Kavieng town prepares to welcome Sir J

The body of late Sir Julius Chan is expected to be flown to Port Moresby today from New Ireland, at 1 pm, on Tropic Air, to be accorded the respect and for state funeral arrangements.

His casket is expected to be flown by helicopter from his home of Huris at about 9:30, and expected to arrive in Kavieng at 10:30.

Upon arrival, he's expected to be given a traditional welcome "Buro" by New Ireland's chieves before transported to his government official residence for a lie-in transit.

A small program for blessing of Sir Julius' casket will be done by Fr. Mark Kombeng with short speeches by Acting Governor Sammy Missen and Provincial Administrator Richard Andia.

His family will give their response.

By 12:30, Sir Julius casket will leave his government official residence for Kavieng airport and the flight to Port Moresby.

The Prime Minister and Ministers of State are expected to receive him at the APEC terminal around 3pm.

There is a public holiday in New Ireland in recognition of Sir Julius' passing and to allow for school children, public servants, and the public to participate in this program.

A week-long wake or hauskrai has been announced by Prime Minister James Marape for the last of the country's founding father, with preparations for a state funeral underway.

This is a transit for Sir J, once full National Government program undertaken a full New Ireland program will be staged on the 4th of February in Kavieng and in Huris on the 5th of February.