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Sir Julius Chan, one of Papua New Guinea's founding fathers, dies aged 85


There has been an outpouring of grief and appreciation for the life of one of the founding fathers of Papua New Guinea - Sir Julius Chan.

Sir Julius, 85, passed away in his home province of New Ireland just after midday on Thursday, marking an end to a long political career spanning half a century. Papua New Guineans dubbed him the "Last Man Standing," as he as last of the founding members of parliament from the Independence era.

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape informed members of cabinet of Sir Julius Chan's passing.

"It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of the Last Man Standing. While Sir Michael Somare was the father of our country, the late Sir Julius was the father of our modern economy. He conceived the Kina and Toea. He was our country's first finance minister and our second Prime Minister."

Marape has declared a week of national mourning to honour the life and legacy Sir Julius Chan, and announced plans for a state funeral and low key celebrations for the country's 50th independence anniversary in September.

In the annals of Papua New Guinea's political history, few figures loom as large - or as controversially - as Sir Julius Chan. A statesman whose career spans five decades, his legacy is etched with bold decisions that sparked both admiration and outrage.

From deploying troops to a Pacific neighbour to facing global criticism for being the Prime Minister who hired foreign mercenaries in a bid to end a civil war, his leadership tested the boundaries of convention and reshaped the nation's trajectory.

Sir Julius was seen as a tactician, weaving through the complexities of tribal and national politics and seizing opportunities when available. Photo: Supplied/ Peter Kinjap

Start of a long political career

He entered politics in the twilight of colonial rule. He was elected to the House of Assembly in 1968. By 1976, as PNG's first finance minister, he navigated the economic turbulence of independence, advocating for foreign investment and resource development.

Within PNG politics, Sir Julius was seen as a tactician, weaving through the complexities of tribal and national politics and seizing opportunities when available.

In 1980, he initiated the first-ever vote of no confidence motion against close friend and Prime Minister Michael Somare, ousting him on the floor of Parliament.

His first term as prime minister from 1980 to 1982, solidified his reputation as a pragmatist.

Facing fiscal strain, he championed austerity, infrastructure projects and devalued the PNG currency.

But it was a foreign policy move that drew regional attention.

Vanuatu 1980: A controversial intervention

In 1980, he authorised the deployment of PNG troops on its first international deployment: Vanuatu.

The mission was aimed at quelling a rebellion against Vanuatu's newly independent government.

In parliament, he argued that the deployment was necessary for regional stability and stamped PNG's role as an important player in the Pacific.

Critics called it overreach as PNG was not even past its first decade as an independent country. However, the deployment earned PNG the respect from Vanuatu and its Pacific neighbours - for the first time in a young nation's budding history, that standing up for a Pacific brother when no one else would, was enough for a new regional respect for PNG.

The operation ended swiftly, but the precedent set by PNG's military would reverberate for decades.

The Bougainville crisis and the mercenary gamble

His second term as prime minister from 1994 to 1997, collided with PNG's most protracted conflict: the Bougainville Civil War.

By 1996, the crisis had claimed 20,000 lives, crippled the economy, and exposed the PNG Defence Force's limitations.

Desperate to break the stalemate, his government signed a secretive $36 million contract with Sandline International, a UK-based private mercenary group, to crush the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA).

When the deal leaked in 1997, public fury erupted.

The PNGDF, led by Brigadier General Jerry Singirok, arrested the mercenaries and demanded Chan's resignation.

Sir Julius stood defiant. Critics, however, saw betrayal with many saying hiring outsiders was an affront to sovereignty.

Under pressure, he stepped aside pending an inquiry. Though exonerated of corruption, his political capital evaporated. The Sandline Affair became a cautionary tale of desperation and overreach.

Resilience and redemption

His career, however, refused to end in scandal. After a decade in the political wilderness, he returned as New Ireland Governor in 2007, championing provincial autonomy and education reforms.

In 2015, he published his memoir, confronting the Sandline chapter head-on.

