THE Australian High Commissioner, Dr Lachlan Strahan, will leave Solomon Islands back to Australia today after completing his three-year tenure.
Dr Strahan revealed this on Monday when delivering his remarks at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, a project worth SBD$150-million financed by the Australian Government. It will be implemented by the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Programme (SIIP).
He said the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre is important to him as his time has come to a conclusion after working as a diplomat for his country in Solomon Islands.
The Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Culwick Togamana said for him personally, he has mixed feelings about Dr Strahan’s announcement of departure.
“I know that you will leave this Friday (tomorrow).
“For me personally, it’s a mixed feeling when you mentioned that you will be leaving.”
Dr Togamana added that what the Australian Government and people rendered to the Government and people of Solomon Islands will be treasured.
He said Dr Strahan will continue to strengthen the commitment that Australia has with the people and government of Solomon Islands when back in Canberra and wished him all the best.
“You will strengthen that commitment when you are in Canberra.
“I wish you all the best when you leave this Friday (today).”
Dr Strahan succeeded Roderick Brazier.
According to the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands, Dr Strahan is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in History from Monash University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Melbourne.
By LACHLAN EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
