NEW IRELAND PROVINCE IN A STANDSTILL AWAITS ARRIVAL OF SON LATE RT HON. SIR J.

BY Rebecca MARIGU

New Ireland province lies in wait this morning for the body of its son and leader Rt. Hon. Sir Julius Chan expected to arrive in Kavieng at 3:30pm today.

Kavieng have shut down all operations after 12pm to accord their respect as the last man standing Returns home for the last time.

Late Sir J will be flown to Kavieng today on C27 ADF air craft and will arrive at 3:30pm. This is the same aircraft that also flew the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare’s casket to Boram in 2021.

The body will stay in Kavieng for 2 days and continue to Manmantinut on Wednesday.

Burial will eventuate on Thursday where he will be laid to rest at his private home in Manmantinut, Huris, Namatanai,  New Ireland Province.

In an official statement released from the New Ireland Provincial Government, the province will observe half a day of operation today Monday 3rd February until noon to receive the body of Rt. Honorable Grand Chief Sir Julius Chan.

This was released through an official circular from the New Ireland Provincial Administrator Richard Andia.

The circular stated the significance and enormity of the event requires the full and orderly participation of all citizens in Kavieng town as the body of the Governor arrives.

All schools, business houses, government agencies and the general public will retire by 12pm and resume normal operations on Tuesday the 4th.

Over the general public came out in to clean the town in preparation for the arrival of the Late Rt Hon. Grand Chief Sir Julius Chan this afternoon.