When you land in Port Moresby, you fly in over God’s living room; turquoise waters usually found in Queensland, mountains that remind me of Lesvos and rivers that resemble those found in Makedonia. It is a beautiful landing, similar to Mytilene Airport. You are greeted with smiles, etched on most of faces.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has 851 spoken languages, a populace of 11 million, and almost no Greeks. I found Greek salad at eateries, souvlakia, and Lemnos Feta being sold at Holiday Inn. There is no Greek consulate representation, no Greek restaurant, Greek Church, yet I was determined to find Hellenes.

In Tatana island where the locals made Billy one of theirs. Photo: Supplied

A taxi driver to the island village of Tatana told me about Constantinou, “He owns Lamana Hotel and invests in PNG…. You look like a Greek.”

Upon arrival to Tatana, my friend Poisy’s mother told me more about “Kostantinos.” They have many businesses here, including Lamana Hotel.

Nick Athanasiou from the excellent Ouzo Talk Podcast, mentioned Lamana was owned by Greeks. Nick previously flew in regularly with his work for QANTAS, gaining an appreciation of Port Moresby.

Lemnos cheeses are part of PNG now. Photo:Supplied

Another friend talked about the small Greek cohort. “Cypriot owns Lamana, it has a good bar which we frequent,” she said. She said that wealthy Greeks with PNG heritage had made positive changes.

Ela Beach where the locals made Billy feel at home. Photo: Supplied

One name that emerged was the Constantine Group of Companies. Dozens of businesses across the Pacific including hospitality and infrastructure owned by Greek-Cypriots, they have had a huge impact on PNG’s economic, and social infrastructure.

The coastal beauty of PNG; Photo: Supplied

In Tatana, the name Constantinou was raised again. A villager pointed out one of their investments over the nearby waters. Another told me that the Greeks have helped PNG with “thousands of jobs, ongoing support for health and medical facilities”.

The Constantinou family has played a major role in advancing PNG over seven decades. The family’s main company believes that “companies that will succeed in the future will be those that continuously invest in their people and environment.”

PNG and KMC are finger licking good. Photo: Supplied

Sir Theophilus Constantinou who passed away in 2019, ensured his legacy with his support of the General Hospital and Buk Bilong Pikinini via The Sir Theo Foundation. The Foundation is chaired by his nephew George A Constantinou who grew up in Port Moresby; George is the CEO of a number of numerous Pacific companies.

The Foundation supports initiatives for the betterment of health services, as Sir Theo was beyond passionate about supporting health needs. The PNG life expectancy is just 65 years of age.

When a member of the Constantinou family passes on, they receive deserved national and international praise for their love of PNG. That love of the rugby league mad nation, the only country in the world where it is the national sport, remains strong.

Sir George Constantinou OBE, arrived in 1955 from Larnaca. Construction and business his forte, he fathered 12 children in PNG, most live in PNG. His tragic death was due to a failed carjacking in 2008, a reminder that violence has plagued the nation at times. His was mourned, leading to a revenge style commando attack on the killers by soldiers.

Billy and his new friend Kevin are from one of the Anglican churches. Photo: Supplied

His oldest son, Sir Kostas Constantinou, was similar to his father; an investor and builder, he owned a nightclub to join his investments in hospitality in the Pacific. Sir Kostas was the Chair of the South Pacific Bank for 12 years, ensuring profitability. Universally acknowledged for his amazing business skills, job creation, support for airlines and more importantly his benign motives in returning money and resources back into PNG.

All the kids love the roving Greek Australian. Photo: Supplied

PNG has 600 islands, Sir Kostas was able to identify solutions for planes to service the islands, he saved the industry during Covid. Sir Kostas, who was Chair of the Group, passed away in 2023.

National Rugby League Stadium, Jason Demetriou is the coach of the PNG Kumuls. Photo: Supplied

Another “Constantine” though of no relation is Constantine Charles Athol Vafiopulous. From Melbourne, trained in what was the British Protectorate of Palestine, including basic medical training. He became a hero on the Kokoda Track. He had survived battles and was a POW under the Vichy French. His work saving injured soldiers in 1942 is remembered at Conn’s Rock or the Surgeon’s Stone, near the Isurava Memorial/ battle site at Kokoda.

Chilling by the harbour, Billy imbibes the local brews. Photo: Supplied

I met people, danced in clubs and I enjoyed Tatana island where there is no basic running water. Villagers have to go down the road with barrels to collect water and then roll them back into the village.

One five-year-old girl found a man-made hole, climbed down there with a bucket and kept filling the bucket to ensure her family had water. The five year old refused our help. Almost every second dwelling sells items from fruit and smokes. Thanks to Poisy’s family, I was joined by people who felt it was their duty to ensure that I had a good time and felt safe. I feel safe in PNG, thanks Posey and friends for the company.

Port Moresby welcomes Billy. Photo: Supplied

I met musicians, spoke to a boat owner who ferries people to/from neighbouring villages, attended the two Anglican Churches and visited homes. Several constants; people smile more than I do, everyone has a rugby league jersey with the Broncos, Kumuls or local teams in that order. I only found one Canterbury Bulldogs supporter, sadly. People are keen to see PNG enter the NRL in 2028, the national Kumuls team is coached by ex-Souths coach, Jason Demetriou, who attended my high school in the 1990s.

Is it Santorini? Is it Mykonos? No, it’s PNG. Photo: Supplied

Along with the great work of the Constantinou Family, the NRL and PM Anthony Albanese will invest $600 million to assist with initiatives such as AIDs awareness, anti-DV, women and grassroots footy/NRL. PNG is not Brisbane. It needs the Albo’s and the Constantinou’s to be there to help the nation grow and develop. The nation has existed only for 50 years. PNG suffered under decades of German Empire subjugation, and was then “governed” by Queensland until 1975. Everyone can speak at least three languages; a local language, English and Pigeon. International companies should consider locals for call centres to business opportunities.

Billy ingratiates himself with the locals. Photo: Supplied

As I finished a Greek salad, I reflected on Papua New Guinea. It is one nation where the Greek community is almost non-existent, yet its Greek/Cypriot legacy is beyond measurement.

Mini documentary: 

*Billy Cotsis is the author of Aegean Seven and Take Back The Stolen Marbles.