THE Secretary to the Prime Minister (SPM) Dr Jimmie Rodgers and former Speaker of the National Parliament, Waeta Ben Tabusasi have joined the list of knighthoods in Solomon Islands.
It means the ‘Sir’ title will now be placed in front of their names.
Sir Dr Jimmie received the KCMG (Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George) – the highest of the two awards.
He was honoured for services to health, public service and community both in the country and the Pacific, according to a statement from Government House.
With a health service in Solomon Islands falling apart, some question what health service he had provided
Sir Waeta Ben Tabusasi, on the other hand was awarded a KBE (Knight Commander of the British Empire) for services to politics, the public service and community development.
Sir Ben left active politics 36 years ago.
He was the only person so far to have been a sitting MP when elected Speaker in 1989.
He vacated his seat as MP for North East Guadalcanal upon assuming the duties of Speaker.
The resulting by-election led to Hilda Kari becoming the first ever woman in the Solomon Islands Parliament.
The 2024 Awards were recommended for the King’s Birthday in 2024 and have been approved by His Majesty King Charles III on May 2024.
Sir Ben may receive his award at Government House due to tight financial difficulties faced by the Government.
Sir Dr Jimmie may travel to London because he is a working individual with access to financial resources.
