Paying true tributes to the father of the nation late Sir Michael Thomas Somare at his 5th remembrance anniversary is through respecting rule of law, unity and service to others, says Prime Minister, James Marape.
PM Marape has called on Papua New Guineans to pause in reflection as the nation marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
Late Sir Michael is the Founding Prime Minister and Father of the Nation.
Speaking yesterday, Prime Minister Marape said the anniversary coincides meaningfully with Papua New Guinea’s 50th year of independence, making it a moment of both remembrance and national introspection.
“This week, as a nation, we honor the life, leadership, and spirit of Sir Michael Somare-the man who led us to independence and shaped the foundations of our country,” the Prime Minister said.
“Five years on from his passing, and fifty years since independence, this is not just a time to remember, but a time to reflect deeply on what his life calls us to be as a nation.”
Prime Minister Marape noted that many leaders and citizens who fought for independence in 1975 have now passed on, marking the gradual transition of responsibility to a new generation.
“The Somare generation fought for political freedom and national unity at a time of real struggle and sacrifice,” he said.
“They endured hardship, discrimination, and division, yet came together to forge one people, one nation, one country.”
He said the Constitution crafted by the Constituent Assembly remains one of Sir Michael Somare’s greatest legacies, uniting Papua New Guinea’s diversity under shared values of unity, respect, and equality.
Reflecting on Sir Michael Somare’s leadership, Prime Minister Marape highlighted his enduring qualities of forgiveness, tolerance, humility, and reconciliation.
“Even when unlawfully removed from office, he chose healing over hatred, forgiveness over division, and unity over conflict,” PM Marape said in a statement.
He bore public scrutiny, personal attacks, and political hardship with grace and dignity, never allowing bitterness to define his leadership.”
Prime Minister Marape said Sir Michael’s response to adversity remains a powerful lesson for leaders and citizens alike.
“His life reminds us that leadership is service, not entitlement; sacrifice, not self-interest.”
The Prime Minister shared that he was privileged to have spent time with Sir Michael Somare shortly before his passing, describing those moments as deeply instructive and humbling.
“He remained conscious of his responsibility to the nation right until the very end,” he said.
“He once told me that when you are entrusted with leadership, your duty to country does not end with office. That lesson continues to guide me.”
As Papua New Guinea marks this solemn anniversary, Prime Minister Marape urged citizens across all regions to honor Sir Michael Somare’s legacy not only with words, but with conduct.
“The greatest tribute we can offer Sir Michael Somare is not ceremony alone, but commitment—to unity, to service, to respect for one another, and to the rule of law,” he said.
“He united us in life, and in his passing, he reminded us of who we are as a people.”
“Five years on, his voice still calls us to remain united, to work together, and to build a Papua New Guinea worthy of the sacrifices made for our independence.”