Late Sir Peter Barter

A Statesman of the Sea and Spirit

Sir Peter Barter lived many lives—as a pilot, a health minister, a resort owner, and a peacemaker—but at the heart of it all was a deep and abiding love for Papua New Guinea. His journey was not just one of enterprise or politics; it was one of service—to people, to place, and to peace.

Originally from Australia, Peter first came to Papua New Guinea in the 1960s as a young pilot. What began in the skies quickly brought him closer to the land and its people. Fascinated by the culture and potential of Madang, he set down roots and built what would become one of PNG’s most iconic tourism landmarks—the Madang Resort.

In the 1970s and 80s, Madang was a sleepy coastal town with stunning natural beauty. Under Peter’s vision, it transformed into a must-see destination, known for its blend of colonial charm, tropical gardens, and coral-rich waters. He didn’t just market the Madang Resort—he invested in the region, elevating it as a tourism gateway and community hub.

Peter’s contribution went far beyond the business of tourism. He believed tourism should serve people, not the other way around. Through the Melanesian Foundation, which he established, Sir Peter directed tourism revenues into rural education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects, especially in remote areas that hosted tourists. He built classrooms, health outposts, and training centres—not as acts of charity, but of partnership.

But perhaps his most profound role came in times of crisis. During the Bougainville conflict, Sir Peter served as PNG’s Minister for Health and Bougainville Affairs. In a divided time, he used his platform to foster dialogue, deliver aid, and build trust, often sailing his ship, the Melanesian Discoverer, directly into conflict zones to provide medical services and listen to the people firsthand.

His work during this period earned him national and international admiration—not only for his courage but for his unwavering belief in peace through connection. It was the same philosophy that shaped his approach to tourism: build bridges, not walls; foster respect, not spectacle.

Back in Madang, he remained deeply involved in local development. He introduced marine conservation programs, expanded resort facilities with local craftsmanship, and supported training for tourism and hospitality workers. He always insisted that tourism should be a tool for empowerment, not exploitation.

Sir Peter’s voice became a guiding one for tourism policy, always grounded in experience. He encouraged young Papua New Guineans to see tourism not as a foreign concept, but as an extension of their own culture—a way to share, protect, and celebrate who they are.

When he passed in 2022, the country mourned not just a leader, but a friend. And at the 2025 National Tourism Conference & Expo, the posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award in his name was more than a tribute—it was a promise to continue what he started.

Sir Peter Barter’s legacy lives in the warmth of a Madang welcome, the smile of a student in a rural classroom, and the gentle waves that lap against the jetty of his beloved resort. He believed that tourism was not just about seeing new places, but creating new possibilities—for everyone.