Prime Minister James Marape has expressed deep sadness at the passing of Maprik MP Libert Kapris, extending heartfelt Condolences to his family, relatives, people of Maprik and Parliamentary colleagues.

Mr. Kapris passed away on Saturday morning, 17 October 2026, at the Pacific International Hospital in Port Moresby. Prime Minister Marape described his passing as a painful loss for the Kapris family and Maprik District, which had already mourned the death of his father and former Member Gabriel Kapris, during the current Parliamentary term.

Mr. Libert Kapris was elected to Parliament in the June 2024 Maprik Open By-Election, representing the People’s First Party. He succeeded his father, who passed away on 13 August 2023.

Prime Minister Marape said the loss of both father and son within the same term of Parliament was especially difficult for their family and the people who had entrusted them with leadership.

“He came into Office following the passing of his father, who was also a Member of Parliament in this term. He won the By-Election and came into Office, and now, within this same term, he too has passed away. It is just a sad thing,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister extended his sympathies to the late Member’s immediate family, clan and wider community, acknowledging the grief being felt across Maprik and East Sepik Province.

He also conveyed Condolences to Hon. Richard Maru and the People’s First Party, of which Mr Kapris was a member.

“I offer my Condolences to his family, his tribe, his people, Maprik District, and of course Minister Maru and the Party that he was part of,” he said.

Prime Minister Marape said that, at a time of such sorrow, Christian faith offered strength and comfort when the circumstances of life were difficult to understand.

“Some things in life we can never understand, but in faith as Christians, we acknowledge that God knows best,” he said.

He encouraged those mourning Mr Kapris to remember his life and the responsibilities he had accepted in stepping forward to represent his people.

Prime Minister Marape said the most meaningful tribute would be to preserve his memory through practical care for his family and continued attention to the work he had begun for Maprik.

“The least we can do is recall and remember the one who has passed and commit ourselves to uphold and complete the work that he started,” he said.

“We honour his memory by doing good to his family and his people, and by pursuing his dreams.”

The Prime Minister said Mr. Kapris’s passing should draw leaders and communities together in compassion, with the welfare of the bereaved family and the people of Maprik at the centre of their response.

He expressed the Government’s commitment to honouring the late Member’s memory through continued service to the people he represented.

“That is a commitment we make,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“To the people of Maprik and the late Member’s immediate family, on behalf of the Government and Pangu Pati, I pass on my condolences and sympathies.”