The death of PNG's first prime minister, Sir Michael Somare, has sparked a phase of deep reflection among Papua New Guineans about their country's journey.
The Grand Chief, who died two weeks ago of pancreatic cancer aged 84, will be buried today in his home town of Wewak.
During an historic fortnight of mourning, those close to Sir Michael, including the country's elected leaders, evoked the lessons taught by the central figure in PNG's passage to independence.
Johnny Blades reports.
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Frank Bainimarama and Sir Michael Somare at the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) meeting in Suva in 2013. Photo: Supplied