Order of Logohu: Papua New Guinea's Premier Order of Merit
The Order of Logohu serves as the principal order within the Order of Papua New Guinea. Established on August 23, 2005, by Queen Elizabeth II, this prestigious honor recognizes exceptional service, achievement, and merit. The name "Logohu" is derived from the Motuan word for the bird-of-paradise, which has served as the official national symbol of Papua New Guinea since its independence.
Currently constituted under the sovereignty of King Charles III, the order is administered by the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, who serves as the Chancellor. Eligibility for the award extends to citizens of Papua New Guinea, while foreigners may be appointed as honorary recipients.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Established: August 23, 2005, by Elizabeth II.
- Sovereign: King Charles III.
- Symbolism: Named after the bird-of-paradise (Logohu in Motuan).
- Eligibility: Open to PNG citizens and honorary foreign recipients.
- Structure: Comprises four distinct grades of merit.
- Highest Title: Recipients of the highest grade are titled "Chief".
The Four Grades of the Order
The Order of Logohu is structured into four ranks, each requiring a specific duration of sustained service and a different level of achievement.
Grand Companion of Logohu (GCL)
The highest rank, the Grand Companion, is awarded for service, achievement, and merit in the highest degree, sustained over at least twenty years. This exclusive honor is limited to no more than fifty living persons at any given time. Recipients are granted the title of "Chief". The Chancellor of the Order and one other living recipient may hold the title of "Grand Chief"; this title is currently held by Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae GCL GCMG.
Officer of Logohu (OL)
The Officer grade is awarded to individuals who have provided distinguished service to Papua New Guinea or a local community, sustained over a period of at least ten years.
Member of Logohu (ML)
The Member grade recognizes commendable service to a specific area of endeavor, the nation, or a local community, sustained over a period of at least seven years.
National Logohu Medal (LM)
The National Logohu Medal is awarded for exemplary service within a profession, career, industry group, or the general community, sustained over a period of at least five years.
Current Composition and Notable Recipients
The order is led by Sovereign Charles III and Chancellor Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae. The composition includes Royal Chiefs, such as The Princess Royal (appointed 2005), and various distinguished citizens and international figures.
| Grade | Post-nominal | Minimum Service | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Companion | GCL | 20 Years | Highest degree of merit; limited to 50 living persons |
| Officer | OL | 10 Years | Distinguished service to PNG or local community |
| Member | ML | 7 Years | Commendable service to a specific area or community |
| National Medal | LM | 5 Years | Exemplary service in a profession or industry |
Notable Grand Companions
- Dame Josephine Abaijah: The first woman elected to the PNG Parliament.
- John Momis: Long-serving parliamentarian and framer of the PNG constitution.
- Sir Donatus Mola: Former Bougainville Chief.
- Archbishop Karl Hesse: Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Rabaul.
- Boyamo Sali & Mathew Siune: Former Cabinet Ministers of PNG.
- Sir Akepa Miakwe: Former politician of Unggai-Bena.
- Sir Brian Barnes: Former Archbishop of Port Moresby.
Honorary Grand Companions
The order has also been bestowed upon global leaders for their contributions, including:
- Bill Clinton: Former President of the United States (2006).
- Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono: Former President of the Republic of Indonesia (2010).
- Narendra Modi: Prime Minister of India (2023).
Precedence of the Order
The precedence of the Order of Logohu varies by grade relative to other honors. For example, the Grand Companion of Logohu sits below the Cross of Valour but above the Companion of the Star of Melanesia. Similarly, the National Logohu Medal sits below the Member of Logohu but above the Cross of Medical Service Medal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word "Logohu" mean?
Logohu is a word from the Motuan language meaning "bird-of-paradise," which is the official national symbol of Papua New Guinea.
Who is the current Sovereign of the Order?
The current Sovereign of the Order of Logohu is King Charles III.
How many people can hold the title of Grand Companion?
The Grand Companion of Logohu (GCL) may be awarded to no more than fifty living persons at any one time.
What is the difference between a "Chief" and a "Grand Chief"?
Recipients of the Grand Companion class are titled "Chief." The title "Grand Chief" is reserved for the Chancellor of the Order and one other living recipient of the Grand Companion class.
How long must one serve to be eligible for the National Logohu Medal?
To be eligible for the National Logohu Medal (LM), an individual must have provided exemplary service in a profession, career, industry group, or to the general community for at least five years.