Late Clerk of parliament is laid to rest

The casket of the late Clerk of the Bougainville House of Representative (BHoR) Mr. Robert Tapi was taken to Hagogohe Constituency where he will be laid to rest this afternoon.
Late Mr. Tapi passed away on Sunday 22nd of December. He will be burried at Losei village at his spouse Mrs Patricia Tapi's village.
Mr. Tapi was a distinguished public servant and a steadfast leader who dedicated decades of his life to serve the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. As the longest serving Clerk of the Bougainville House of Representative up to his untimely passing, Mr. Tapi’s unwavering commitment to the legislative framework and his pivotal role in the region’s journey toward independence have left an unforgettable mark on Bougainville’s history.
Throughout his career, Mr. Tapi was instrumental in shaping parliamentary reforms, strengthening governance and fostering inter-parliamentary relations. His leadership extended beyond administration, as he championed initiatives that enhanced the effectiveness, transparency and accountability of the House of Representatives.
Among his many achievements, Mr. Tapi’s dedication to the Peace Process and Political Negotiations during his tenure with the North Solomons Provincial Government from 1998 to 2001 stood as a testament to his commitment to Bougainville’s unity and progress.
Late Tapi was flown to Port Moresby funeral home on Friday last week and returned today where he was received by the Bougainville Police Service (BPS), ABG Members and Ministers of the BHoR, staff of the parliamentary services and the staff of the ABG Administration at the Buka airport.
A convoy led by the BPS took the Late Clerk to his family home in Kubu where he spent the rest of the day before he was taken to the parliament house this afternoon to spend a last night at his workplace with his colleagues, ABG Members and Ministers, ABG administration staff, families and friends.
Speaker of Parliament Simon Pentanu, when receiving the Late Clerk acknowledged him to be a humble character who committed his time to serve, adding that Late Robert Tapi had faithfully concluded his duties at the last sitting from the 17th to 19th December 2024 and lost his life three days later on the 22nd of December.
“It is very unfortunate that we have lost a good friend and colleague a few days before the festive season, however, it is good that we thank God for Late Robert’s life and it is also good that we shared this Christmas with him when he lost life and we will also get to spend this new year with him before we lay him to rest,” he said.
Mr. Pentanu acknowledged the leaders and all for making time available to pay their last respects to Mr. Tapi and revealed that the night program would begin with lighting of candles for the vigil then opportunity would be given for the Members, Ministers, colleagues and friends of Mr. Tapi to share testimonies and tributes to Late Tapi.
To begin the vigil and night program, four candles were lit by Mr. Simon Pentanu, Speaker of Parliament, ABG Member for Torokina Hon. Fabian Saleu Epota, Acting Chief Secretary Mrs. Belinda Lanbong representing the Administration and Mr. Peter Topura, Deputy Clerk of Parliament.
Those wishing to share their last respects tonight can join the night program at the parliament house tonight and the funeral mass for Late Robert Tapi will be held at Hahela Catholic Church tomorrow.
Late Tapi will be buried at his home in Selau.
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