Today, I have been reflected on news via Radio New Zealand of the death of a former governor and Member of Parliament for the Eastern Highlands Province in Papua New Guinea, Malcolm ‘Kela’ Smith CMG. MBE. DFC.
Mr. Smith who was British, with Australian citizenship, made his home in PNG after retiring, but was flown by plane a few days ago to Queensland due to illness.
He reportedly died in the Redclffe Hospital in Brisbane on Monday from Covid-19.
77 year old Mr. Smith was well known in PNG for his efforts to help the less fortunate, especially PNG’s children.
He also started the Kela Foundation to help underprivileged children and their communiies in Australia
Additionally, he also founded Pacific Helicopters which transported those in remote regional areas of PNG to essential medical appointments.
In PNG Mr. Smith pioneered and implemented grant development programs and business partnerships focused on improving social and economic conditions in developing communities.
He was well known in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea, and was regularly consulted on issues concerning environmental research and conservation.
I never met Mr. Smith but knew of his help to the underprivileged and of his conservation work in PNG.
I feel sure he will be remembered by many in PNG and especially for his efforts in seeing sick people in remote regions of the country could be flown by helicopter to a hospital for treatment.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
