Japan's PM Abe sends condelonces to PNG's late GG Sir Michael's family

Condolence messages for the late Governor General, Sir Michael Ogio, are pouring in from all over the world, including from national leaders.

A condolence message from Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, to Lady Esmie Ogio, says: “I am deeply grieved and saddened by the demise of His Excellency, Grand Chief Sir Michael Ogio…I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences on behalf of the government and the people of Japan.

“I have fond memory of visiting your official residence to pay a courtesy call to Grand Chief Sir Ogio and you on the occasion of my visit to Papua New Guinea in 29 years as Prime Minister in July 2014. I was deeply impressed by the fact that Grand Chief Sir Ogio have cherished the amicable relationships with Japan since Independence in 1975, and that he has demonstrated a warm friendship by conveying that Papua New Guinea will continue to attach importance to the relationships with Japan.

“Grand Chief Sir Ogio not only held important positions such as Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament, but has also made long standing contribution to development and prosperity of Papua New Guinea,” says PM Abe.

“I sincerely respect that Grand Chief Sir Ogio played an important role to contribute to the peace process and reconstruction in Bougainville. I am confident that Grand Chief Sir Ogio will always remind your people of his great effort to unite Papua New Guinea. I would also like to pray for the peaceful repose of soul of Grand Chief Sir Ogio to you. ”

Governor General of Solomon Islands, Sir Frank Kabui, states: “I, my wife and the people of Solomon Islands learned with great sadness the passing away of the Late Grand Chief and Governor General of Papua New Guinea Sir Michael Ogio…I and my wife do have fond memories of the late Sir Michael, having met in London, Rarotonga, Nukualofa and Honiara in the past years.

“The people of Papua New Guinea have lost a great leader and statesman…We share with the people of Papua New Guinea in mourning his passing. May his Soul rest in peace.”

Governor of New Ireland Sir Julius Chan says Sir Michael was one of a truly rare breed of Papua New Guineans.

“He was not only a statesman of the first rank, he was, perhaps more importantly, a genuinely caring, loving and honourable human being.

“Over the years Sir Michael was involved in truly momentous chapters in the history of our country. He contributed mightily to the development of the province and people of Bougainville, and his other contributions to our young nation are too many to list here.

“I am deeply saddened by his passing, for I feel we have lost a strong vibrant voice that always argued for a reasoned and fair approach to solving our problems.

“On behalf of my wife Lady Chan and our family, Member for Namatanai Byron Chan and his family, the Provincial Government and the People of New Ireland, I want to express our deepest condolences at this time of sorrow.”

Ambassador of United States of America to PNG, H.E. Catherine Ebert-Gray, told Lady Esmie Ogio: “Your friends at the US Embassy are thinking of you and your loss with deep respect and pride for your selfless contributions. Sir Michael Ogio will be remembered for his wisdom and kindness, most of all.”

Ambassador of Japan to Papua New Guinea, H.E. Satoshi Nakajima, wrote: “The late Governor General, Grand Chief Sir Michael Ogio, was a dedicated and hardworking Representative of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

“He will be further remembered as one of Papua New Guinea’s great leaders for his outstanding contribution as a former Member of Parliament for North Bougainville, Cabinet Minister and recently as Governor General upon his demise.

“May God grant you the peace and courage that passes all understanding in this time of sorrow.”

Governor of Madang, Jim Kas, states: “My uncle, may you rest in peace.” Photo credit: Hon.Justin Tkatchenko