Condolence message from Mr. Franzalbert Joku

I also convey our deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of the late Edward N. Natape on his passing. “The Lord giveth and He taketh all glory to Him.”

The late Opposition Leader, in his various capacities he served, always had a ear for Papuans, whenever we brought our grievances to Vanuatu over the years. He was a gentle, unassuming and balanced leader.

I recall, as Opposition Leader back then, Natape strongly supported then Prime Minister Barak Sope’s Papua statement to the UN Millenium Summit in 2000 and inclusion of Papuan representatives (Andy Ayamiseba, Rex Rumakiek and myself) to actually sit in the historic UN General Assembly as part of Vanuatu delegation.

Thank you, Hon. Edward Natape, and thank you Vanuatu.

We too grieve your passing. May you now rest in God’s eternal peace.

Julian Ligo

The current director for Yumi Toktok Stret. A strong advocator for the “internet” as a tool to support good governance. Currently promoting the internet as the tool to drive change and believes “media must play a better role in educating society”

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