News and Public Notices

The latest from across Bougainville

Statement of Condolence for the passing of the Late Dr Justin Kehatsin

It is with deep sadness that I learnt yesterday of the passing of one of Bougainville’s own senior statesman, the Late Dr Justin Kehatsin.

On behalf of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the Bougainville Public Service, I would like to extend our most heartfelt and deepest sympathies to the immediate family of the Late Dr Justin Kehatsin and his people of Lontis, Haku Constituency.

The late Dr Kehatsin was from Tegese village in the Haku Constituency. He joined the Bougainville Public Service in January 2017, where he served as the Secretary for the Department of Education until his untimely passing.

He was a very humble man who served Bougainville and his people wholeheartedly. During his time as Secretary for Education, the Late Dr Kehatsin had a vision to improve Bougainville’s education quality and lift its standard to where Bougainville was prior to the crisis.

He was committed to ensuring the welfare of all teachers in Bougainville was taken care of and he had always maintained an open door policy with all teachers. He was a strong believer in the philosophy that if we take care of our teachers, they will take care of our children.

The late Dr Kehatsin was a simple man who displayed humility, gentleness in his character and was a very loving person who served Bougainville with great commitment and dignity.

Prior to joining the Bougainville Public Service, the late Dr Kehatsin was a lecturer at the PNG University of Technology, under its Language and Communications Department. He is survived by his wife, and three children.

It is truly a sad time for Bougainville as we mourn the loss of one of our great sons, and we acknowledge the unwavering efforts of his leadership in Bougainville’s education sector.  

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

 

Col. Thomas Raivet (Rtd) MBE, DMS
Acting Chief Secretary
Autonomous Bougainville Government

[ Back to News ]