Iconic Papua New Guineans

Greetings, fellow Papua New Guineans. As we enter the month of September, I want to remind everyone that this is the time we celebrate our nation's 49th year of independence. September 16, 1975, was a defining moment in our history, when Papua New Guinea emerged as a unified nation of thousands of tribes and over 800 languages.

While Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia on that day, it's important to recognize that this achievement did not come without effort. Many may believe that the transition to independence was smooth, but in reality, it was a challenging process. Our founding fathers had to convince the colonial administration that we were capable of governing ourselves and being a sovereign nation. The road to independence required perseverance and the tireless efforts of our leaders, who worked to ensure that we could stand as a free and independent state.

As we honor our independence this month, I would like to share with you the stories of several or the many significant leaders who played key roles during this historic period

 Grand chief Sir Michael Somare

Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, often referred to as the "Father of the Nation," was Papua New Guinea's first Prime Minister, leading the country from its independence in 1975. Born on April 9, 1936, in Rabaul, Somare's political career spanned over four decades, during which he held the office of Prime Minister multiple times (1975–1980, 1982–1985, and 2002–2011). He was a founding member of the Pangu Party, a key player in PNG's journey to self-governance.

Somare's leadership was instrumental in uniting the diverse cultural groups of PNG as the country transitioned from being an Australian-administered territory to an independent nation. His dedication to nation-building extended beyond politics, as he also worked to foster economic development, education, and diplomacy. Somare passed away on February 26, 2021, leaving behind a legacy as a statesman and a key architect of modern Papua New Guinea.

 Sir John Guise

Sir John Guise was the first Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, serving from 1975 to 1977, following the country's independence. An important figure in PNG's political history, Guise played an incredible  role in the independence movement and was instrumental in shaping the early governance structures of the newly independent nation.

Before becoming Governor-General, Sir John Guise made his mark as the first Speaker of the Papua New Guinea House of Assembly, a position he held from 1968 to 1972. He used this platform to advocate for the rights and self-determination of Papua New Guineans. Guise’s leadership and his dedication to seeing PNG gain independence made him a national hero. He was also known for his stance on maintaining the unity of the country during its early years of sovereignty.

After stepping down as Governor-General, Guise continued to be a respected figure in PNG’s political landscape. His legacy as a leader, statesman, and a key proponent of independence remains an integral part of PNG's history

Did you know?

Sir John Guise supported a presidential system for Papua New Guinea to promote political stability and stronger national leadership. He believed it would prevent frequent leadership changes, better unify the country, and avoid the fragmentation risks of a parliamentary system, given PNG's ethnic and regional diversity. Though PNG ultimately chose a Westminster-style system, Guise saw a presidential model as better suited to ensuring stable governance in the newly independent nation.

Sir Julius Chan

 Sir Julius Chan is a very significant figure in Papua New Guinea’s political history, having played a key role in the country’s transition to independence. He served as Deputy Prime Minister under Sir Michael Somare and later became Prime Minister twice, from 1980 to 1982 and again from 1994 to 1997. During this period, Chan was deeply involved in shaping the administration and governance of the newly independent nation.

Known as the "last man standing" among his associates, many of whom have passed away, Sir Julius Chan remains an influential leader. He is currently the Governor of New Ireland Province, a role he has held since 2007. His leadership in New Ireland focuses on economic development, infrastructure, and autonomy for the province. Throughout his career, Chan has been recognized for his resilience, political acumen, and enduring commitment to PNG’s development.

Did you know?

Sir Julius Chan has been knighted twice for his service to Papua New Guinea. He was first knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1981 and then received the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu in 2005, one of PNG’s highest honors.

   Sir Albert Maori Kiki

Albert Maori Kiki was one of the founding fathers of Papua New Guinea and a key political figure during the country's independence movement. As a senior member of the Pangu Pati, which spearheaded the push for independence, Kiki played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of PNG in its formative years.

In addition to his role as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kiki was a passionate advocate for national unity and self-determination. His influence extended beyond politics—he was also known as a writer, documenting PNG’s journey to independence. His autobiography, "Ten Thousand Years in a Lifetime", published in 1968, became an influential work, offering a rare and personal glimpse into the traditional and modern life of Papua New Guineans during a time of rapid change.

