Port Moresby to get bronze statue of PNG founding father

6:36 am on 4 March 2021

The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, has directed that a bronze statue be erected in honour of Sir Michael Somare on Independence Hill in Port Moresby.

Sir Michael, PNG's founding prime minister, died last Friday.

Sir Michael Somare became Papua New Guinea's first prime minister in 1975.

Sir Michael Somare became Papua New Guinea's first prime minister in 1975. Photo: Supplied

The Post Courier also reported the government has accepted Sir Michael's wish that he be buried at Kreer Heights in Wewak, East Sepik.

Mr Marape said the normal Melanesian "haus krai" is to be held in the National Capital District through to Thursday next week.

It is being held at the Sir John Guise stadium.

On Thursday next week parliament will hold a special sitting with Sir Michael's body lying in state.

On Friday 12th, which is a public holiday, the funeral will be held, after which Sir Michael's body will be flown to East Sepik.