‘I make a call for the establishment of a dedicated Department for Veterans Affairs.’
PNG’s Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae made this call at the Pacific Islands Regiment Veterans League’s inaugural black-tie dinner at APEC House in Port Moresby on Saturday August 30, 2025.
Sir Bob said that this body would be tasked to oversee the welfare of veterans once they transitioned from active duty in the Regiment and the Defence Force, to civilian life, as more and more former members of the Regiment are phased out from active service.
Video tributes were screened showing outstanding individuals including founding father Grand Chief Sir Michael T. Somare and military officers such as Lieutenant Geoffrey Key.
Sir Bob acknowledged Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey Key’s presence (at the dinner), saying his historic march in 1975, from Moem Barracks to Port Moresby, with 15 troops, remains a testament to endurance, leadership, and devotion to duty.
‘His example continues to inspire generations of servicemen and women,’ he said.
‘The Pacific Islands Regiment has produced officers of exceptional calibre. In 1964, two young Second Lieutenants Edward Diro and Patterson Lowa were the first indigenous Papua and New Guineans to graduate from the Officer Cadet School, Portsea in Victoria. They were followed by other distinguished military officers such as Kenneth Noga, Tony Huai, Rochus Lokinap, Leo Nuia, Lima Dotaona, Geoffrey Key, and many others,’ he said.
As Governor General and Honorary Colonel of the RPIR, I am immensely proud of the service of the men and women of the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment, First and Second, based in Taurama Barracks here in Port Moresby, and Moem Barracks in Wewak, East Sepik province.
The GG acknowledged the support of regional friends and partners from Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Japan, China, United Kingdom and United States, some of whom had retired service men representatives present at the dinner as visiting guests.
Retired Major General Jerry Singirok who headed the PIRVL formation and launch event bestowed plaques acknowledging the services of retired officers from PNG and overseas, whose work profoundly impacted on the military today.
The launch of the League signals greater support to retired service men and women, spotlighting the unique needs of the Force after serving the country.