Media release by the Secretary General of WPNCL.

Media release by the Secretary General of WPNCL.

DR. JOHN ONDAWAME HAD BEEN RECALLED BY HIS CREATOR

Dr. John Ondawame  passed away at 20.30 hours Vanuatu time on the 4^th of August 2014 at his home in Freshwota No.1, Port Vila, Vanuatu. He had a massive heart attack and was rushed to the Hospital but frantic efforts by the Paramedics could not save him. Dr. Ondawame is succeeded by his Fijian Wife Leisani and young Son Jacob. Until his passing Dr. Ondawame was the elected Vice Chairman of West Papua National Coalition for Liberation and Executive member of the Free Papua Movement (OPM).

Arrangements have been made with the authorities concerned for his body to remain in Hospital awaiting Dr. Ondawame’s families from Timika to be present at the burial proposed for 11 September 2014.

This is shocking news to members of the WPNCL, the OPM and the people of West Papua. Dr. Ondawame’s passing is a loss especially at this time when efforts are on the way to consolidate cooperation and coordination between West Papuan Stakeholders. 

Last year Dr. Ondawame and the Executive of the WPNCL succeeded in putting West Papua on the agenda at the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) when they applied for membership. In June the MSG meeting in Port Moresby decided to defer a decision on membership and requested a much broader Stakeholders representation before West Papuan membership could be decided.

Subsequently at the request of the Government of Vanuatu delegates from West Papuan organizations are currently preparing to travel to Vanuatu to fulfil the request of the MSG. Dr. Ondawame’s participation in this crucial meeting would be greatly missed.

The Chairman and members of WPNCL are indebted to Dr. John Ondowame for his long service to the OPM, the WPNCL and the people of West Papua. Dr. John Ondawame has fulfilled his duty and was recalled by his creator. Thank you John we can only grieve your absence but will always celebrate your achievements for West Papua.

Our heartfelt sympathy and shared Condolence goes to his Wife Leisani and Son Jacob. May God grant them strength to go through this period of grief and shower them with abundance of blessings and kindness from families and friends.

Contact, Mr. Andy Ayamiseba +678-7740808 for further information or  Rex Rumakiek on +61-414149001