG Constabulary represented the territories and attended the coronation of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
“Her Majesty was the longest serving monarch and has been an integral part of PNG and the Constabulary’s growth and development over the last 47 years.”

Scott reflects on Queen’s reign as monarch

BRITISH High Commissioner Keith Scott says the vast majority of people in the United Kingdom and Papua New Guinea have known no other Head of State than Queen Elizabeth II.
He made the observation on Friday when reflecting on the changes which had happened during the 70 years of her reign, in which she became for many a “beacon of stability, service and of wisdom”.
Scott was at Government House on Friday with Prime Minister James Marape and Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae.
“I am very pleased to be able to pass on the condolences of the prime minister, the Governor-General and Papua New Guineans to the people of the United Kingdom,” he said.
He said the Queen, during her coronation in June 1953, pledged to the British Commonwealth and the world that “throughout my whole life, and with all my heart, I shall strive to be worthy of your trust”.
“History will judge that not only was the Queen worthy of our trust, but also of our admiration and gratitude,” Scott said.
“As the British High Commissioner, we share Prime Minister Marape’s sentiments wishing the royal family all the best, and may she rest in peace. God save the King.”

Businessman plans on travelling to UK for Queen’s funeral

A LOCAL businessman who has investment in the United Kingdom plans to travel to London to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth.
Finschhafen’s Jasper Akick Qate and wife Carolyn Qate were among the people who visited Government House in Port Moresby to sign the condolence book and pay their respects to the Queen.
The first one to sign was Prime Minister James Marape on Friday after a media conference with Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae and British High Commissioner Keith Scott.
Qate said it was through his investment and the respect he had for the Queen that made him rush to Government House to pay his respect.
“We are here as Papua New Guineans, but most importantly as a businessman in PNG, to pass my condolence message and present flowers for my Queen,” he said.
He plans to travel to the UK to attend her funeral.
The condolence book at Government House is accessible to people to sign and pay their respects during the 10-day mourning period.
Sir Bob and Marape are expected to travel to the UK this week to attend the Queen’s funeral.