Sir Michael – a man of peace, love

THE National on March 13, 2008, published a 68-page supplements on the ‘Chief’ Sir Michael Thomas Somare’s 40 years in politics.
What was captured in that supplement at the time was to give our readers a glimpse of this incredible person’s life through the minds of some people who worked with him and came in contact with him.
Thirteen years later after the 40 years in politics supplements and we are mourning the passing of this great leader and father Sir Michael.
Sir Michael was born on April 9, 1936 at Rapidik Hospital in Rabaul, East New Britain, to Ludwig Somare Sana and Betha Painari.
He passed on Feb 26, 2021.
The Chief’s death signifies the end of an era.
His staff and close associates refer to him affectionately as the ‘Chief’.
His chieftaincy title, Sana, is an inheritance from his Seat clan of Murik Lakes, duly passed down after observance of traditional rituals and with that, the wisdom of Sana that has guided him through political storms, trials and triumphs.
Sir Michael married Lady Veronica Somare, who hails from Kris Village in the Murik Lakes, in 1965, having courted her in the traditional manner.
Sir Michael is the head of both his own family and his wife’s, who initiated him into their title mindamot two days after his initiation as sana.
He was a teacher and a broadcaster before he entered politics in 1968 at the age of 38.
He used both the skills of teacher and communicator to perfection all his political life.
If one day in politics is a long time, then the Chief has stood the test of time. In all these, he had always acknowledged the source of all wisdom, God Almighty.
In the Chief’s 40 years in politics supplement, he recounts his excitement and disappointments and his plans to retire from politics.
Sir Michael’s lifelong dream for the country was fulfilled when “we started with peace” during Independence in 1975. While addressing his family, relatives, friends from around the country and representatives of foreign missions who turned up at his 80th birthday celebrations in Wewak in April 2016, he described his retirement that same year as something that would be “difficult”.
“Now, when I am preparing to step out, my dream for the country I have always loved is that we will always institutionalise the principles of peace,” he said.
“My wish is that we will learn to treat our adopted system of government with unwavering respect.”
He recalled his humble beginnings as a public servant and talked about the things that drove him in politics which lasted over five decades.
Some liken him to the Biblical Moses who led his people out of slavery in Egypt to Canaan, the promised land of milk and honey.
In a land of unassuming people, living difficult but uncomplicated lives, Sir Michael appealed to that which the people could easily understand and relate to.
He had the premium group of leaders ever gathered in the hallowed halls of the PNG legislature to assist him in the likes of Sir Pita Lus, Sir John Guise, Sir Julius Chan, Sir Paul Lapun, Dame Josephine Abaijah, Sir Iambakey Okuk, Sir Thomas Kavali, Sir Tei Abal, Sir Maori Kiki, Sir John Kaputin, Dr John Momis and many others as well.
The success we celebrate of our own Grand Chief today is because he belonged in a group mould of leaders – selfless and people oriented.
He is unique and always proud of his culture that saw him to be friends to all and enemy to none.