Somare’s first home

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
THE first house in Port Moresby that Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare lived in 55 years ago is still in its original condition.
Johnson Ape from Hela, who now resides in the house, said yesterday that the one-bed room brick house which was one of those first houses built in Hohola during the colonial era was surprisingly still in good condition.
Ape said he had not needed to do any major renovations as the structure was sound and had not deteriorated much over the time his family had occupied the residence.
“We left it in its original state. The roof, floor, wall, door, toilet and shower room, electrical wirings, lightings and plumbing systems are still in good condition,” he said.
“All the neighbours have renovated their houses except us.
“We only build a new house next to the original house.
“We are privileged and proud to live in the house that Sir Michael once lived in the 1960s when he was a young public servant.”
Ape said his family had also hosted a haus krai in the yard to express their sadness at Sir Michael’s passing and to acknowledge the great man and his achievements.
Ape said the house had changed ownership several times and then was acquired by his father Bob Para James, a soldier, in the mid-1970s.
He said Hohola was the first native suburb and the houses along Silkworm Street were the first houses for the native public servants.
“He (Sir Michael) still came around to see his house,” Ape said.
“His last visit was last year.
“Our dad (now retired) and mum have returned to Hela but we still reside in this house with our children.
“We wanted to demolish it but my father always rejected our plans.
“My father said that our house was a national treasure and one day it would become a museum.
“And now we call on Prime Minister James Marape, who is also our local MP (Tari-Pori), to ensure that this house becomes a museum.”

Injia recalls debate in Wapenamanda before independence

FORMER Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia recalled Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s debate with the opposition leaders prior to independence in Wapamenda in Enga.
Sir Salamo said he was in the seventh grade when Sir Michael visited Wapamenda, the site of the debate.
He said Sir Michael was the Chief Minister for the pro-independence movement and the debate was at its highest point with the Opposition leader at that time.
“The debate topic was on the people setting and preparedness for independence,” Sir Salamo said.
According to Sir Salamo, the Opposition said the country was too young for independence as it (country) did not have the resources or capacity in terms of finance, legislature and qualified local personnel to run a new country, but Sir Michael said “we will make the money, make laws and produce those educated people too”.
Sir Salamo said it was because of Sir Michael’s belief in his fellow Papua New Guineans and determination for his people to be free that the country is where it is today.
“Sir Michael worked very hard for his vision and his vision has been realised with many Papua New Guineans becoming professionals and we are benefitting from his vision and we are thankful that he gave us that opportunity,” he said.
Sir Salamo said he had learned many things from Sir Michael’s example and the two that stood out the most were his ability to accept corrections and make amends; and to be a good judges to make good laws.
Sir Salamo said Sir Michael’s death should be a time to reflect on his legacy, act appropriately and continue his work.
“I offer my deepest condolence to Lady Veronica and family, and East Sepik for continually electing Sir Michael as their leader,” he said.
Sir Salamo thanked Sir Michael for his service to the people of Enga and the country.

Sir Michael’s body home for two nights before burial, says Malau

By GYNNIE KERO
Sir Michael Somare’s body will be at his Wewak town residence for two nights before being taken to his final resting place next Tuesday (March 16), according to East Sepik administrator Dr Clement Malau.
Malau said the casket would be flown into the province on Sunday (March 14) and burial would be on Tuesday (March 16).
He said yesterday that it would be impossible to take Sir Michael’s body to all six districts of East Sepik because of logistical challenges and protocol.
Malau noted that schools in the province would close from March 10-16.
Governor Allan Bird had said East Sepik was expecting 100,000-plus people in Wewak for the funeral programme.
“This will not do because the stadium can only hold 10,000 people, with social distancing so many people will miss out on the official programme,” he said.
“In addition, the town can only cater for 20,000 people.
“We are working on a live stream programme around the province and, of course, around the country and the world.
“However, this may not be sufficient for many of our people.
“We have made a decision that each LLG host their own memorial haus krai due to social distancing concerns.
“We have designated Pora Oval for the nightly vigil for those who want to attend a bigger haus krai.
“While going through a time of mourning, we must be careful that the virus is not spread due to our ignorance and carelessness at this time.”
Malau urged the people to make this event a peaceful, respectful and memorable one for everyone, including the international community.
“When it (Sir Michael’s body) comes on Sunday, it stays for a short time then goes to the home,” he said.
“The body will be taken to provincial assembly on Monday.
“Burial will be on Tuesday (at Kreer Heights).
“During the last two nights, he will be rested at home, opposite NBC.”
Following the burial, Bird had said his province would perform its customary obligations to thank everyone who attended the haus krai and acknowledge the country, especially the 20 provinces, Bougainville and the National Capital District, for their part in the mourning period.