Sir Peter: Father of PNG tourism

The National National
Late Sir Peter Barter and his dog Kali on their last trip to Western Pacific University last year. They are surrounded by the university’s pioneer students. – Picuture supplied

NEW Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan says the late Sir Peter Barter was “literally, the father of tourism in Papua New Guinea” and contributed to the growth of the country.
Sir Julius expressed his sincere sadness and sorrow at the passing of Sir Peter last week.
“Sir Peter was a giant of Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“He was literally the Father of tourism in Papua New Guinea.
“Sir Peter took over the Madang Hotel just one year after Independence, in 1976, and transformed it into the Madang Resort.
“He made the Madang Resort the premier resort in Papua New Guinea and probably in the western Pacific.
“Sir Peter also established a shipping company that takes tourists to many areas of Papua New Guinea, especially the Sepik River area.
“Though Sir Peter was a great businessman, he was also much more.
“He constantly put his resources to the use of the country, and to the use of the people of the country.
“When Tavurvur volcano erupted in 1994 in Rabaul, Sir Peter piloted his own helicopter to survey the area.
“He did the same thing after the eruption of the volcano on Manam Island in Madang.
“Again, he provided support, assisting the government to survey a suitable location for the resettlement of the Manam Islanders.
“Sir Peter’s concern for the people of Madang and Papua New Guinea was truly exceptional.
“In 1980, he established the Melanesian Foundation, which provides direct support to rural areas of the country.
“Sir Peter did not only take tourists to see some of the most remote areas of Papua New Guinea, he also made certain that the people who lived in those areas received support as well.
“The Melanesian Foundation has provided thousands of school desks to those areas, as well as other educational and health services, including books, rural clinics and other important support.
“On behalf of my wife, Lady Stella, my family, and all the people of New Ireland, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to Sir Peter’s family and friends on this sad and difficult occasion.
“We thank God for sending him to us and for the time we were able to spend together.”