Salute for Sir Sere Pitoi

ON March 22, a ceremony was held at the former Administration College to officially open the new lecture hall, funded by the Australian Government, to be known as the Sir Sere Pitoi Rumana.
This is in honour of the late Sir Sere Pitoi, who was the first national chairman of the then Public Service Board (later to be called Public Service Commission).
I remember as a small boy going to my father’s office after school at the spot where the Bank of PNG now stands.
My father, an educationist, was one of two nationals appointed to the Public Service Board which was staffed by Australian civil servants.
Sir Paulias Matane was the other national.
Prior to independence, dad was chosen to localise the chairman’s position, taking over from Australian Jerry Unkles.
He held that position for about six years until he was replaced by Sir Rabbie Namaliu.
It is truly heart-warming to see that the Government of the day still pays tribute to those who served well in the formative years of our country.
It is important for the newer generation to never forget the sacrifices our pioneering fathers and mothers made.
With that, I wish to thank, in particular, our Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and former DPM Secretary and ambassador designate to Australia John Kali for choosing to honour my father in the naming of the new building.
As O’Neill said on the day, one does not have to be a politician to serve the people.
Civil servants like these humble men and women of old showed us what dedication and commitment can do.
There are many more like my father out there whose selfless service made all the difference to our nation.
Some we have honoured, others we have heard about, while for many, only their families know about their exploits.
We are indebted to every one of them.
May their memories be forever honoured
Once again, on behalf of the Pitoi family, thank you.

Rev Seik Pitoi