Flags flown at half-mast in respect of Sir Peter
ALL national flags and those of nations with offices here are flown on half-mast as the nation mourns the death of its statesman ,Sir Peter Kenilorea.
As messages of condolences continue to pour in from abroad and at home, preparations are underway for a state funeral to honour the nation’s first prime minister.
Sir Peter died at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara on Thursday 25th February 2016 at age 72.
Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga, on Friday declared on the national broadcaster the death of Sir Peter and sent condolences to his family.
“As a show of national respect, the Solomon Islands flag and of overseas’ countries represented here are being flown at half mast,” Mr Maelanga said.
“It is with great sadness that I on behalf of the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Madam Emmy Sogavare, formally announced to you all the passing away of Sir Peter Kenilorea, our nation’s founding father and first Prime Minister,” he said.
“Late Sir Peter is our most respected leader who led us to successfully achieved independence in 1978.
“A task other senior statesmen shouldered with humility, responsibility and commitment,” Mr Maelanga said.
He said Sir Peter was respected not only here in Solomon Islands but also at the regional and international arena for his outstanding contribution in politics and leadership.
Mr Maelanga said the government was working closely with the family of late Sir Peter to host a full state funeral normally accorded to senior statesmen of this nature.
He hailed Sir Peter for his huge contribution to the growth and prosperity of the nation.
“A formal arrangement of the state funeral’s date and arrangement will be made at an appropriate time,” he said.
Opposition leader Jeremiah Manele said the late Sir Peter was one of the country’s founding fathers and his loss is not only a great loss to his family but this nation and its people.
“Sir Peter was a great and inspiring leader and our country’s first Prime Minister; a dedicated, loyal and respected statesman,” Mr Manele said.
“It was the vision of this man with other Solomon Islanders that set the pathway for this country and its people.”
Sir Peter was survived by wife Margaret, his seven children, and a number of grand-children.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
