A remarkable display of continuity and dedication to community development, John Tigavu and David Kurame, sons of notable figures in the Kurumbukari mining initiatives, have emerged as leaders in fostering growth and support for their community.
John Tigavu, the son of the late David Tigavu who is one of the founders of the Kurumbukari Nickel and Cobalt project has taken on the role of Deputy Chairman of the Kurumbukari Landowner Association. David Kurame, the son of Eddie Kurame, a key figure who played a vital role in seeing the Ramu Nickel and Cobalt off the ground serves as the Government Liaison Officer with Ramu NiCo.
Both young men have deep roots in the history of Kurumbukari, a journey that began in their childhood when they accompanied their fathers to meetings. Together, they would walked barefoot from Brahman to Yakumbu to catch public motor vehicles (PMVs), learning the ropes of advocacy and community engagement from a young age.
Their commitment to the community has borne fruit in tangible ways. John Tigavu successfully facilitated the acquisition of an ambulance for the Kurumbukari people, significantly enhancing access to healthcare services in the region.
As the Director for the Mineral Resource Madang, Tigavu facilitated for the fully kitted ambulance bought funded by the Mineral Resource Development Corporation for the Enekuai Aid post so that his people in Kurumbukari would benefit.
Similarly, David Kurame’s efforts resulted in the establishment of the Enekuai Aid post that would provide critical health services to the locals at Enekuai and surrounding communities.
On 11 April, 2025, Enekuai village came alive with a mini festival held to welcome guests including Tigavu and the ambulance.
Word has gone around among the villagers that Tigavu fought hard to get an ambulance to support the local Aid Post and songs were composed in his name as they sang, danced and waited for the arrival party.
On the grandstand, standing equal in their community status was Kurame with a micro phone urging their clansmen to gather and prepare to receive their guests.
Kurame has been the backbone to facilitate the building and maintenance of the Enekuai Aid post and that was the time for his employer Ramu NiCo to officially hand over the Aid post to the community.
He had arrived a day earlier as a Ramu NiCo employee to prepare for the program.
His smile was soft and satisfying; the expression on his face told those who knew him that he was relieved to see the structure before him, a project that he put his heart and soul in to establish.
When the ambulance drove in, the drive was Chris from the Transport Department of Ramu NiCo. The villagers would have physically lifted him onto their shoulders and carried him to the grandstand if he was Tigavu.
Instead, they cheered as Tigavu joined the other guests and walked as a team to the grandstand where Kurame welcomed him and the other guests.
Brother to brother, the then boys now men, they shook hands firmly with a strength that only the muscles beneath their sleeves knew.
“The journey of my father and senior Kumare was about vision and perseverance,” said Tigavu.
“We are just continuing their legacy, ensuring that the benefits of the Kurumbukari project extend to our people.”
“Our fathers paved the way, and it’s our responsibility to carry that torch,” Kurame added.
“We want to ensure that Kurumbukari is not only known for its resources but also for the prosperity and well-being of its people, he said”
The contributions of Tigavu and Kurame highlighted a promising future for the Kurumbukari community, demonstrating that the leadership of younger generations can make a lasting impact.
As they continue their work, the community looks forward to further developments in infrastructure and health services and other areas, ensuring that the legacy of their fathers lives on in the hearts.
