Sir Michael’s passing unites us again

THE passing of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare has once again united us all.
Papua New Guinea and the Commonwealth states are in grief after the country’s founding father passed away peacefully in the midst of his beloved wife and family.
It was a heart wrenching period when the nation mourned the loss of our country’s patriarch.
The pain and sorrow of losing someone of significance is overwhelming which words cannot fully express.
Family, friends, colleagues and dignitaries all around the globe have passed their heartfelt condolences to our remarkable Grand Chief.
Our little children can understand the loss of this icon.
It is touching to see children partaking in this mourning period, covered with mud and tears in their eyes.
This moment will be remembered for generations to come.
The country’s one chapter has come to an end while a new one begins as PNG’s founding father was laid to rest.
His passing re-ignited the spirit of unity and oneness throughout the country just as the day he did when he raised the gold, black and red Papua New Guinea flag on Sept 16, 1975.
His spirit of seeing PNG as one nation during the precolonial era despite many challenges in cultural diversity has once again evident during this mourning period.
Government and Opposition leaders have put aside their differences as they come to realise the true value of Independence and being united.
The onus is now on our leaders to put their differences aside and strive for a better PNG.
The national haus krai has truly humbled and united our leaders.
The businesses and sporting fraternity have come in numbers and shared their experiences with our hero.
Sir Michael indeed stands shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders such as Nelson Mendela of South Africa and Martin Luther King Jr of the United States of America.
The greatest thing about this man is that he achieved Independence in a peaceful Melanesian way.
People from the highlands to the coastal areas have united once again to mourn the passing of this great man.
Thank you Lord for giving us Sir Michael.

Maru Igabi