Sir Mekere rated top PM

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
PRIME Minister James Marape rates the late Sir Mekere Morauta as the country’s “number one” prime minister so far.
Sir Mekere passed away in Brisbane last Saturday, leaving behind wife Lady Roslyn, son James and his family of Kukupi village in Gulf.
His funeral will be held in Brisbane on Wednesday, according to Lady Roslyn.
A memorial service will be held later in Port Moresby “once travel circumstances permit”.
Marape said: “Sir Mekere (to me) remains the number one prime minister in the country.
“He served (as PM in) the shortest time (1999 to 2002).
“In my view, he is the number one (who) had the greatest impact on some of the status quo.
“The results are bearing fruit.
“You don’t have to look further than the Bank of South Pacific which is a result of that vision he had.”
Marape said the length of time in the office was not measured by the number of infrastructure one built “but the quality of interventions you make in public policies”.
“Though his reign was short, his efforts in ensuring that the economy was brought back to life is now seen through the State-owned enterprises and financial reforms.”
The country benefitted from the “rescue package” which the late Sir Mekere designed to stabilise the economy,” he said.
“I pass on my deepest condolences to Lady Roslyn Morauta and son James on the loss of their much loved husband and father,” Marape said.
“Their loss is also felt by the people of his beloved Kukupi Village in Gulf, Moresby North-West and Papua New Guinea as a whole.”
Marape said Sir Mekere was a strong supporter of the current Government until his death.