His peers acknowledged his tenacity with founding Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, before his passing, pointing out how both men had separated politics from their personal friendship for over 50 years.

Culture as foundation

Despite rising to political leadership at the national level, and having a strong hand in the formation of our country's economic and financial stability, and using its young military force to nurture Pacific solidarity, Sir Julius will always be remembered for his respect of culture and tradition.

His elevation and acknowledgment of the MaiMai, New Ireland's Chieftan System as a recognised decision-making body within the New Ireland Provincial Government and the Provincial Assembly, was testament to Sir Julius' own devotion and respect for traditional New Ireland culture.

His creation of a pension for the wisened population of his home province, not only assured him continuous support from New Ireland's older population at every election, but it set an example of the importance of traditional systems of governance and decision-making.

To the world, he was a new country's financial whiz kid, growing up in an environment rooted in traditional culture, and navigating a young Papua New Guinea as a mixed race leader saw him become one of PNG's finest leaders.

To the country, he will always be remembered as the 'Last Man Standing'.

But to his people of New Ireland, he will, over the coming weeks, be accorded the highest of traditional and customary acknowledgements that only the people of New Ireland will be able to bestow on such a Great Man. A Great Chief. A Great Leader.

They will say for one last time: 'Lapun i go nau. Wok bilong em i pinis.' (The old man has left, his work here is done).

Source: HERE

Papua New Guinea Mourns the Passing of Sir Julius Chan, Founding Father and New Ireland Governor

 Papua New Guinea has lost one of its most distinguished leaders, Sir Julius Chan, the nation’s last surviving founding father and Governor of New Ireland Province. Sir Julius passed away peacefully at his residence in Huris, New Ireland Province, today at 12:30 pm, surrounded by his family and close friends. He was 85 years old and had been battling a long illness.



Known affectionately as “The Last Man Standing,” Sir Julius Chan’s death marks the end of an era for Papua New Guinea. He is survived by his wife, Lady Stella Chan, their four children—Vanessa, Byron, Mark, and Toea—as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family extended their heartfelt thanks to those who supported him throughout his life and celebrated his enduring contributions to the nation.

A towering figure in Papua New Guinea’s political landscape, Sir Julius Chan’s career spanned more than 40 years. He held numerous high-ranking positions, including Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Opposition leader, and Governor of New Ireland. Born to a mixed heritage of New Ireland and Chinese descent, Sir Julius was widely regarded as a unifying force and a visionary leader whose impact transcended generations.

Tributes from across the country have poured in, honoring his legacy as a statesman who dedicated his life to the service of Papua New Guinea. His name will forever be etched in the nation’s history, not only in its records but also in the hearts of countless citizens who admired his leadership and commitment.

Arrangements for a State funeral are currently being made, with a weeklong wake, or haus krai, scheduled to begin tonight in Port Moresby. As Papua New Guinea prepares to bid farewell to one of its greatest leaders, the nation reflects on the profound legacy left behind by Sir Julius Chan—a man whose life and work shaped the course of its history.

https://news.pngfacts.com/2025/01/papua-new-guinea-mourns-passing-of-sir.html

Sir Julius Chan, Papua New Guinea’s last ‘founding father’, dies aged 85

Outpouring of grief after death of Chan, the son of a migrant Chinese father and Indigenous mother, who served as prime minister twice


Papua New Guinea is mourning the death of Sir Julius Chan, affectionately known across the country as Sir J – the last “founding father” of the country and its second ever prime minister.

The Chan family released a statement on Thursday afternoon announcing the death of Sir Julius at the age of 85. “Our father passed away peacefully this afternoon at 12.30pm at his beloved home at Manmantinut, Huris surrounded by family and friends. We thank all those who have stood by him, and those who have shared his legacy throughout his political life from pre-independence to the time of his passing.

“He was a political icon transcending generations and his legacy will remain forever in the pages of our history books and moreso in the hearts of so many.”

