Sabina’s tribute to ‘Grand Pupuman’

LAST Friday, she brought the Lihir Island crowd to tears.
Her voice echoed loud and clear amid the mid-afternoon New Ireland heat.
She neither winched nor trembled and her hand did not shake as she grabbed the microphone and confidently read her speech.
Too short for the microphone stand, she was hoisted onto a table by the Nimamar local level government president (Stanley Tunut) to pay tribute to Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
The following and the highlight of the day, was her speech (unedited):
Standing here today, I am too young to be in the shoes of auntie Betha Somare.
I represent all children of our beautiful Lihir Island.
Much has been said about the political life of this great champion of our beautiful nation Papua New Guinea.
We, the children of Lihir, would now like to pay our tribute and respect to our Grand Pupuman for his contribution in ensuring that as a self-governing and independent PNG, many children have excelled in life, through an education system that has prepared us for the life ahead.
We, the children of Lihir Island and PNG, owe much to our Great Pupuman.
In his honour, I have this to share with you today.
Sir Michael is a household name that will go down in the history books of PNG.
Sir Michael was not only a political champion, he was also a humble and committed family man, and along with our beautiful and faithful Pupumeri Lady Veronica, raised their six children in a true family environment that was filled with love, discipline and security based on God’s Christian principles and doctrines.
Not many of us know the house life of Pupuman Sir Michael Somare.
Daddy and my Sepik uncles tell me that Pupuman Somare likes to wash plates, cups and spoons after dinner.
When Pupumeri Veronica tells Pupuman not to wash the plates, Pupuman will not say a word and will continue to wash the dishes.
Tru tumas, Pupuman Somare was the shining example of a loyal husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
PNG calls him father and grandfather.
His fine example as an honest and loyal family man will live in us forever.
Many countries got their independence after lives were lost.
PNG got its independence with peace, because Pupuman Somare was a political giant with the heart of a child.
PNG has more than 800 languages, tribes and clans, but Pupuman united us as a nation. To our political leaders here on Lihir, I challenge you all to match Pupuman Somare.
He will forever be remembered, and his memory will forever unite this nation.
On behalf of all the children of Lihir, I want to say: Sorry to Pupumeri Veronica, aunties Betha and Dulciana and uncles Sana, Arthur and Michael Jr.
Rest in peace Sir Michael.

Sabina Winaulin,
Liklik Sepik Princess