Ox & Palm founder Sir Hugo Berghuser passes away at 91

Papua New Guinea is mourning the passing of Sir Hugo Berghuser, a pioneering businessman, politician, and philanthropist, who died peacefully in Wewak on Saturday at the age of 91.

Born in Germany in 1934, Sir Hugo survived the tragic sinking of the migrant ship Skaubryn in 1958 before making Papua New Guinea his home. Settling in the country, he built a life marked by determination and vision, beginning with humble work in carpentry and farming.

Sir Hugo went on to establish a network of successful enterprises, including Sapphire Smallgoods, Ox & Palm, and Triple 7, which became household names across PNG. His business ventures not only provided employment but also contributed significantly to local economies.

In 1987, Sir Hugo entered politics, serving first as Minister for Lands and Tourism and later as Minister for Civil Aviation. His tenure was noted for major infrastructure initiatives and a strong focus on community development, reflecting his lifelong commitment to the welfare of Papua New Guineans.

He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1989 and received numerous honors from both British and German governments for his contributions to business, public service, and philanthropy.

Sir Hugo is survived by his wife, Lady Christa, their son Marc, and daughter Jasmin. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.