PM Marape pays respect to late Sir Michael Somare

Prime Minister James Marape in Wewak to observe the Remembrance Day of late Sir Michael Somare. Mr Marape is flanked by Michael Somare junior on his right and Arthur Somare at their Kreer Heights residence (NBC News: Edward Hagoria)

Prime Minister James Marape was in Wewak today to pay his respects to PNG's Founding Father and first Prime Minister Late Grand Cheif Sir Michael Somare.

February 26, 2025, marks the 4th anniversary of the passing on of Sir Michael.

Prime Minister Marape in his message to the people of Papua New Guinea said Grand Chief Sir Michael is a person of forgiveness, peace, and tolerance, as he called on Papua New Guinean's especially the younger generation to follow the legacies set by the founding father.

Marape further thanked the people of East Sepik for their mandate given to Sir Michael for nearly 50 years in his political career.

When calling on the Prime to lay his wreath at the Villa Viak, on behalf of the Somare Family, son Arthur thanked Prime Minister Marape for making time out of his busy schedule to visit Wewak and pay respect to their late father.

Mr. Somare said the resting place for Sir Michael is open to everyone who wish to visit.

The National Government is now working closely with the Somare Foundation and other stakeholders to refurbish Villa Viak and to include a Somare Library and Museum for the public in memory of the Late Founding Father.