Bill Skate

ModernPoliticianPapua New Guinea1953 — ?

Controversial PNG PM, died of alcoholism.

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Quick Facts

Born

1953

Country

Papua New Guinea

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)34

Political (20%)29

Influence (20%)46

Legacy (20%)33

Leadership (15%)45

Strategy (15%)44

Total Score38.6

Bill Skate — Complete Timeline

1997 AD

Elected Prime Minister of Papua New GuineaPolitical Action◆ Major

Skate was elected Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, succeeding Julius Chan. His election came during a period of economic difficulty and the aftermath of the Bougainville conflict.

Prime MinisterPapua New GuineaElection

Impact: national

Signed the Sandline Mercenary ContractPolitical Action◆ Major

Skate's government approved a contract with Sandline International, a private military company, to suppress the Bougainville rebellion. This led to the Sandline affair, a political scandal that caused widespread protests and a mutiny in the PNG Defence Force.

Sandline AffairBougainvilleScandal

Impact: nationaldestructive

1999 AD

Resigned as Prime MinisterPolitical Action◆ Major

Skate resigned as Prime Minister amid allegations of corruption and mismanagement. He was succeeded by Mekere Morauta. His resignation marked the end of a controversial tenure.

ResignationCorruptionPapua New Guinea

Impact: nationaldestructive

2006 AD

Died from alcoholismOther

Skate died in Port Moresby at the age of 53 due to complications from chronic alcoholism. His death was widely reported as a consequence of his lifestyle.

DeathAlcoholismPapua New Guinea

Impact: nationaltragic