TOO SICK TO DESCRIBE, SHAME PNG!


Grave robbers in Papua New Guinea have reportedly dug up the body of one of the country's most loved and successful businessmen, Queensland-born Sir Brian Bell.

Sir Brian, 82, a prominent home goods retailer, died on July 25 in a Brisbane hospital and was farewelled in a high profile funeral in Port Moresby last Thursday.

PNG's Post-Courier newspaper reported on Monday that Sir Brian's coffin was dug up on Saturday and the body was moved so the robbers could look for valuables.

However, family members told the newspaper Sir Brian "did not go for fancy things or jewellery and was buried in a suit and no trappings".

The news has caused outrage in PNG, where Sir Brian was considered one of the country's most generous philanthropists.

His funeral, which was broadcast live on PNG national television, attracted thousands of people and numerous dignitaries, including Prime Minister Michael Somare.

One of the tributes at the funeral was given by his goddaughter, Australian singer and theatre star Marina Prior, the Post-Courier reported on Friday.

Originally born in Chinchilla, Queensland, Mr B, as he was affectionately known, arrived in PNG in 1954 to work as a pharmaceutical chemist.

He later opened a retail store and, over the years, his businesses expanded into department stores and home centres, chemicals, cleaning products and industrial equipment, the Post-Courier said.

Today, Brian Bell and Company employs 1300 staff across the country.

News of Sir Brian's death immediately spread across PNG, resulting in a mass outpouring of grief and tributes.

Port Moresby authorities and police are investigating if the grave robbery was an "inside job" linked to the funeral organisers.

SOURCE: AFP

Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 9, 2010 at 4:34 PM

    There are some very sick, seriously very sick people in Port Moresby. Unspeakable.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousAugust 9, 2010 at 10:54 PM

    What else would you expect from a country that is led by a corrupt government and PM. I am glad I left this barbaric place. "Waitman not saf wen laip na not saf wen ded"

    Australian Volunteer

    ReplyDelete

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