THE LATE Sir Peter Kenilorea was bestowed the Star of Solomon Islands Medal during the 38th Independence celebration at Lawson Tama on Thursday.
This was for his long, dedicated and outstanding service to the Government and People of Solomon Islands in the fields of National Politics, Education, Civil Service, Parliamentary Services, Peace and Community Development.
His wife, Margaret and son, Peter Kenilorea Junior, who worked at United Nations in New York, United States of America, received the award on behalf of the late Sir Peter.
One of her daughters posted on social media saying the family was very proud of their father.
“It would have been great if you were still alive then we your family and the nation will celebrate on this great occasion today, the day you should be praised to receive the most highest award – SSI Star of Solomon Islands.”
“Dad we are so proud of you and honored to have someone so influential that impact not only our lives but to the whole nation.
“Thinking of you dad and we love you so much. I’m sure that the most important reward you have already received is the crown of life,” her daughter said.
His son, Junior said it was truly a privilege and honour to support his Mother in receiving Solomon Islands’ highest honour, the star of Solomon Islands.
“To God be the glory. Rest in love, dad. From a proud and humbled son,” he said.
The Star of Solomon Islands, established in 1981 is the highest honour of Solomon Islands.
The Notable recipients include:
1. Helen Clark ONZ (former Prime Minister of New Zealand)
2. John Howard OM AC (former Prime Minister of Australia)
3. Sir Michael Somare GCL GCMG CH CF KStJ KSG PC MP (former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea).
4. Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO.
Sir Peter died on 25th February this year after a long illness at National Referral Hospital.
He was later buried at his home village in Rara, East Are Are.
Sir Peter carried a long list of honours under his belt.
These include membership of the Privy Council, a British knighthood, and the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon, the highest honour that Republic of China can give any foreign citizen.
His most recent award was an Honorary Doctorate from The University of Queensland in Australia, bestowed on him in 2008.
A village boy chosen for modern education, Sir Peter was an early student at the elite King George VI School, and then trained in New Zealand as a school teacher.
In 1971 he transferred from teaching to the public service, at the request of the British government on Malaita, which wanted to accelerate training for the leaders who would take the then Protectorate through to independence.
He rose through a variety of jobs from Assistant Secretary of Finance to become a District Commissioner.
Elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1976, he became Chief Minister and Prime Minister at independence in 1978, a position he held three times between then and 1986.
He also served as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. In 2000 he returned to the Parliament, this time as Speaker where he served for two terms.
In between 1991, when he resigned from Parliament, and 2000, Sir Peter spent three years as Director of the Honiara-based Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).
In 1996 he became the nation’s Ombudsman for five years, and onwards from 2000 was intimately involved in negotiating the peace process during the political crisis years, 1998-2003.
Sir Peter travelled the world, having visited 70 nations during his career.
In 2008 he published his autobiography, “Tell It As It Is”, which was launched at the celebration to mark the nation’s 30th anniversary of independence.
The book was edited by University of Queensland’s Professor Clive Moore.
He was survived by wife Margaret, seven children, and a number of grand-children.
The other recipients of awards during the Independence celebration are:
2. Hon Justice Edwin Peter Goldsbrough: Cross of Solomon Islands Medal for long, dedicated and outstanding service to the People and Government of Solomon Islands in the Judiciary as Justice of the Appeal Court of Solomon Islands and as a Puisne Judge in the High Court of Solomon Islands.
3. Mr Charles Dausabea: Cross of Solomon Islands Medal for long and dedicated service in Politics, Sports, Commerce and Community Development.
4. Mr Andrew Maomaiasi: Cross of Solomon Islands Medal (Silver) for long and dedicated service to the Government and People of Solomon Islands in the field of Port Operation, Stevedoring and Warehousing.
5. Mr Gabriel Manelusi: Solomon Islands Medal (Silver) for long and dedicated service to the Government and People of Solomon Islands in the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
6. Mr Alfred Uiga: Solomon Islands Medal (Silver) for long and dedicated service to the Government and people of Solomon Islands in the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
7. Ms Anne Elizabeth Thomas: Solomon Islands Medal (Bronze) for long and dedicated service to the Government and People of Solomon Islands in the field of Educational Leadership and Community Development.
8. Mr Johnson Hiru: Solomon Islands Medal (Bronze) for long and dedicated service to the Church, Shipping Sector, Youth and Community Development.
9. Mr Cornelius Kirisi: Solomon Islands Medal (Bronze) for long and dedicated service to the Government and People of Solomon Islands in the fields of Health(Malaria Eradication), Civil Service, Area Council and Community Development.
10. Mr John Rove Magu: Solomon Islands Meritorious Medal (SIMM) for long and dedicated service to the Government and People of Solomon Islands in the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
11. Mr George Iro Fa’adau: Solomon Islands Meritorious Medal (SIMM) for services rendered to the Government and People of Solomon Islands in the field of Nursing.
12. Mr Keizo Morikawa: Solomon Islands Meritorious Medal (SIMM) in recognition of his contribution and support towards Non-Governmental Organisations in Solomon Islands in the fields of Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
