Tributes for Basil keep pouring in

The National National

Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil’s casket leaving Parliament yesterday. – Nationalpics by NICKY BERNARD

TRIBUTES continued to pour in for Bulolo MP and Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil as a State funeral was held at the Sir John Guise indoor complex in Port Moresby yesterday.
The casket of the late Basil was also taken to the Grand Hall at Parliament House where Members of Parliament, including Prime Minister James Marape and Opposition Leader Belden Namah, paid their respects.

Basil’s casket at the Jackson Airport in Port Moresby on Sunday.

Former Eastern Highlands governor Julie Soso described Basil as a visionary leader who had served the people of Bulolo well.
“I once visited Bulolo in my capacity as governor and Basil treated me well with respect as a leader, mother and sister,” she said.
“For a short time, I knew him he was a promising politician and future prime minister material.

University of Technology students during a walk of sorrow tribute to the Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil at Taraka campus in Lae, Morobe, on Saturday. – Nationalpic by EHEYUC SESERU

“On behalf of all the mothers and sisters in Eastern Highlands, we are deeply in sorrow.”
The United States Embassy in Port Moresby said in a statement that Basil shared a strong and productive relationship with them.

People waiting outside the Jackson Airport on Sunday for the arrival of Basil’s casket.

“He was a vaccine champion who enthusiastically embraced the vaccines as a preventive measure in the fight against the Coronavirus,” the embassy said.
“He was an avid supporter of the embassy during our recent period of rapid growth and expansion when we invited new agencies and departments on board. We are grateful for his support as we worked together to strengthen our relationship.
“He will be missed.”
Northern Governor Gary Juffa, in a statement on his Facebook page, recalled his encounter with Basil on the last day of Parliament.

Head of the Lutheran Church Bishop Rev Jack Urame blessing the casket of the Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil as it lies in State at the Grand Hall in Parliament yesterday.

Juffa said he met Basil near the lift in Parliament where Basil told him: “Let’s walk. It’s just a few stairs. We need to keep fit.”
Basil’s casket is expected to depart Port Moresby for Lae today.