University holds vigil to remember Sir Peter Barter

SIR Peter Barter had kept Papua New Guinea close to his heart and always wanted the best for the country, an academic says.
Western Pacific University (WPU) president Dr Janet Rangou said this during a memorial service to celebrate the life and achievement of Sir Peter at the institution’s campus in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands yesterday.
“Today is the celebration of the life of a man whom we all uphold and respect,” she said.
“For us, we can only look at him, his life, in remembrance of what he did and his legacy and try to emulate such a role model.”
“This is a day of celebration, the great deeds that he did, the lives that he touched.
“Most of his conversation was about Papua New Guinea and how he keeps the country close to his heart and always spoke about a better Papua New Guinea.”
Sir Peter was the founding council chairperson for the institution until his passing last month. Vice-president Academic Affairs Dr Ludmilla Salonda said Sir Peter left behind a rich legacy of service to the people of PNG.
“One of his last acts of service was to serve as the founding chairperson of the Western Pacific University council,” Salonda said.
“His vision for WPU was to build a fully digitalised university, expanding higher education opportunities to the people of this country.
“The current pioneer staff and students recognise that they are entrusted with the responsibility to enact this vision.
“In holding the memorial service, WPU pays tribute to him by celebrating his life and his legacy and showing its appreciation for supporting the building of an institution that they are inheriting.”
Meanwhile, Dr Rangou announced that the WPU administration building would be named after Sir Peter.