The grainy old photo above is the official photo of PNG’s first ministry, formed as a coalition under Chief Minister Michael Somare. Judging from the formal attire I would say it was taken immediately after the 17 members of the executive were sworn in.
In the years following self-government and Independence, most of these men became familiar faces and household names, largely through their press exposure in the columns of the Post Courier newspaper. Now, 40 years later, it’s not so easy for me to identify them. Names are remembered but faces forgotten, and vice versa.
Denis Williams had this photo in his private collection but he didn’t caption it because he didn’t have to. His memory for names and faces was quite extraordinary. I don’t have that gift.
I think that the photo has some historical merit for teachers and students of PNG history, but I hesitated to put it in the blog until I had a complete list of the names. I found it in Somare’s own autobiography, Sana. Hopefully someone reading this blog will be able to put the names in the right order for me, starting from left to right.
Many of these politicians have since passed away. Assuming I can get the caption right, this photo would be a nice tribute to their pioneering role.
Michael Somare (Pangu Party) Chief Minister
John Guise (Independent) Dep. Chief Minister and Minister for the
Interior
Julius Chan (PPP Party) Finance Minister
Thomas Kavali (National Party) Minister for Works
Iambakey Okuk (Nat) Minister for Agriculture, Stocks and
Fisheries
Donatus Mola (PPP) Minister for Business Development
Ebia Olewale (Pangu) Minister for Education
Reuben Taureka (Pangu) Minister for Health
Albert Maori Kiki (Pangu) Minister for Lands and Environment
Paul Lapun (Pangu) Minister for Mines
Moses Sasakila (Nat) Minister for Forests
Paulus Arek (ind) Minister for Information
Gavera Rea (Pangu) Minister for Labour
Boyamo Sali (Pangu) Minister for Local Government
Kaibelt Diria (Nat) Minister for Post and Telegraphs
John Poe (PPP) Minister for Trade and Industry
Bruce Jephcott (PPP) Minister for transport
Some of these men went on to have illustrious political careers and eventually became much revered and respected elder statesmen.
Colonial Days in Papua New Guinea 
Hi
From left to Right;
Thomas Kavali
Juluis Chan
Reuben Taureka
John Poe
Bruce Jephcott
Michael Somare
Paulus Arek
Paul Lapun
Gavera Rea
Boyamo Sali
Ebia Olewali
Maori Kiki
John Guise
Kaibelt Diria
Moses Sasakila
Iamakey Okuk
Regards
David Stephen
David thank you very much for that. I will do a proper caption of the photo now using your list. Interested to know how come you are so knowledgeable about the history of PNG’s first government. Are you an expat, a local or someone with an interest in the country’s history? Pardon my ignorance. I’m hoping that the pic will be useful to schoolchildren or scholars doing history projects on PNG and having the correct caption was important.
Regards
Veronica Peek
Hi Veronica
I lived in P.N.G. from 1961 to 1977
The last few years I spent with Bougainville Copper advising them on the political situation and wrote a book on P.N.G. political parties early seventies
I have a copy of that photo – I still have all my files from writing the book,particularly on political parties.I collect any provincial newspapers from that period and P.N.G. badges
With best wishes
David Stephen
Thatn list that David gave L-R is incorrect.
You can’t just leave it at that Jim. I would love it if you could tell me where it’s wrong so that I can correct it. Anyone else picked up the mistake yet?
Hi David
I used to know you in PNG when you published the book. I was fascinated with the photograph of the politicians as I remember seeing most of them at that time – I flew with Barbara (Ansett PNG). Barbara Jephcott came to a book launch I held at my gallery a few years ago . Best wishes Di Elsden
Hi Di
Terrific to hear from you.
I guess yours was an art gallery,was the book on P.N.G.?
Did you know that Barb Jephcott has written 2 books,one on the Jephcott property in P.N.G and the other about Bruce
Best Wishes
David
David Stephen is correct . Lovely photo , it’s a pity children are not taught about the history of our country . I make it my duty to educate my young children about PNG . I’m enjoying your blogs, thanks Veronica.
Donatus Mola is missing from the list of people from left to right but I assume he is in the photo.