𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗶𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝗶𝘂𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻, 𝗚𝗖𝗟, 𝗚𝗖𝗠𝗚, 𝗞𝗕𝗘, 𝗣𝗖, 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗿 𝗬𝗮𝗻𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼 & 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆

It is with great sadness that we, the Belo family, on behalf of Sir Yano Belo, former MP for Kagua-Erave (1968-1982) and former Minister for Works and Supply, Transport, Housing under Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, as well as former Minister for Environment and Conservation under Sir Julius Chan’s government, extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of Sir Julius Chan—Lady Stella, Vanessa, Byron, and Toea—as well as to the people of Namatanai, New Ireland.

We mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, and one of Papua New Guinea’s greatest political leaders—an icon and champion who contributed immensely to this beautiful country both before and after independence. Sir Julius Chan was one of PNG’s longest-serving Members of Parliament, and his passing at his beloved home in New Ireland marks the end of an era in our nation’s history.

Sir Yano Belo and Sir Julius Chan were close friends who served together as Ministers in Papua New Guinea’s first post-independence government.

Both men entered the House of Assembly in 1968 and continued as Cabinet Ministers under Sir Michael Somare’s leadership after independence in 1975.

One of the greatest testaments to their bond was their involvement in establishing Papua New Guinea’s national currency.

While serving in the Somare government in 1975, Sir Julius Chan, as Finance Minister, proposed a resolution at a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to replace the Australian Dollar with a new national currency. Sir Yano Belo, as Minister for Works, suggested the name “Kina”, while Sir Julius proposed “Toea.” The NEC approved their proposal, and thus, our currency was named Kina and Toea.

As a mark of their deep friendship, their sons were named after this historic moment—Sir Yano Belo named his son Kina, and Sir Julius Chan named his son Toea.

When Sir Julius Chan became Prime Minister in 1980, he appointed Sir Yano Belo as Minister for Environment and Conservation. Sir Yano remained a loyal member of the People’s Progress Party (PPP) until he lost his Kagua-Erave seat in 1982.

Just three weeks ago, Sir Yano Belo was awarded The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year’s Honours List. Sir Julius Chan was the first to congratulate his brother and lifelong friend, a testament to their enduring friendship.

Now, with Sir Julius gone, our country is left with his only surviving brother from the first Cabinet of 1975—Sir Yano Belo.

As we come to terms with this great loss, we take comfort in the cherished memories of Sir Julius Chan, who was such a vital part of our lives.

Our deepest condolences go out to the Chan family and the nation as a whole. The Belo family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time as Papua New Guinea mourns the passing of a true statesman.

“The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” Isaiah 57:1-2

Rest in Eternal Peace, Sir Julius Chan.

𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆

𝗦𝗶𝗿 𝗬𝗮𝗻𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼 & 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