THE country’s fourth Governor General (GG), a former Premier of Temotu Province and ordained Anglican priest Sir Father John Inilapli has passed on.
The demise of Sir John was announced in a death notice from the Governor-General Reverend David Tiva Kapu over the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC).
“From the Office of the Governor-General to the government and the people of the Solomon Islands, it is sad to inform you of the passing away of one of our statesmen, Sir John Ini Lapli, GCMG, Governor-General from 1999 to 2004, who was called to rest this morning, January 18, 2025, at 3 am in Honiara. Sir John Ini Lapli died peacefully at his accommodation in Honiara after a long struggle with illness,” Governor-General Kapu said.
The Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP) has also paid tribute to the late Father Sir John Inilapli following his death.
In a condolence message to Madam Helen Lapli, the wife of Late Father Sir John, their children and immediate and extended family members, SIDP President Gabriel Suri, SIDP Parliamentary Wing Leader Matthew Wale, other SIDP Parliamentarians and the SIDP Executive and Members said:
“We extend our deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, Father Sir John Ini Lapli.
“We mourn the loss of a great yet humble man who devoted his life to the selfless service of God, the State, his Province, and the people of Solomon Islands. His unwavering commitment to the vision and hope of a united, peaceful and better Solomon Islands, will remain an enduring legacy for our Country and its people.
“We remember and honour his remarkable leadership and contributions to our nation, including his role as the founding President of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party.
“We share in your sorrow and stand with you in prayer. May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we have received our gospel hope, bring comfort and strength to you and your family in this difficult time.”
Prior to his election as Governor-General by the National Parliament in June 1999, Sir John served as Premier of the country’s easternmost province of Temotu.
At the height of the ethnic tension in 2000 during his term as Governor-General, Sir John was taken hostage by militants, but was released a few days later when Prime Minister Bartholomew Ulufa’alu and his government promised to resign.
In June 2004, Lapli failed to be re-elected to the position of Governor-General for another term after receiving only 6 of the 41 votes in Parliament.
Of the country’s seven former Governors-General, Sir John is the fourth to have passed on. The three surviving Governors-Generals are Sir Nathaniel Waena who succeeded Sir John on 7 July 2004 and served until 7 July 2009, Sir Frank Kabui, the only second Governor-General to serve a two-year term from 7 July 2009 to 7 July 2019 and Sir David Vunagi who served from 7 July 2019 to 7 July 2024.
The first Governor-General to serve a two-year term was Sir Baddley Devesi, the country’s first Governor-General. He served from 7 July 1978 to 7 July 1988.
The other Governors-General were Sir George Lepping who served from 7 July 1998 to 7 July 1994 and Sir Moses Pitakaka who served from 7 July 1994 to 7 July 1999.
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
