Sir Tipo tribute fitting for the final time

Sir Tipo being knighted by Governor General Sir Micheal Ogio.

Sir Tipo with his grandchildren (from left) Kapu Tipo, Darrel Jerry, and Jeremiah Fredlabeli pose for a photo. 

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, October 23, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

IT seemed fitting that the man that conducts the investiture ceremony for the last time in his 45 year career does it for himself to be knighted for the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

A fitting description for Sir Tipo Vuatha by Investiture Select Committee Chairman, Sir Frederic Reiher, when paying tribute to the retiring Official Secretary to the Governor General of Papua New Guinea.

Described as dedicated, efficient, competent, and above all loyal- his 45 year career in service to four governor generals was described as unprecedented.

“Today is special- everything is unprecedented today. As you can see he (Sir Tipo) is presided over his own investiture himself,” Reiher said.

“Sir Tipo has been a public service for 45 years, having joined prior to self-government and independence and he has been the official secretary to four governor generals.”

“I have had the privilege in working with him in my role as Chairman of the National Honours and Awards Council, and the office of the governor general is critical in the smooth operation of our national honours systems of Papua New Guinea, and also the Imperial which is the British system under which you are being invested.”

He described the vital role the Vuatha plays as official secretary, directly responsible for dialogue between the governor general the Queen of England, between the GG’s and that of the Queen at Buckingham Palace in London.

“I know from my own discussion with senior officials in Buckingham Palace that Sir Tipo is held in the highest regard. That is a very significant tribute to his service here in Government house.”

“As official Secretary he also has responsibility for communications between the governor general and the Prime minister, as well as ministers of State and Parliamentarian officials- including of course in the wider community leaders of church and civil society and the business sector.”

“As I am sure Sir Tipo would privately confirm, this can be an exacting role. At times being the secretary he has met the challenges that arise from time to time with the highest level of competence. With doing so he has contributed to the stability of democracy in the most valuable way.”