Solomon Islands has lost a great leader, says Sogavare
MEMBER of Parliament (MP) for West Kwaio Constituency, Titus Mokofi Fika has passed on in the early hours of Friday morning, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed.
He was the Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology under the Sogavare-led Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA), at the time of his passing.
In an official announcement to the nation mid-morning yesterday, Mr Sogavare stated that the Late Fika died around 2am yesterday after a prolonged illness.
“I stand in front of you with a heavy heart to inform you all that at 2am this morning (yesterday), Titus Fika, the late Minister for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Disaster Management and Metrology was called to rest by our heavenly father at the National Referral Hospital following a prolonged illness,” Mr Sogavare said.
On behalf of the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA), his family, all members of National Cabinet and the Government Caucus, Mr Sogavare conveys their most sincere and profound sorrow and condolences to the late Fika’s loved ones and relatives.
He described late Fika as a great champion to the people, a husband and a father, a brother, uncle and cousin and a role model for all that have been blessed to meet and work with him.
“I also expressed my government’s sincere and heartfelt condolences to the people of West Kwaio Constituency who late Fika had represented so well in the National Parliament,” Sogavare said.
He stated, before late Fika became an MP, he worked in the teaching profession as a teacher, and rose to the level of Education Secretary for the Malaita Province before being appointed speaker to Malaita Provincial Assembly.
“It is these responsibilities that prepared the late Fika for his representative role at the National Parliament – in his National role as the Minister responsible for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Metrology.
“Fellow Solomon Islanders, I lost a brother, the government has lost a tremendous minister and the country has lost a great leader.
“Late Fika was characterized by a commitment to serve his people and his country. He was driven by a passion to deliver to his people and to the country. He was happiest when the government delivers on his programs that benefit the nation.
“He was a perfect image of the words inscribed in our coat of arms ‘To Lead is to serve’.
Mr Sogavare also highlighted that late Fika has left behind a legacy of servitude to his family, his constituency, and his people.
“Late Fika always put others first. He always sought to serve his constituency and his country well and to his utmost.
“I and my colleagues in government will continue his legacy of service to the people and country lest we do in justice to our late brother,” Sogavare said.
He added the late Fika was a person of great integrity and humility.
“He always has a great characteristic of smile on his face, regardless of the circumstances he faced in delivering his responsibilities for his people,” Sogavare concluded.
By ESTHER NURIA
Newsroom, Honiara