The office of the prime minister, James Marape, issued a statement expressing “profound sadness … His passing comes at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, as Papua New Guinea prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence – a milestone he played a crucial role in achieving. As we reflect on our journey as a nation, we must also honour the legacy of great leaders like Sir Julius, whose vision, courage, and leadership helped shape the Papua New Guinea we know today.”

The news of his death sparked an outpouring of grief across the nation, with citizens expressing their sorrow on social media and in public gatherings. Flags were being flown at half-mast on Thursday and memorial services organised in his honour.

Born to a migrant Chinese father and an Indigenous mother, Chan overcame significant challenges to become a prominent political figure. His leadership was characterised by a commitment to national unity and development, making him a beloved figure among many Papua New Guineans.

His death will have a profound impact among Papua New Guineans who remember him as a pivotal figure in the country’s journey towards independence and development. Chan served as prime minister twice and was a key architect of Papua New Guinea’s political landscape. Across more than five decades he played a crucial role in guiding the country after it gained full independence from Australia in 1975. He served as a member of parliament for New Ireland province, and remained its governor at the time of his death.

Chan’s autobiography, Playing the Game, offers insights into his life and the complexities of his political journey, reflecting on the cultural and historical contexts that shaped his decisions. He is survived by his wife, Lady Stella Chan, and children Vanessa, Byron, Mark and Toea.

Map of Melanesia Culture Area

President Donald Trump breaks the divorce law that has been tormenting men in the US

BREAKING NEWS 

President Donald Trump breaks the divorce law that has been tormenting men in the US.

Divorce has become a very lucrative business for women in the United States and I'm gonna put an end to it. If a woman marries a rich man, it doesn't mean she gets to leave as a rich woman after divorce. 

If upon divorce the woman needs money, the man can borrow her a maximum of $1-million if she has a colleteral. $1-million isn't alot of money for the rich man but it should be a lot about for the woman because she didn't work for it. 

If I'm worth $50-million, I'm not gonna give you $25-million after divorce. It's my money and I worked very hard for it. I don't care if we've been married for 6 years or even 25 years or even have children. If you don't have enough money to take care of our children, leave them with me. I think that just because  somebody marries somebody that built something huge, doesn't necessarily mean that just because they get a divorce, that they should end up like the Queen of Sheba”.

On the Same note President Trump hits on Gay and Transgender Group and Thier organization LGBTQ+Saying that “There Are Only Two Genders in the world (Male and Female)

Many Nations in the world particularly the African Countries applauded for such radical decisions since they alliance with African cultures and norms, they termed them as not just human rights but natural rights from the creation.

NATIONAL HIGHWAY DETORIORATING BEYOND EXPECTATION. (LAE-MADANG)

The portion of the national highway between Usino-Bundi Junction and Tapo Checkpoint is at its worst state. Weather and negligence have contributed to the degradation of the road and its unwelming condition.

Swift action has not been implemented into upgrading this section of road where erosion and rain have caused potholes to form on the road with loose gravel and mud occupying every section.

The road condition has given rise to hold-ups, mechanical faults in vehicles, and uneasy travel by the public.

While Connect PNG Program is going on, all national roads should be maintained. 

 The picture shows a 25-seater bus getting stuck in a pothole in the middle of the road and the fleets of the vehicles lined up to travel once the bounded vehicle is freed.

Rapid attention will be foremost to get this mentioned component of the national highway upgraded.

#worthsharing 🙏

FOREIGN CARD SKIMMERS ARRESTED FOR STEALING FROM PAPUA NEW GUINEAN ACCOUNTS

Approved for Release: 26th January 2025 - Office of the Commissioner of Police 

Police Commissioner David Manning has announced the arrest of two foreign nationals involved in a sophisticated scheme of data espionage, fraud, and financial crime targeting Papua New Guinea. The suspects, aged 40 and 26, hold Romanian passports and were apprehended on January 21st in Port Moresby.

“International criminals cross borders and use technology to exploit vulnerabilities in our communities. The victims of these crimes are hardworking Papua New Guineans,” Commissioner Manning stated.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Transnational Crime Unit meticulously tracked the activities of this criminal enterprise, gathering substantial evidence to facilitate their arrest.

