A mysterious death
By Seminarian Thomas Moire

Late Henry was born to Mr. Tamlaiz (senior) as his last child in 1975.

He completed his primary education at Yakamul in the years of 1982 to 1987 and preceded to Aitape High School, where he graduated in 1991.

In the following year (1992) he entered SPVTC to do a 2 to3 year Diploma program in Primary Education and graduated in 1994.

Henry applied back to the province and taught at Imonda as a new graduate in 1995. According to Robert Miroi (District Education Advisor) in his condolence message, 'late Mr. Tamlaiz enjoys serving in remote schools'.

Thus the following year in 1996 he was posted to Puang. Like many single teachers who are vulnerable to social problems, sometimes face dangerous and risky situations.

So while teaching at Yapunda in 1997, one day Henry was confronted by a drunken mob who gave him a serious head injury and he was hospitalized for several weeks.

Because of that incident, Henry was recommended to teach in coastal areas by the agency. Therefore, in 1998 late Henry got his first coastal posting in Warapu.

There he met Winnie who late gave him four beautiful children. While escaping from a human disaster, little did he know about a natural one, which took place while he was on holiday in his village.

After the tsunami disaster he continued to teach in the half of 1998 to 2001 in his home school.

After experiencing the politics of a big school, late Mr. Tamlaiz decided to return to his usual environment at a remote and simple school in Lupai in 2002.

In his last years of teaching, beginning in 2003, he taught at Seleo Island until his untimely death.

It was the 4th Sunday of Advent on 24th December 2006, and the crow of the fowls woke Henry from his deep morning sleep to set sail on his final voyage. Like many men of good will, he had planned to arrive in time for the second mass at Seleo Island with his family and the people.

The day was fine and the Sunday morning sun was slowly rising from the east, and the people were moving about in their morning chores.

The sea was slightly rough, but one can only be sure on a motorized boat or canoe. Therefore, the trio (Henry, skipper and a little boy) were confident and boarded the craft to make it to the open sea.

As they were approaching the open sea, they met three huge waves coming in at the same interval. They plunged into the first one and, when they met the second one Henry and the other passenger (little boy) jumped overboard. The body of late Henry was never found again until about the same time on Monday 25th December (Christmas Day).

Late Mr. Tamlaiz was described by the authorities as a potentially, dedicated and committed officer.

His tragic death is a great loss to the people he was serving in the department of education and his immediate family members.

Our prayers now are with his widow Winnie and their four loving children in this festive season and the seasons ahead.