Despite ugly side Of PNG’s domestic Politics, Sir Michael’s Family should be proud of his Achievements

The late Sir Michael Somare, leaves behind a legacy that will definitely be part of the history of not only Papua New Guinea but the region. He had a special bond with Fiji through his association with the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Fiji’s first Prime Minister after Independence. He was the founding father of PNG’s Independence and was PM for a total of 17 years.

He was a regional political icon who looked to Fiji for inspiration, ideas and support.

In an interview with the National newspaper in PNG Sir Michael spoke fondly of his close relationship with Fiji and Ratu Sir Kamisese.

During Fiji’s 50th anniversary celebrations, he congratulated Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, the MPs and Fijians. He said he could not remember names ‘’but I have a good connection’’.

He added: ‘’Fiji showed an example to most of the countries in the Pacific, particularly PNG.’’

His special interest in Fiji was because he became very good friends with Ratu Sir Kamisese who led Fiji to Independence. PNG followed in Fiji’s foot steps and five years later became independent with Sir Michael as the first Prime Minister.

He called Ratu Sir Kamisese ‘’my mentor’’and wrote a book about the Fijian paramount chief and leader titled Tuimacilai: The Life of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.

He described Ratu Sir Kamisese as an ‘’iconic pillar of hope and strength in the South Pacific’’ and a good friend.

He had tried to emulate Ratu Sir Kamisese, but in his own admission he would never equal him. Sir Michael valued his advice and treasured their friendship.

Sir Michael was 84. Ratu Sir Kamisese was also 84 when he died. Sir Michael attended his funeral at Tubou, Lakeba, Lau. Both were keen golfers and started the PNG-Fiji annual golf competition.

Sir Michael had wanted to personally bring to Fiji a carving on two poles by his Murik Lakes people of Mendam, East Sepik, as a gift for the 50th Independence anniversary celebrations. It was to honour Ratu Sir Kamisese for the role he played.

But travel restrictions barred him. It is not known whether the poles had been sent to Fiji. It is most likely to be still sitting at his home in Wewak.

While Fijians value his contributions to PNG and the Pacific, it did not seem like that back in PNG.

In 2011, during his last term as Prime Minister, his reign came to an abrupt end in a controversial way.

He was in a Singapore hospital when Peter O’Neill moved a motion in Parliament that the PM’s post was vacant and succeeded.

Mr O’Neill was elected premier and held on to power despite the Supreme Court twice ruling against him until he was properly elected in 2012.

Despite the ugly side of domestic politics in PNG, Sir Michael’s family should be proud of his achievements.