Late Sir Julius Chan honoured with Order of Vanuatu

New Ireland governor Byron Chan (third left) with People's Progress Party administration and Toea Chan during a media conference in Port Moresby (Image: NBC News / Suli Suli)

Former Prime Minister and founding father, the late Grand Chief Sir Julius Chan, has been recognized by the government and people of Vanuatu with the prestigious Order of Vanuatu, Badge of Distinction.

The award recognizes Sir Julius’ historic leadership in deploying the Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s Kumul Force in 1980, which helped liberate Vanuatu and secure its independence.

The award was received on his behalf by his eldest son and New Ireland Governor, Byron Chan, who accompanied Prime Minister James Marape to Port Vila to attend Vanuatu’s 46th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Governor Chan expressed gratitude on behalf of his family, the People’s Progress Party [PPP], and the people of New Ireland, stating the award as a profound moment of national pride.

"By surprise, I received this honor on behalf of the late Grand Chief Sir Julius Chan, and as his son, I am deeply privileged," Chan said.

"It recognizes and marks all the work Sir Julius did when he was Prime Minister, deploying the Kumul Force to liberate Vanuatu back in 1980. Now, 46 years later, they presented this honor to him.

"They haven't forgotten him; they still remember him. We will carry this award to his final resting place at his tomb and place it near him in recognition of the people of Vanuatu saying thank you for helping them when they were in trouble. Other countries didn't help them, Papua New Guinea alone stepped up."

The presentation took place during official state activities in Port Vila. Prime Minister James Marape was also conferred the Order of Vanuatu alongside Timor-Leste President and Nobel Peace Prize winner José Ramos-Horta.

People's Progress Party national president Brown Sinamoi said the accolade highlighted Sir Julius’ lifelong vision for a unified Melanesia and regional self-reliance.

"Sir Julius worked deeply to encourage the Pacific to work together in unity. Part of that was sending a force into Vanuatu to help bring independence, and subsequently training their special forces," Sinamoi said.

"When their constitution was drafted, they used our Constitution as a model because of their historical split under French and British rule. Out of respect for Sir Julius and his legacy, we thank the government and people of Vanuatu for this recognition."