Three new knights named

REVEREND Samson Lowa has been recognised for services to education, community and United church as bishop and moderator and honoured with a knighthood, The National reports.

Sir Samson is one of three Papua New Guinea named as new knights in the Queen’s Birthday Honours which also recognised 83 others with lesser awards.

The other knight bachelor recipients were Paul Songo and Dadi Mahuru Toka – Songo in recognition for public service as departmental head, diplomat and public sector reform leader while Toka was recognised for his contributions to the Motu-Koita community, Port Moresby and sports.

Speaker Jeffrey Nape received the order of St Michael and St George for service to the community and politics.

Four CBE recipients were Nasfund chairman John Jeffery for community services, Dr John Moxon for service to agriculture, Dr Timothy Pyakalyia for service to public health and administration and Dr Philip Siaguru for service to forestry and education.

Those made officers of the British Empire (OBE) were George Arua, Mark Bennett, Boio Daro, Damien Gamiendu, Rev Paul Jennings, Bill Kua, Iamo Launa, Glen Murphy, Rev Ranyeta Nepo, Tony Poliak, Sister Annette Parker, Ivan Pomaleu and Theresa Williams.

Twenty-five people were awarded the MBE, two the Imperial Service Order and 35 the British Empire Medal.

In the military division Col Tokam Kanini was awarded an OBE for his service to the Defence Force while Thomas Raivet, Lt-Col Otto Pandum and Major Angela Manjor received the MBE.

The Queen’s police medal was awarded to Chief Supt Mark Kanawi and Supt Anthon Billie for service to the PNG Constabulary.