SIR JULIUS’S FINAL JOURNEY
By Nigel MADO
Today, the country ceased all work to observe the State Lay-In at the National Parliament.
In a solemn and very emotional ceremony, the country witnessed for the last time, the return of Rt. Hon. Sir Julius Chan to the house that he and a handful of the country’s fathers, many of whom have gone to rest with the ancestors of their forefathers, built in their combined effort to birth the country of Papua New Guinea.
On the cusp of witnessing the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary, it was not to be as the Motorcade strolled down Independence Boulevard, carrying the casket of the architect of the country’s financial system, the Central bank and the foundation for the economic policies.
Prime Minister James Marape and former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill also issued statements honouring Sir Julius’s leadership during critical moments in the nation’s history, including his management of the Sand-line Crisis and his economic reforms, such as floating the Kina currency.
The Body of the Late Sir Julius Laid-In-State for two hours before he was finally brought out and accorded a 19-Gun Salute before being escorted to the Jacksons Airport, APEC VIP Terminal for his final journey home to New Ireland Province where he will be laid to rest.
Lining the streets of Independence Boulevard, students from various schools around Port Moresby gathered to pay their final respects to one of the country’s founding Father.
PC: Nigel Mado
