PNG Minister Boka Kondra accompanies casket to Solomon Islands

The casket carrying the body of the late John Tahinao, Director of Culture, Solomon Islands, departed for Solomon Islands this morning (Tuesday 8 July 2014).

Papua New Guinea Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Boka Kondra is accompanying the casket in a show of Melanesian solidarity and cultural protocol.

Minister Kondra is also accompanied by his First Secretary Noel Sarei.

Also accompanying the casket is the Solomon Islands Minister for Culture and Tourism Samuel Manetoali, who was in Port Moresby attending the 5th Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture until his departure this morning.

Present at the State VIP Lounge at Jacksons Airport to usher Minister Kondra and Minister Manetoali were Chairman of the 5th Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture Committee Dr Jacob Simet; the Solomon Islands High Commissioner to PNG His Excellency William Haomae; and officials from the PNG Department of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.

Minister Kondra is scheduled to return to PNG tomorrow (Wednesday 9 July 2014).

Meanwhile, Minister Kondra has indicated that he wants to accord the same respect by accompanying the casket of the late Ms. Finau Mara to Fiji after the Official Closing Ceremony.

The late Ms Mara was a Fijian participant at the festival who passed away last Sunday (6 July 2014). Her body is currently at the Funeral Home (Erima).

PNG Today/PNG Village