PM Marape Announces Passing of the Late Sir Julius Chan, Calls for Reflection at 50th Anniversary Logo and Theme Launch

Thursday 30 January, 2025

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has announced the passing of the late Sir Julius Chan, describing him as a vital figure in shaping Papua New Guinea’s modern economy and governance. The Prime Minister made the announcement today, ahead of the 50th Anniversary Logo Launch, calling for national reflection on the legacy of the country’s founding leaders.

“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of the last man standing, the generation of Papua New Guineans who birthed our country into independence,” Prime Minister Marape stated.

“While Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare may have been the father of our country, the late Sir Julius is certainly the father of our modern economy. He conceived the Kina and Toea, was our country’s first Finance Minister, and our second Prime Minister.”

Prime Minister Marape has instructed a solemn approach to the launch of the 50th Independence Logo and theme in honor of Sir Julius Chan’s passing.

“Later today, at the 50th anniversary launch of programs, I’ve instructed Minister Tkatchenko to tone down the fireworks—no fireworks. We will tone down the music and have a reflection on Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Sir Julius,” he said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Sir Julius Chan played an instrumental role in the country’s foundation, working alongside Sir Michael Somare.

“He is not an ordinary man. He is the second Prime Minister of our country. He assisted Somare in birthing our nation. There will be a week of mourning, and we will announce this evening at the Parliament precinct,” he said.

Calling on national leaders and citizens to pay their respects, Marape invited all Parliamentary leaders who are in Port Moresby to attend the evening’s program.

“Please, all leaders in Port Moresby, let’s come by, let’s show respect to Sir Julius. Let’s attend this evening’s 50th-anniversary program announcement to make him the centerpiece of our program this evening,” he urged.

Prime Minister Marape also extended his condolences to the people of New Ireland Province and the family of the late Sir Julius Chan.

“To Honourable Saki and Honourable Walter Snowbelt, we wish the people of New Ireland Province, the family, the people of Namatanai and Huris, God’s speed and protection in this time of bereavement. May his soul rest in eternal peace. He is gone, but he will not be forgotten.”

“For me and Rachel, we were privileged to have sat with him. In my first five years as a journeyman into politics, I was under the watch of the People’s Progress Party. He endorsed me in 2002 for Tari, and again in 2003,” Marape said.

“We are losing the last man standing. It is now our time to rise up, leave personal interests, leave bickering and petty politics aside. Let’s rise up, put the country first, lift it up, and progress our country in honor of these great men who have passed before us,” he stated.

Marape called on leaders to honor Sir Julius Chan’s legacy by being good stewards of the people’s trust. “I want to ask that we honor him properly—by being good stewards of our people’s leadership mandate conferred on us.”

The official state funeral arrangements for the late Sir Julius Chan will be announced in due course, as the nation prepares to bid farewell to one of its most influential founding fathers.

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