Orders, decorations, and medals of Papua New Guinea

The Papua New Guinea honours system is the main system of honouring citizens of Papua New Guinea for their services to that country. It consists of three Orders and several medals. At independence, Papua New Guinea used the Imperial honours system. However, in recognition the nation's 30th anniversary, a new awards system was adopted. The official announcement of its creation was made by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare on 12 November 2004 and the first inductions were performed by The Princess Royal in early October 2005. The old honours system is still in use as well, however, and The Queen issues a Papua New Guinean List as part of every Birthday and New Year Honours List.

Order of Valour

Ribbon bar of the Cross of Valour

This Order consists of one level, the Cross of Valour (CV) awarded for only the most selfless acts of bravery in times of extreme personal danger. This bears resemblance to its counterparts in the Canadian and Australian honours systems. Prior to this award, citizens of Papua New Guinea would have received the George Cross for their actions.

Since Papua New Guinea still recognises the British Honours System it is possible that citizens will still receive the GC, however this is considered unlikely as the Cross of Valour performs the same function. For acts of valour in the face of the enemy during wartime, citizens of PNG are still entitled to the Victoria Cross.

In ranking order, the Cross of Valour precedes Grand Companion of the Logohu.

Order of Logohu

The Logohu (Bird of Paradise)

Logohu is a Motuan word for the Bird of Paradise, the official national symbol of Papua New Guinea since its independence. The Order consists of five ranks.

Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu

Ribbon for the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu

Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (GCL) is awarded to those citizens of Papua New Guinea and others for service, achievement, and merit in the highest degree, sustained over a period of twenty years. The award may be given to no more than fifty living persons. This class appears to carry with it the title of "Grand Chief". Examples of this include the obituary of The Rt Revd David Hand, and the official website of Sir Michael Somare who, since his investiture as GCL has used the title "Grand Chief" in place of "Sir", preferring to be known as The Right Honourable Grand Chief M. T. Somare, GCL, GCMG, CH, CF, KstJ. [1]. According to the announcement of former United States President Bill Clinton's appointment as the GCL the highest rank carries the honorary title "Chief" [2].

Current Composition

• Sovereign: Elizabeth II
• Chancellor: Grand Chief Sir Paulias Nguna Matane GCL, GCMG, OBE, KStJ

Royal Chiefs

• HRH The Princess Royal (2005)
• HRH The Duke of Edinburgh (2005)[3]
• HRH The Prince of Wales (2005) [4]

Chief Grand Commanders

• The Rt Hon Sir Michael Somare, GCL, GCMG, CH, CF, MP (2005) - Prime Minister of PNG
• Dame Josephine Abaijah, GCL, DBE (2005) - First Woman elected to the PNA Parliament
• The Rt Hon Sir Julius Chan, GCL, GCMG, KBE, MP (2005) - Former Prime Minister of PNG
• Sir Mari Kapi, GCL, KBE (2005) - Chief Justice of PNG
• Sir Tore Lokoloko, GCL, GCMG, GCVO, OBE (2005) - Former Governor General of PNG
• John Momis, GCL (2005) - Long Serving Parliamentarian and Framer of the PNG constitution [5]
• Most Revd Cherubim Dambui, GCL (2008) - Catholic Bishop
• Sir Silas Atopare, GCL, GCMG (2008) - Former Governor General of PNG
• Sir Donatus Mola, GCL (20??) - Former Bougainville Chief
• The Rt Hon Sir Rabbie Namaliu, GCL, CSM, KCMG (2009) - Former Prime Minister of PNG
• Archbishop Karl Hesse, GCL, MSC - Catholic Archbishop of Rabaul
• The Hon Boyamo Sali, GCL (2009) - Former Cabinet Minister of PNG
• The Hon Mathew Siune, GCL (2009) - Former Cabinet Minister of PNG
• Sir Akepa Miakwe, GCL (2011) - Former politician of Unggai-Bena in Eastern Highlands
• Sir Brian Barnes, GCL (2011) - Former Archbishop of Port Moresby Catholic Archdiocese
• The Hon Sir Peter Barter, GCL, OBE (2011) - Former Cabinet Minister of PNG and Governor of Madang province

Honorary Grand Commanders

• Major-General Michael Jeffery, AC, CVO, MC, GCL (2005) - Former Governor General of Australia
• The Hon. Gough Whitlam, AC, GCL, QC (2005) - Former Prime Minister of Australia
• The Hon Andrew Peacock, AC, GCL (2006) - Former Foreign Minister of Australia
• President Bill Clinton, GCL (2006) - Former President of the USA [6]
• The Hon Bob Hawke, AC, GCL (2009) - Former Prime Minister of Australia
• The Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser, AC, CH, GCL (2009) - Former Prime Minister of Australia

Officer of Logohu

Ribbon for the lower ranks of the Order of Logohu, as well as the National Logohu Medal

Officer of Logohu (OL) is awarded for distinguished service to Papua New Guinea, or to a local community, sustained over a period of at least ten years.

Member of Logohu

Member of Logohu (ML) is awarded for commendable service to a particular area of endeavour, to Papua New Guinea, or to a local community, sustained over a period of at least seven years.

National Logohu Medal

The National Logohu Medal (LM) is awarded for exemplary service in a profession, career, or industry group, or to the general community, over a period of at least five years.

Order of the Star of Melanesia

Ribbon of the Order of the Star of Melanesia

This Order also consists of one level, the Companion of the Star of Melanesia (CSM). It is awarded for distinguished service of a high degree to Papua New Guinea and Melanesia, sustained over a period of fifteen years.

In ranking order, Companion of the Star of Melanesia follows Grand Companion of the Logohu.

Some Awardee's

• Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, KCVO, CB - Husband of the Princess Royal

Other medals

• Cross of Medical Service Medal (CMS)
• Distinguished Military Service Medal (DMS)
• Distinguished Police Service Medal (DPS)
• Distinguished Correctional Service Medal (DCS)
• Emergency Service Medal (ESM)
• Public Service Medal (PSM)
• Meritorious Community Service Medal (MCS)
• Commendation Medal for Valuable Service (CMM)

See also

• List of post-nominal letters

External links

• Orders, Decorations and Medals
• http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20050930/news01.htm News item on The Princess Royal becoming the first recipient of the new award
• [7]
• http://www.pm.gov.pg/pmsoffice/pmsoffice.nsf/pages/17326D1EFA6B7F494A256F7400025C93?OpenDocument
• List of the first recipients
• images
• Details of awards and nomination form
• News Release and photos of Michael Jeffery's appointment