Kiki's legacy is remembered not just for his political achievements, but also for his dedication to preserving PNG’s cultural identity while navigating the complexities of independence and modernization. His contribution to diplomacy and governance helped lay the foundation for PNG's position on the global stage in the early years of its nationhood.

 Sir Peter Lus

Sir Peter Lus was a prominent figure in Papua New Guinea's political landscape during the independence era and a dedicated member of the Pangu Pati, the party that played a central role in the push for independence. Lus was actively involved in the political movements that helped shape the future of PNG as it transitioned from an Australian-administered territory to an independent nation in 1975.

Throughout his political career, Sir Peter Lus held various ministerial positions in the government, contributing to the development of the country's governance and policies in its early years of independence. He was known for his strong leadership and commitment to empowering local communities and fostering national unity during a period of significant change.

Lus's political influence extended beyond his ministerial roles, as he was also deeply engaged in grassroots politics, advocating for the rights and welfare of ordinary Papua New Guineans. He earned a reputation as a vocal leader with a deep connection to his constituents, and his contributions helped lay the groundwork for PNG's governance and political systems. Sir Peter Lus is remembered as one of the key figures who helped lead PNG into its new chapter as an independent nation

  Sir Paul Lapun

He was a significant leader from Bougainville, playing a crucial role in the independence movement. Sir Paul Lapun was involved in negotiations with Australia for PNG's self-government and independence.

In 1964 Lapun was elected to the first House of Assembly of Papua and New Guinea for the South Bougainville seat, and was made undersecretary for Forests. He was an outspoken critic of the colonial government's policies and faced considerable opposition from the administration

Sir Iambakey Okuk

Sir Iambakey Okuk was a vocal advocate for the rights and interests of the indigenous people of PNG. He was an influential leader who represented the highlands region, and his political activism helped raise awareness about the need for independence. He was a founding member of the United Party, which was one of the key political parties during the push for independence.

Sir Iambakey served as Deputy Prime Minister, the nation's first Minister for Agriculture & Fisheries, and repeatedly in the capacity of Minister of Transport, Minister of Primary Industries and Opposition Leader.

Sir Bernard Narokobi

Sir Bernard Narokobi was a key figure during Papua New Guinea's (PNG) independence period, playing a vital role in shaping the country's political and cultural identity. He was an influential lawyer, philosopher, and politician, known for his advocacy for Melanesian values and his contributions to the country's constitution-making process.

Narokobi was part of the Constitutional Planning Committee, which was responsible for drafting the constitution of Papua New Guinea as the country transitioned to independence in 1975. He strongly promoted the idea that the constitution should reflect Melanesian customs and values, emphasizing a blend of traditional and modern governance.

    Melanesian Philosophy: He was a proponent of the concept of the "Melanesian Way," a philosophy that highlighted the importance of PNG’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Narokobi believed that Melanesian identity and communal values should guide the nation’s development, rather than relying solely on Western models of governance and society.

Political Leadership: After independence, Narokobi held several important political roles, including serving as the Speaker of the National Parliament and as a government minister. His leadership extended beyond politics, as he was also a strong advocate for human rights, democracy, and justice throughout his career.

Narokobi’ s influence during PNG's independence period was crucial in fostering a sense of national identity and ensuring that the country's legal framework respected and incorporated indigenous values.l advocate for the rights and interests of the indigenous people of PNG. He was an influential leader who represented the highlands region, and his political activism helped raise awareness about the need for independence. He was a founding member of the United Party, which was one of the key political parties during the push for independence.

To conclude and as we celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 49th year of independence, it is essential to honor and remember the remarkable leaders who shaped the course of our nation's history. Figures like Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Sir John Guise, Sir Julius Chan, and many others played instrumental roles in the hard-fought journey to sovereignty. Their vision, determination, and commitment to national unity and self-governance laid the foundation for the independent Papua New Guinea we cherish today. As we move forward, let us continue to draw inspiration from their legacy, fostering unity, development, and pride in our diverse cultural heritage. Our independence is a testament to the resilience and strength of our people, and as we reflect on the achievements of the past, we are reminded of the responsibility we all share in shaping the future of our great nation. Happy Independence, Papua New Guinea. 

Yours in History 

History With Dave