Alotau immortalises PNG founding fathers as nation marks 50 years

As Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary, Alotau District has honoured the nation’s founding leaders with the unveiling of a monument featuring busts of late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Sir John Guise in the heart of town.

The long-awaited project was spearheaded by Alotau MP Ricky Morris, who personally sought the blessing of both leaders’ families before commissioning the monument. Their acceptance was marked by the presence of Michael Somare Jr., representing the late Grand Chief, and Reginald Guise, son of the country’s first Governor-General, at the unveiling ceremony.

Morris said the monument not only commemorates the two leaders but also serves as a reminder to uphold their vision and values.

“Let us take this Independence celebration as an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and how we can plan for the next 50 years,” Morris said.

“We must make our systems work for our people. That was the vision of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Dr Sir John Guise. The Constitution is our pillar and our guide. That is what they believed in but we have lost track and lost focus.”

The busts now stand as a permanent symbol of leadership and sacrifice, inspiring future generations to carry forward the dreams and aspirations of PNG’s founding fathers.

Across the country, districts and provinces are marking the 50th Independence Anniversary with legacy projects, cultural showcases, and community celebrations, each reaffirming the unity, resilience, and shared vision of a nation that continues to walk proudly in the footsteps of its founding leaders.