Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu conveys his sincere condolences on behalf of all the public servants saying the death of Maprik Member, Hon. Gabriel Kapris, is a great loss for Maprik District and Papua New Guinea.

Chief Secretary Pomaleu conveys his heartfelt sympathies to the immediate family and Maprik people for the Member’s sudden passing on Sunday (13/08/23).

“It is with great sadness to have learnt of the Member’s demise and we pray to our Lord to provide solace to his family during this time,” he said.

The Late Mr Kapris not only contributed in the political arena but also in the public sector after graduating from the University of Technology in Morobe Province with a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

“Prior to being elected as Member for Maprik District in 2002, he was employed by East Sepik Provincial Department of Works as Plant and Transport Manager in 1986 before moving to Milne Bay Province in 1989 as Manager for PNG Water Board. The following year, he left Alotau for Madang Province.

During this political career, he was instrumental in bringing development to Maprik District and PNG as a whole.

“As the newly elected Member of Maprik in 2002, Mr Kapris continued to retain his seat in 2007. In 2012, he was ousted by Hon. John Simon in the National General Elections. In 2017, he was re-elected as Member for Maprik and is the current Member elected from the last election,” he said.

Mr Pomaleu said Mr Kapris contributed immensely to the development of PNG in his capacity as senior Cabinet Minister in the Somare and O’Neill governments.

“During his political career, he was instrumental in the development of many infrastructures and economic projects, which has contributed to the current image of PNG,” he said.

He will be missed by all those who have worked with him and those whose lives have been changed by the development he had brought to the country.

Mr Pomaleu said he will be remembered for his contribution to nation building and may his legacy be carried forward.