Today Papua New Guinea farewells the founding father Sir Michael Somare into his life after death.
He is laid to rest at a tomb and at a place he chose when he was alive- Kreer Heights, Wewak.
Unlike previous Prime Ministers in late Sir William Skate and Sir Mekere Morauta- Somare was not laid to rest at the precincts of Parliament in Port Moresby.
His wish was honored to be buried at Kreer Heights with his long time wife-Lady Veronica Somare.
She has also been down with one side paralyzed as a result of stroke.
So much has been said about Sir Michael from within Papua New Guinea, across the Pacific including Australia and New Zealand and the world over.
He has been hailed as the peace maker.
A name that is synonymous with the traditional name-Sana.
In his autobiography Sana- he remarked that if enemy tribes plan a war with his tribal group, they would invite they to a feast and after that, pronounce they were ready to go to war and each faction can take each side and fight.
Profoundly, this remark indicates someone who is not in for war.
He prefers dialogue and consensus.
And one of the highest values of instilling peace is to forgive the person who wrongs you.
In the country's history in August 2, 2011, he was wrongfully removed as Prime Minister and Peter O'Neill was installed.
The Supreme Court, not once but twice, ordered that the election of Peter O'Neill was unlawful.
But with strong dissent from politicians and public- Sir Michael humbled himself and allowed the controversial government of Peter O'Neill to continue.
He believed in peace and harmony and in order to reach that, one party must humble himself.
For Papua Ne Guinean's who are between the ages of 35 and 45, the best we would do to acknowledge the life of this great father of the nation is to emulate his values.
We must promote unity and peace through our deeds.
We must be ready to humble and submit ourselves to an opposing team in order to ensure there is peace.
Thank you Sir Michael Thomas Somare. Rest in Peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment