Sir Michael’s legacy lives on

AT this juncture, it is only fitting that we pay special homage and tribute to the founding father of our nation, late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare.
The people of Wam, Drekikier, and East Sepik are at peace because we can hear him in our hearts saying: “I have fought a good fight, I have run a good race and finally, I have won the race. I am fully satisfied.”
Grand chief’s memories will linger in the hearts of every Papua New Guinean.
Your name will be inscribed in every books, tablets and monuments in this nation.
You are our hero and the champion of our national identity.
Your decision has given us boldness and courage as we can stand tall today as proud Papua New Guineans, holding our heads high among the nations of the world.
Sir Michael was ordained to politically engineer a unique and difficult nation for the last forty years.
He was an amazing weapon in the Creator’s hand that unified such a nation of numerous tribes and cultures.
We are diverse in culture, language and geography but yet, so amazingly unified as one people.
Your achievement will always be treasured as long as this nation remains.
We thank you for bringing us this far. When you started your political career, you gave us our Constitution.
Again, as you about to end your political career, you gave us our PNG Vision 2050, which are the most important gifts.
These have constructed the political government foundation on which our nation now confidently rests on.
We see that all your children and grandchildren have grown strong arms and resilient spirits over the last challenging forty years.
In the eyes of our sceptics, we may seem weak and frail but our spirit is rock solid and unbreakable.
We will continue to lead this nation peacefully and carry your vision to fruition.
We will pass on your dream to the future generations until our nation comes into full prosperity and economic freedom.
You can rest in peace fully assured that the nation you birthed will endure to fulfil your dream.
As we put you to rest, all we can say to you is “Thank you”.
We thank God Almighty for giving us a great leader who led us from colonial era amid storms and crisis to people known to be a nation.
Congratulations Sir Michael.
Your record in the Commonwealth and other countries is unmatched.
We pay tribute and salute you as the leaders of all leaders.

Charles Mahisu Berita,
Drekikier