Sir Tore Lokoloko’s legacy will live on

 By DAVID WAPAR

SIR Tore Lokoloko will be farewelled for the last time tomorrow at his Iokea village in Gulf but his legacy will live on.

That Prime Minister Peter O’Neill dedicated a facelift to the school named after the former governor-general’s speaks volumes of one of Papua New Guinea’s distinguished leaders.

If anyone doubted Sir Tore’s role in Papua New Guinea, he or she would have got a clear picture at yesterday’s state funeral service at the Reverend Sioni Kami Memorial church.

Different speakers, including O’Neill and Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio and even Sir Tore’s great-granddaughter Mary Maika, used the words humility, dedication and love repeatedly to describe him.

“The late Sir Tore Lokoloko was a true nationalist and a proud son of PNG. He had believed and advocated national unity for our people. These are characteristics we should try to emulate,” Sir Michael said. 

He said the appointment of Sir Tore in 1977 to the country’s highest post befitted the Iokea man whom he described as a born leader. 

“I believe such was his career. He has supported many government policies, especially those promoting unity, and that has been the legacy of Sir Tore,” Sir Michael said.

O’Neill said the government was saddened by the death of Sir Tore who had befriended and taught many young Papua New Guineans. 

“I can only describe him as man of sacrifice, loyalty and respect. There are many giants in politics but there are very few gentle giants of whom Sir Tore is one,” O’Neill said.                                                                                                           

“As a sign of farewell, the government is making a commitment to give a special facelift to a school named after him in his Iokea village.”

The Sir Tore Primary School in Iokea will undergo renovations but O’Neill did not divulge details or the cost.

Nonetheless, Gulf parliamentarians including former governor and deputy prime minister Chris Haiveta and former prime minister Sir Mekere Morauta and the people of Iokea, who attended the service, were delighted with the news.

O’Neill will be part of a government delegation accompanying Sir Tore’s body to Kerema today. 

O’Neill said it was a sign of the government’s appreciation and also a bid to farewell him in his homeland. 

“We, as a nation, are grateful for his commitment. He is one of the famous and distinguished statesmen.” 

Sir Tore will be laid to rest at his village tomorrow.

He was 82 and is survived by wife Lady Lalahaia, 11 children, 48 grandchildren and 51 great-grand-children.