THE Government House has spoken highly of the late Sir David Vunagi, the country’s seventh Governor General, as a man of steadfast and deeply-caring leadership during times of national economic and political crisis.
Government House Deputy Secretary Maxwell Banyo praised late Sir David when presenting an official eulogy on behalf the Government House at State Funeral of the former Governor General at the Saint Barnabas Cathedral, Thursday.
“Sir David served the country during a time of economic and political crisis, but he remained steadfast, caring deeply for the nation and its people,” Mr Banyo said.
Mr Banyo highlighted key milestones, achievements, and contributions made by Sir David during his tenure as Governor-General.
“Sir David was the first Governor-General to be elected unopposed. He was conferred with the knighthood of the 9th Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) on October 16, 2019 at the Buckingham Palace in London.
“Additionally, he was knighted as a Knight of Grace of the Most Venerable Order of St John (KStJ) at the Government House in Sydney, Australia, on February 10, 2020. Notably, he was the only Governor-General to have served under two monarchs: the late Queen Elizabeth II and the current King Charles III.”
Mr Banyo said during Sir David’s term as Governor-General, he attended significant royal events, including the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of King Charles III.
He said Sir David’s leadership was particularly pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the nation faced unprecedented challenges, adding that he was the first Governor-General to declare multiple State of Public Emergency during the pandemic period.
“Sir David served the country during times of economic and political crisis, but he remained steadfast, caring deeply for the nation and its people,” Mr Banyo added.
Sir David served as the 7th Governor-General of Solomon Islands from 2019 to 2024, representing the country with dignity on both national and international stages.
Before his appointment as Governor-General, Sir David served as the 5th Archbishop and Primate of the Church of the Province of Melanesia from 2009 to 2015, leading the largest Christian denomination in the Melanesian sub-region.
A dedicated educator, Sir David taught at several institutions, including King George VI Secondary School and Selwyn College, where he also served as principal.
During the ethnic tensions in Solomon Islands, his wisdom and diplomatic skills played a crucial role in fostering peace and preserving national unity.
Sir David held multiple academic degrees, including a Master of Education in Biology from the University of Papua New Guinea and a Master of Theology from the Vancouver School of Theology in Canada.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
