Prime Minister James Marape has expressed deep sorrow following the death of Solan Mirisim, the Member for Telefomin and Minister for Works and Highways, who passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Marape said he was first notified shortly after midnight, receiving updates at 12.30am and again at 1.30am, before travelling to Pacific International Hospital, where doctors formally confirmed the minister’s death.
“I stood beside a colleague and brother who had just left us,” the prime minister said. “It was a deeply painful moment — one that no leader ever wishes to experience. I then accompanied the family to their home as they prepared for the body to be transported to the funeral home. My thoughts are completely with them at this tragic time.”
He has directed medical staff to carry out a full coronial assessment and post-mortem to determine the cause of death.
Mirisim, who had served as Works and Highways Minister, was remembered by Marape as a committed public servant whose efforts were centred on the development of Telefomin district.
“He travelled constantly between Port Moresby and Telefomin. He fought for roads, services, and development. The Kiunga–Telefomin road and many other projects bear testimony to his commitment to modernising the district,” Marape said.
“He was a young leader with much more to give our country. His passing is a great loss to the Telefomin people, the people of West Sepik, and Papua New Guinea.”
The prime minister reflected on his own early years spent in Telefomin, saying the community played a formative role in his childhood.
“I spent my Grade One and Grade Two years in Telefomin. Those were years that shaped my early life, and I have always held the people of Telefomin close to my heart,” he said. “Losing their leader — a man who served them tirelessly — is a pain I share with them.”
Marape said Parliament would convene briefly today to formally acknowledge Mirisim’s contribution to the country.
“Caucus has agreed that Parliament will sit today to pay respect to him and acknowledge the work he has done,” he said. “After we formally convey condolences on the floor of Parliament, we will proceed to pass the Budget, and then the House will rise so we may give full attention to the funeral process of our late brother.”
The prime minister extended his condolences to Mirisim’s family, the people of Telefomin, and his colleagues and supporters nationwide.
“To his wife, children, relatives, and the entire Telefomin community, I offer our government’s heartfelt sympathies. May the Lord bring comfort, healing, and strength during this time of immense loss,” he said.
“Papua New Guinea has lost a dedicated servant of the people. We mourn together.”