“Thanks to the hard work of our investigators, we have secured enough evidence to ensure these criminals can expect extended prison terms in PNG,” Manning added.

While details are limited due to the ongoing court proceedings, it has been reported that the suspects allegedly employed credit and debit card skimming devices, cloned cards, and stole significant sums of money, with estimates exceeding 10 million Kina. The police have initiated efforts to trace every toea of the misappropriated funds.

The arrests occurred in Kennedy Estate in the National Capital District (NCD) after police identified the suspects through CCTV footage. During the arrest, law enforcement seized several items, including:

 • Passports
 • Cash
 • Card skimming and cloning devices
 • Blank and reprogrammed cards
 • A computer

Commissioner Manning emphasized the growing challenge posed by international organized crime networks, which exploit technology and collaborate with local criminals, abusing the hospitality of communities.

“The money stolen by these criminals came from the accounts of hardworking Papua New Guineans, and they will be held accountable for their actions,” he asserted.

“This is a solid example of the diligent work of our investigators. We remain vigilant against the threat of transnational criminal syndicates. Those who seek to enter our country and steal from our people will find there is no place to hide. These criminals will do hard time in our prisons.”

End//:

Prime Minister Marape Calls for Support in Sustaining Natural Resources

Sunday, 26th January 2025

PRIME Minister James Marape has called for stronger international efforts in the sustainable management of natural resources worldwide. During a recent panel discussion hosted by Conservation International, he emphasized the urgent need for global cooperation to address the challenges of sustainability and conservation.

Highlighting Papua New Guinea’s “mega richness,” Mr. Marape pointed out that the country is home to up to seven percent of the world’s biodiversity, shares the title of the world’s third-largest tropical rainforest (jointly with Indonesia), and possesses a substantial portion of the world’s marine resources. This unique position underscores the importance of protecting and managing these natural assets.

Patricia Zurita, a spokesperson for Conservation International, introduced Mr. Marape at the meeting and noted a significant financing gap of between $700 million to $1.3 billion annually that needs to be addressed to effectively support nature conservation efforts globally.

Mr. Marape led a panel discussion focused on the necessity of securing financing to protect and conserve nature worldwide. His address underscored the critical importance of safeguarding our planet’s natural wealth and urged the international community to unite in investing in these essential efforts.

Accorded the prime spot on the panel to open the meeting, Mr. Marape introduced Papua New Guinea and highlighted its leadership role in biodiversity, tropical rainforests, and marine resources. The panel discussion was part of the series of meetings held on Day 2 of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.

In his remarks, Mr. Marape stated, “We have created a global financing system that is rewarding anything but nature, yet we depend on nature for everything.” He called for stronger global efforts in the sustainable management of natural resources, emphasizing the need to rally financial support from investors toward nature conservation, food sustainability, and marine resource protection.

Panelists acknowledged Papua New Guinea’s biodiversity and marine richness, sharing their various endeavors in conservation and the financing mechanisms they have developed to channel resources toward these causes. “We (PNG) hold a lot of stakes in the conversation on conservation. A lot of people showed respect to PNG today because of what we have in nature—our biodiversity, rainforests, and marine resources,” Mr. Marape remarked after the meeting.

He expressed gratitude to Conservation International and the World Economic Forum for providing a platform to advance discussions on financing nature conservation. “It was a good turnout of private and public sector partner engagement, where we all share the view that we belong to one planet that hosts finite resources, and these resources need to be sustainably managed,” he added.

Looking ahead, Mr. Marape has invited Conservation International to Papua New Guinea to continue these important conversations, proposing a meeting to be held later this year or in 2026.

GOVERNOR PARKOP: CITY WILL CONTINUE TO TRANSFORM UNDER MY WATCH

As the nation prepares to celebrate its 50 years anniversary of being an independence state, the city of Port Moresby wasted no time in its transformation journey in terms of infrastructure development and service delivery to the people.

