By Post-Courier Contributor,Thierry Lepani

Copyright postcourier

BY THIERRY LEPANI

In a quick visit before busy formal engagements, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles paid a courtesy stop to PNG’s Trade Union Congress office at Korobosea in Port Moresby.

The visit, unbeknownst to many, was more of a personal trip for Mr Marles, after being a long time Trade Unionist before politics.

Mr Marles fondly recalled coming many years back to help PNGTUC’s former President, late John Paska, set up his office as union brothers and having a hard time getting the computer to work.

Mr. Marles was a great friend of Mr. Paska, who will have a new center opened in his name by current General Secretary Clemence Kanau.

Mr. Kanau, as well as other Union executives welcomed Mr. Marles and thanked him for making the visit to their simple Korobosea office.

Though a short visit, Mr. Marles kept emphasizing how important the Union office was to him and noted it wouldn’t be an independence trip if he hadn’t visited the union team.

He expressed his sadness over the passing of Mr Paska, and noted the fond memories they had together, saying they were good friends and was even promised a trip to Kavieng – Mr Paska’s home.

Mr Marles and many other dignitaries will be attending the PM’s dinner tonight.