Parkop pays tribute to a friend and humanitarian

THE late Sir Brian Bell has been described as a great friend, an astute businessman and a true humanitarian and philanthropist, The National reports.

When expressing sadness at the knight’s passing, NCD Governor Powes Parkop said Sir Brian had progressively and successfully worked towards developing and rehabilitating the city since arriving in Port Moresby.

“I am very sad to hear of the death of Sir Brian Bell.”

He said Sir Brian’s contributions had been “through both his entrepreneurial endeavours and his humanitarian and philanthropic efforts.

“His keen business acumen has seen to the establishment of 10 retail outlets and more than 25 distribution agencies, not just in Port Moresby but all major commercial centres in PNG bringing employment to thousands of Papua New Guineans and quality, affordable services to individuals, companies and government departments throughout the country,” Parkop said.

“His humanitarian and philanthropic efforts are just as extensive.”

Sir Brian was on the board and committee of many charities, the notable ones being the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal and the Port Moresby General Hospital, which he served as chairman for a very long time.

“As chairman, Sir Brian directed the PMGH board the way he directed his many businesses – astutely and based on good business practices.

“He was always punctual and chaired his meetings concisely, always interested in outcomes.

“It was his dream to make PMGH the best in the country.”

Parkop said that one of the administrative matters he pushed hard for and achieved was the purchase of the hospital incinerator.

The Brian Bell group bought the incinerator for the hospital.

“Unfortunately, this is now lying idle as we await approval from the Department of Environment and Conservation.

“In my association with him, I have come to realise Sir Brian to be a man of principle and humility who always attributed his successes to PNG and its people and, so, endeavoured all the time to return to PNG (and this city) his time and efforts through his humanitarian and philanthropic endeavours.

“Sir Brian’s loyalty and generosity to PNG will, no doubt, be hard to fill.

“Through the most difficult times of Port Moresby’s and the country’s economic life, when he could have easily resigned and returned to Australia, Sir Brian persevered in his adopted country.

“City Hall has lost a visionary leader, Port Moresby has lost our leading citizen and friend, PNG has lost our immeasurable development partner,” Parkop said.