Parliament farewells late Education Minister

Clock stood 12pm, as Members of Parliament for the last time bade farewell to a late colleague described as an education reformist.

The late Usino-Bundi MP Jimmy Uguro was given a traditional parliament respect, as the House was in session, the casket of the education minister was brought into the chamber at 10:46am to lie in state, there, members of parliament read their tributes.

This was the first business of Thursday's parliament sitting. Prime Minister James Marape described his late state minister as a very strong dedicated member (MP) fallen in the line of duty.

“Late Uguro is a leader committed to his duties even at the expense of his personal well-being.I want to thank him for the work he done in the education sector. Under his watch over 100,000 students were given second chance in education and focus on the next 50 years of education revolution in our country.

“His focus is to ensure education becomes a tool for self-sustainability. His work in education will be remembered,” Prime Minister Marape said.  

The late MP was on duty in the Yangoru Saussia electorate of East Sepik when he died in his sleep in a hotel room in the provincial capital Wewak on February 6.

Opposition Leader, Douglas Tomuriesa said the late MP was a man of few words and a "humble man".

He put to parliament to make laws that will look after families of late parliamentarians who pass away while serving the nation.

"The best way to mourn for the dead is to care for the living" Mr Tomuriesa said.

Madang Provincial Member Ramsey Pariwa asked parliament to see the late minister's vision for the education sector become a reality, drawing attention to the 50 years PNG Education Transformation Vision, an education policy pushed by the late minister.

Mr.Pariwa tagged the late MP as a real educationist because despite being a grade 10 drop out, the perseverance to be educated using the informal education pathway now called Flexible Open Distance Education, paved the way further to attaining a master's degree in education before entering politics after the 2017 national election.

Minister for International Trade and Yangoru Saussia MP, Richard Maru was full of emotion, tears trickling down his face, committed to name the two science laboratories to be built for secondary schools in his district after the late MP.

Late Uguros last work trip was visiting two high schools in West Yangoru LLG, Yangoru Saussia District.

Mr Maru further made a commitment to farewell Mr Uguro in Madang Province with a customary ceremony and "support the policy" referring to the PNG Education Transformation Vision.