Rigo villagers lose woman leader

 A HIGHLY respected descendent of a chieftain tribe, Egana Vari Kema, from Ginigolo in the Rigo district, Central, passed away in Australia recently.

The 64-year-old matriarch suffered a heart attack on June 1 while visiting relatives in Perth and died three days later.

She was with her husband, William Kwaipo Kena, at the time of her death.

The late Egana was the great grand-daughter of the paramount head chief of the Tubutola clan and was held in high esteem for her leadership qualities.

The Tubutola tribes comprised the Gunupau, Deugob, Tagana, Mogogele and Kopunomu clans.

Her death shocked and saddened members of the clans in Ginogolo and Makerupu villages.

 A strong church follower at the Makerupu United church, the late Egana always had a strong voice when singing peroveta (local gospel songs) or performing the kitoro (traditional dance).

Local church elder Rev Pia Ware described her as the stronghold foundation of the church. 

“The strongest post has fallen from the Makerupu congregation. The biggest and strongest post I say again,” he said.

Daughter Wendy Kema said her mother was a loving, kind and generous person who was well liked and respected by all clans and villagers.

“She was a very sporting person in her younger days as a softball representative in the 60s in Lae and then spearheaded the Port Moresby women’s fellowship circuit to a lifetime trip to Wellington, New Zealand, during the 1980s,” she said.

“People in Rigo, Central, have lost their queen.”

The late Egana is survived by five children, 10 grand-children and one great grandchild.