One of East New Britain’s senior statesman, Francis Komainrea, passed away at the Kavieng General Hospital last Friday, after a long illness.
Late Francis Komainrea was well remembered as the first governor of East New Britain province who steered the province back to its feet after the 1994 twin eruptions that buried the former provincial capital, Rabaul.
He became the first governor of the province from 1995 following a legislation reform where the position of a premier was replaced by a governor. Late Francis became the governor-elect to replace Sinai Brown as the former premier.
Late Francis also served as the open member for Pomio District and as Health Minister from 1992 to 1994 under the Wingti – Chan government.
He remained a political figure since then until his resignation in 2000.
By Edwin Fidelis – EM TV News, Kokopo
