PNG loses a true statesman

PAPUA New Guinea has lost a true leader and senior statesman — Sir Barry Blight Holloway.
 
Former commander of PNG Defence Force, Jerry Singirok paid tribute to what he has described as a great leader.
 
Mr Singirok was chairman of the Guns Control Committee from 2005-2007 when the late Sir Barry was a member of the committee and they travelled extensively throughout the country seeking the views of the people.
“(Sir Barry) served Papua New Guinea uninterrupted for his entire life, a period spanning just over sixty years when he first arrived as a patrol officer in 1953,” Mr Singirok said.
“This feat can never be repeated of a person who believed and had a passion for Papua New Guinea and had so much concern for the future destiny of Papua New Guinea.
“He demonstrated a high level of commitment, professionalism and caliber based on his intellectual capacity and precision in all facets of political, economic and social advice.
“(Sir Barry) was articulate and honest when dealing with individuals and groups. He never endeavoured to enrich himself but he endeavoured to assist others. He performed his tasks diligently and was a mentor and a role model to many,” Mr Singirok said.
He said in the recent 2012 general elections when Sir Barry stood for the Eastern Highlands regional seat and came second, demonstrated the concern he had for the people of Eastern Highlands and PNG.
 
“The election results also demonstrated the big following and respect the people of Eastern Highlands had for him,” Mr Singirok said.
Sir Barry was appointed deputy chairman for the Guns Control Committee by the then Minister for Police Honorable Bire Kimispoa in 2005.
“He contributed meaningfully in the Guns Report and continued to express grave concern over the proliferation and use of guns by various elements of society.
“The Guns Control Committee, consisting of Professor Betty Lovai, Mr John Toguata, Oseah Philemon, Justice Kawi and Mr Trevan Clough, enjoyed and appreciated Sir Barry Holloway’s contribution to the Guns Control Report and the Guns Secretariat,” Mr Singirok said.