Sir Michael Somare, first prime minister of Papua New Guinea, dies at age of 84
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ThuThursday 25
updated
SatSaturday 27
Sir Michael Somare served four terms as PNG prime minister, most recently in 2011.
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Papua New Guinea s first prime minister, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, has died at the age of 84.
Key points:
He was a teacher and radio journalist before entering politics in 1968
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1990, he is survived by his wife of 56 years
Known as the father of the nation, Sir Michael led PNG into independence from Australia in 1975 and was one of the country s longest-serving politicians, with a career that spanned five decades.
Sir Michael Somare, first prime minister of Papua New Guinea, dies at age of 84 - 26-Feb-2021
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Obituary: Sir Michael Somare, father of PNG and colossus of Pacific politics
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Sir Michael Somare, first prime minister of Papua New Guinea, dies at age of 84
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Papua New Guinea’s father of the nation and first prime minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare is in critical condition in a Port Moresby hospital and under palliative care.
The family of the 84-year-old has released a statement “so the public knows the exact extent of this terrible illness”.
Mr Somare was due to head overseas for treatment this week.
“It is with sadness that I advise… the serious illness pancreatic cancer that has befallen our father, Sir Michael, it is at a critical stage and we as a family, along with his medical teams, are giving him the utmost care that he deserves,” the family said in a statement.