Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has described the unveiling of a national monument to the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare as a moment of solemn reflection and recommitment to the founding values of Papua New Guinea.
Speaking during an official ceremony held in front of Parliament House in Port Moresby on Thursday evening, Prime Minister Marape said the bronze monument was not merely a physical structure, but a national symbol representing unity, humility, service, and the enduring spirit of self-determination.
“Today we do not just unveil a statue carved out of bronze,” Prime Minister Marape told the gathering. “We enshrine the memory of a man whose life carved into destiny our nation.”
The monument, which now stands facing the National Parliament, honours the life and leadership of Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, the country’s first Prime Minister and founding father. The unveiling was attended by Lady Veronica Somare; Governor-General, Sir Bob Dadae; Speaker of Parliament Hon. Job Pomat; Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika;
Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso; Members of Parliament; provincial governors; diplomats; traditional leaders; and members of the Somare family.
Also present were representatives of the diplomatic corps, including ambassadors and high commissioners from Pacific, Asian, and Commonwealth nations — a testament to Sir Michael’s legacy of international friendship and diplomacy.
Indonesian Government and Artists Commended
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the support of the Government of Indonesia and the Indonesian people for their role in constructing the bronze monument, which was commissioned through an agreement between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
“We thank the Government of Indonesia for this gift of friendship,” Marape said. “The designers, engineers, and artists who built this monument have given us more than just a structure. They have helped enshrine a national legacy.”
The statue, produced and cast in Indonesia, was the result of extensive collaboration between Indonesian artisans and the PNG Government.
Prime Marape said the monument stands as a symbol not only of Sir Michael’s contributions but also of the enduring relationship between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia — neighbours with a shared border, shared history, and growing bilateral partnership.
Monument to Serve as Civic Beacon
Prime Minister Marape said the monument should serve as a civic space and a national beacon to inspire future generations.
“Let this place become a civic classroom,” he said, “where children come to learn the history of our nation, where leaders come to reflect on their duty, and where citizens come to draw inspiration.”
Monument a Symbol of National Unity
Prime Minister Marape said Sir Michael was not only a political leader, but a unifying figure whose leadership turned a complex, fragmented colony into a single, sovereign nation.
“Sir Michael was a bridge between time and tradition,” he said. “He connected a country of one thousand tribes and cultures into one national identity — one people, one country, one nation.”
He said Sir Michael’s approach to independence was marked not by violence, but by dialogue, diplomacy, and faith in the people of Papua New Guinea.
“He bridged our colonial past with an independent future, not through upheaval, but through deliberate dialogue and patient diplomacy,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Tribute to the Somare Family
Prime Minister Marape extended gratitude to Lady Veronica Somare and the entire Somare family for sharing their husband, father, and grandfather with the country throughout his decades of public service.
“We, the people of Papua New Guinea, offer our heartfelt gratitude,” he said.
“You bore the weight of his public life with quiet dignity and unwavering strength.”
He acknowledged Lady Veronica’s personal sacrifices and described her as a steadfast figure behind the Grand Chief’s leadership.
“Lady Veronica, we honour you for your service to your country and for your unwavering support to our Grand Chief,” Prime Minister Marape said. “May the God of your husband, the God of Papua New Guinea, remain with you in the balance of your life.”
A Call to National Leadership and Integrity
The Prime Minister used the occasion to remind elected officials, public servants, and all citizens of their responsibility to uphold the values for which Sir Michael stood.
“This is a reminder of the duty we have for the construction of our country,” he said. “Let us never allow the foundations he laid to be eroded by greed, disunity, complacency, or corruption.”
He called for continued unity across political and regional divides and encouraged a renewed spirit of nationhood as Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th Independence Anniversary.
“This is not just a day of remembrance,” he said. “It is a day of recommitment to the ideals of humility, unity in diversity, and service above self.”
Comparisons to Global Leaders
Prime Minister Marape placed Sir Michael Somare among the ranks of the world’s most revered statesmen.
“If the United Kingdom had Winston Churchill, the United States had Abraham Lincoln, South Africa had Nelson Mandela, and Singapore had Lee Kuan Yew, then Papua New Guinea had Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare.”
He described Sir Michael’s contributions as unparalleled in PNG’s national development, stressing that his legacy must continue to guide the country forward.
“We are now the stewards of what he began,” the Prime Minister said. “May this monument rise not only in our capital, but in the hearts of every son and daughter of Papua New Guinea.”