PNG Honors Sir Julius Chan at Official Funeral: “57 years of unbroken Public Service”

Port Moresby, Sunday, 2nd February 2025

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, Chief Justice Hon. Sir Gibbs Salika, Ministers of State, Heads of Public Agencies and members of the Diplomatic Core gathered along with the Chan family and the public at the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Port Moresby for the official Funeral of the late Rt Hon. Sir Julius Chan.

The service began with an Introductory Rite led by His Grace Bishop Otto Separy, followed by heartfelt tributes from Sir Julius Chan’s children and grandchildren.

Delivering the eulogy, Sir Julius Chan’s daughter, Mrs. Vanessa Chan Pelgen, urged the nation to celebrate his remarkable contributions rather than mourn his passing.

“We should not be sad, instead we should celebrate what he has accomplished for the People of Papua New Guinea.”

She reflected on the sacrifices their family made as Sir Julius dedicated his life to public service.

“For most of our lives, including our mother, we had to share our father with the people of this country.”

Mrs Chan-Pelgen described him as a tireless leader who remained committed to his duties until his final moments.

“Many have described him as a workhorse. He was one of the most committed and determined leaders of his time, right to the time of his passing, when he chose to chair his last Provincial Executive Council Meeting at his beloved home at Huris.”

Looking ahead to PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary, she affirmed that his legacy would continue to inspire the nation.

“Although he will not be here for our 50th Anniversary, we know that his legacy will command the attention of his beloved country, Papua New Guinea.”

Sir Julius’ eldest grandson, Mr. Cherone Pelgen, echoed the call for continued service to the nation.

“He would want us to serve, to build, to move forward. He wouldn’t want us to stand still. There is still much left to do. There is work to be done.”

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP, paid tribute to Sir Julius Chan’s 57 years of public service, recalling the profound moments that shaped the nation.

“57 years of unbroken Public Service, from the moment he became Member for Namatanai in 1968 in the House of Assembly to the moment he stood with Sir Michael Somare at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium to see the Australian flag lowered on 15th of September 1975, and to see in the next morning September 16 and see the Papua New Guinea Flag hoisted up for the first time at our Independence.”

Marape acknowledged the sacrifices made by the founding leaders and urged the current generation to uphold their legacy.

“It should awaken the conscience of my generation of Papua New Guineans, that once into office, you are serving for life, you have detached yourself from private life, and you’re a Public Servant now. These were our forefathers who gave service over self to the cause of this country.”

He highlighted Sir Julius’ pivotal role in shaping PNG’s economy and governance.

“He is the First Finance Minister of our Country, and the Second Prime Minister who birthed the currency of Papua New Guinea. He was the architect to Business and Government Partnership.”

Prime Minister Marape extended gratitude to Sir Julius Chan’s family and the people of New Ireland Province for sharing their leader with the nation.

“We can never replace his life, but the best gift our generation can give is the gift of continuous service, just like Sir Julius has given to our country.”

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