Sir Julius Chan: Week of mourning declared for one of PNG’s founding fathers

A week of national mourning has been declared in Papua New Guinea to honour the life and legacy of one of the country’s founding fathers, Sir Julius Chan, who passed away at his home in New Ireland Province on Thursday at the age of 85.

He was the son of a migrant Chinese father and indigenous mother and served as prime minister twice.

The Chan family released a statement on Thursday announcing Sir Julius’ death.

“Our father passed away peacefully this afternoon at his beloved home at Manmantinut, Huris, surrounded by family and friends.

“We thank all those who have stood by him and those who have shared his legacy throughout his political life from pre-independence to the time of his passing.

“He was a political icon transcending generations, and his legacy will remain forever in the pages of our history books and moreso in the hearts of so many.”

The news of his death triggered an outpouring of grief across PNG, with many expressing their sorrow on social media and in public gatherings.

Flags were flown at half-mast on Thursday and memorial services were organised in his honour.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape says Chan’s death marks the end of a long political career spanning half a century.

Sir Julius Chan meets voters in Lapai Village in March 2022. Photo/New Ireland Provincial Government

Papua New Guineans have referred to him as the "Last Man Standing" because he was the last of the country’s founding members of parliament since independence in September 1975.

“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of the Last Man Standing,” Marape said in a statement.

“While Sir Michael Somare was the father of our country, the late Sir Julius was the father of our modern economy.

“He conceived the Kina and Toea. He was our country's first finance minister and our second Prime Minister."

Marape also announced plans for a state funeral and low-key celebrations in September for the country's 50th independence anniversary.

He said that in PNG's political history, few figures are as significant or controversial as Chan.

Watch Sir Julius Chan talk about his meeting with Pope Francis during the head of the Catholic Church's visit to PNG in September.

“A statesman, whose career spanned five decades, his legacy is etched with bold decisions that sparked both admiration and outrage,” Marape said.

Chan’s legacy includes the deployment of troops to PNG’s Pacific neighbours, and he faced global criticism for being the prime minister who hired foreign mercenaries in an attempt to end a civil war.

“His leadership tested the boundaries of convention and reshaped PNG's trajectory,” Marape said.

Chan’s autobiography, Playing the Game, offers insights into his life and the complexities of his political journey, reflecting on the cultural and historical contexts that shaped his decisions in office.

He is survived by his wife, Lady Stella Chan, and children Vanessa, Byron, Mark, and Toea.