Right after the launch of the of the 3.2 Kilometers  Hohola to Tokarara rehabilitation works last Friday, the National Capital District Commission again announced the construction of the new two-lane road stretching from Waigani Pitpit street through Wildlife and Kennedy Estate up  to Eight Mile and exiting at MacGregor Police Barracks.

The new 3.3 Kilometers road at the cost of K9 Million is fully funded by NCDC and been awarded to the nationally owned road construction company Mobile Works Limited.

With no time to waste, NCD Governor Powes Parkop said infrastructure development in the city is vital for the city residents and he will continue his effort to lift and transform the capital city.
“We must continue our journey in securing better life for our people, lift their standard of living and also giving them the best that we can give to them as the mandated leaders,” Governor Parkop said.

He said, the city has continued to transform and progress in terms of infrastructure development because the municipal authority under his leadership have set goals and have been working every year to deliver greater outcomes for the city and its people.

“This new road will not only benefit residents along it but ease traffic and reduce travel time during peak hours along the Hubert Murray Highway,” said Governor Parkop.

Member for Moresby North East Hon. John Kaupa commended Governor Parkop,  for his leadership at the national level in the development of the city during his four term, as the governor for this amazing city.

“As mandated leaders of NCD, We have been working together to deliver quality infrastructure and services to our people,” Kaupa said.

He said the transformation in the city and service delivery to the people are their priorities in making this city a great city in the Pacific region.
 
City Manager Ravu Frank expressed his gratitude to the NCDC Board led by Governor Parkop as the chairman for the steadfast commitment in the transformation of the city over the years.

“This project represents a significant step forward in the collective efforts to develop infrastructure to meet the growing demands of our city,” Mr. Frank said.

He stated that this new road will not only ease traffic congestion but also provide a convenient alternate route for access to nearby areas, making travel more efficient and less stressful for our residents.

Women carrying sides of pig meat at the conclusion of a Wahgi Valley pig festival

Women carrying sides of pig meat at the conclusion of a Wahgi Valley pig festival, 1980. Photo by Michael O'Hanlon, British Museum.

Special thanks to Peter Russel Kranz for sharing this information and photo

#WahgiValley #PigFestival #MichaelOHanlon #BritishMuseum #PapuaNewGuinea #1980 #HighlandsCulture #CulturalHeritage #MelanesianTraditions #PNGPhotography #FestivalCulture #WomenInCulture #Anthropology #PNGHistory #WesternHighlands #TraditionalFestivals

Chimbu tribal leader, Chuave, 1958

Chimbu tribal leader, Chuave, 1958. Photo by Kathleen Vellacott-Jones, University of Queensland.

Special thanks to Peter Russel Kranz for sharing this information and photo

#Chuave #ChimbuTribalLeader #KathleenVellacottJones #UniversityOfQueensland #PNGHistory #SimbuProvince #PapuaNewGuinea #TribalLeaders #HighlandsPNG #CulturalHeritage #VintagePNG #1950sMemories #TraditionalLeadership #HeritagePhotography #PacificHistory

Sarah Rector Black American in 1913 Goven Baren Land that made Her.Rich

In 1913, a 10-year-old African American girl named Sarah Rector was granted a 160-acre parcel of land in Oklahoma as part of a land allocation program for Native Americans. 

The land she received was considered barren and unproductive, as the best farmland was typically reserved for white settlers. Because of her race, Sarah was given land that was deemed less valuable, with little expectation of it ever producing wealth. 

However, the course of history took an unexpected turn when oil was discovered beneath her land. What was once thought to be useless turned out to be a significant resource, making Sarah Rector one of the first African American millionaires in the United States. 

The discovery of oil on her land transformed her life, lifting her out of poverty and changing her family''s fortunes forever. Sarah Rector''s story is a remarkable example of how unforeseen opportunities can arise, even in circumstances of racial inequality. Despite being given land that was overlooked by others, she became a symbol of resilience and success. 

Her newfound wealth allowed her to secure a better future for herself and her family, challenging the prejudices of the time and becoming a trailblazer for African American success in the early 20th century.