Yama is not a knight, cannot be referred to as ‘Sir’: GG’s office

MADANG Governor Peter Yama has not been knighted, according to the Governor General’s acting secretary Bill Toraso.
He said this yesterday to clarify the confusion surrounding the honours system that includes Imperial Honours and Awards and the Papua New Guinea Honours and Awards, and the titles accorded under the two systems.
He said Yama had not received a knighthood (Knight of the Realm) from the Governor General.
He said Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae travelled to Madang in September last year to celebrate Independence Day and it was on that occasion that two investiture ceremonies were held.
The first investiture was for Sir John Hickey, who was bestowed the award of Knight Bachelor.
Sir John was recognised in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours list but did not receive his award until the investiture ceremony in Madang last year.
Sir John received the award in recognition for his service to the community as member of the parliament, as chairman of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee and former Agriculture minister.
The second investiture ceremony was the presentation of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals.
The medals were presented to individuals recommended by the Madang provincial government.
This was in recognition for their services to the province in various capacities both in the public and private sectors, sports and business community.
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal is a commemorative medal created in 2012 to mark the 60th diamond jubilee anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne.
The medal honours the Queen for Her Service.
It is a token of appreciation and recognition for valuable contribution rendered by individuals towards the growth and development of their province.
This was in the area of politics, public service, education, agriculture, military, police, church, sports, health, judiciary, community service, business and private sector.
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal is a commemorative medal that does not bear any title.
Toraso said Yama had been presented with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal and did not receive a knighthood.
“We are aware the good governor has been recommended for an award of knighthood, as per the process prescribed, pending approval,” he said.
“Until such time an approval is given, Governor Yama is not a knight and cannot be referred to as a Knight of the Realm with the title of ‘Sir’.”
According to the office of the Governor General under the Imperial Honours and Awards system, PNG had retained and celebrated the Queen’s Birthday in June of every year during which a list of approved recipients of the Imperial Awards was announced to commemorate the occasion.