PNG NATIONAL GENERAL ELECTIONS 2022 - SAM BASIL JNR

 

SAM BASIL JNR NOMINATES IN BULOLO

By JOAN BAILEY in Lae & BIG PAT in Port Moresby

IN 2009, Sam Basil flew to Garaina.

Two years earlier, he had won the Bulolo seat marginally.

He told his friend Lofty an interesting scenario.

Lofty recalls, "Sam said bro, I did not campaign here. I met someone in Wau and gave him 100 of my posters to distribute in Garaina in 2007.

"I did not have the resources or money to come here. But i gave him the posters anyway."

In 2007, late Sam Basil received just 7 votes from Garaina. But he was unperturbed.

He told lofty: "Seven or 700, it does not matter. As long as you are in Bulolo, you are my people, even if only 7 people voted for me."

And therein lay the difference in late Sam Basil's attitude. 

Unlike other politicians who concentrate on areas where they collect the most votes, Sam Basil was visible and transparent in his distribution of goods and services.

Late Sam Basil installed the V-Sat telecommunications system in Garaina in 2009, thanks to those 7 votes.

It was the first time in a long time for telephone services to reach Garaina.

Late Sam Basil's biggest commitment since 2007 was to put a road through and connect Garaina with Wau Bulolo.

This project is still progressing through virgin rainforests.

Now his son Sam Basil Junior is stepping up to finish the unfinished business of Sam Basil Senior.

He might not exude the charisma and have the experience of his late dad, but if the number of people - over 8000 who turned up for his nomination last week is any indication - Sam Basil Jnr is set to replace his very popular dad.

It was an emotional nomination day for Sam Basil Jr in Bulolo where thousands turned up to witness his nomination. 

The little township turned into sea of black and orange with convoy of 100 plus vehicles started at Kamoks village traveling the highway to Bulolo township.

Along the Bulolo highway, people came out of their houses and hamlets with banners showing their support. 

They all shouted and cheered the passing convoy and publicly expressed their support for Basil Jnr.

Men, women, children, youths and old people shed tears of sorrow and excitement as they cheered for Basil Jnr, throwing flowers, dancing, chanting or simply standing in respect as the convoy passed through.

Mr Basil Junior's supporters arrive in Bulolo for his nomination.
Picture by EVANGELYN HOFAGAO in BULOLO Town

Basil Jr also paid his respect to his dad’s accident site at Samsam Corner before heading on to Bulolo for nomination. 

Mr Basil Jr was escorted by supporters into the nomination venue and was officially nominated at 11:23am.

He then addressed the waiting people, telling them that it wasn't his intention to contest the Bulolo open seat, but it was the people's wish that he step in to give peace to the Bulolo people following his father's passing.

He said his father's death has brought pain, frustration and grief to the people of Bulolo, Morobe and PNG so his nomination is to give and make peace to all voters of his dad.

He appealed to supporters and Bulolo people to respect other intending candidates during campaign period, adding that it's their constitutional rights to contest.

He said the Bulolo seat is not a birthright to his family.

"I am coming in not to do anything new but continue what my father did in delivering service.

"Bulolo is a big district with six local level governments but dad has worked hard to have it split into two districts so I am ready to keep dad's legacy alive and give fair service delivery to Bulolo," Basil Jnr said.

A marching band of supporters. Picture by EVANGELYN HOFAGAO in BULOLO Town

Bulolo district returning officer Raune Jombert accepted Sam Basil Jr’s nominations.

Watut president and Bulolo district development authority deputy chairman Waka Daimon said yesterday the big convoy and turn up of people to support and witness Sam Basil Jr nominating was so bag that it overshadowed the late deputy prime minister’s own nomination in the last election.

Mr Daimon so impressed with the show of support. 

He said they did not expect such crowds but it gave them peace, satisfaction and confidence that their candidate Sam Basil Junior will give a good challenge to the other 24 candidates.

He thanked all supporters, the Bulolo people and everyone that turned up to witness the nomination.

Markham MP and deputy speaker Koni Iguan also urged the people Bulolo people not to underestimate Sam Basil Jr’s potential in politics even though he is young.

Mr Iguan said he has confidence in Basil Junior and will guide him through with support from other party members.

Picture by EVANGELYN HOFAGAO in BULOLO Town