By Sharlyne Eri – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The family and people of Moveave in Gulf have waited for 25 years to get recognition from the Government for their son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Late Sir Vincent Serei Eri.
After 25 years, since his death in 1993, the grave of the late former Governor General was visited by Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta and the Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae.
For the Moveave people, the visit was significant, for the family of Late Eri, the visit was long time coming. Sir Vincent Serei Eri was a former Governor General, but he was also Moveave’s son and paramount chief.
During the Independence Weekend, the people sang, beat their drums and danced. But it was a different story Sir Serei’s family. For his wife, Lady Margaret Eri and eldest daughter Theresa, it was a time of reflection.
At the age of 75, Lady Margaret, and her eldest daughter left the comfort of her home in Port Moresby to witness this historical event. The journey was challenging for a woman her age. She endured six long hours by road, 30 minutes by dingy and an hour’s walk to finally reach her husband’s resting place.
Sir Vincent Serei Eri was the 5th Governor-General of Papua New Guinea – he died in 1993 at the age of 56.
Lady Margaret thanked Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta for organizing the visit and was grateful for the humility of the Governor General to visit her husband’s grave.
Among those she thanked was Margaret Oi-Meve. According to Lady Margaret, the visit brought hope and thanked the government for the recognition.
For the people of Moveave and Gulf province, the historical visit brings forth a wind of hope for development in this part of Gulf Province.
