A FORMER Prime Minister and statesman, the Late Sir Francis Billy Hilly from Ranonggah, Western Province has passed away.
His daughter confirmed his passing via a social media post on Monday night.
He died peacefully at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) at the age of 77 around after being ill for sometime.
Since the news of his passing, tributes and message of condolences have been conveyed to the family and relatives.
According to Solomon Islands Historical Encyclopaedia, Late Sir Francis was born on 20 July 1948 at Emu Harbour on Ranongga, Western District.
He was educated at the Government Primary School in Honiara (1958-1962), King George VI School (q.v.) (1963-1966), and then at University of the South Pacific (1968-1973), where he was a representative on the Students’ Council and the first student to graduate with a B.A. (Administration).
Before entering politics he worked as a District Officer (1974), as Clerk to Makira Province (1975), and then as Manager of the British Solomons Trading Company in Gizo (1976).
Late Hilly entered the Legislative Assembly (q.v.) as the member for Ranongga/Simbo in 1976.
Parliamentary Service
- Elected to the National Parliament of Solomon Islands for Ranogga/Simbo Constituency in 1976. Re-elected in 1980, 26 May 1993, 6 August 1997, 5 December 2001 and 5 April 2006.
Parliamentary Appointments
- Chair, Parliamentary House Committee from 10 May 2006 to 22 December 2007.
- Chair, Public Accounts Committee from 15 November 2004 to 5 December 2005.
Ministerial Appointments
- Minister for Commerce, Industry and Employment from 22 December 2007 to present
- Leader of the Opposition from 14 July 2004 to 4 April 2006.
- Leader of the Opposition from 1994 to 1995.
- Prime Minister from June 1993 to November 1994.
- Minister for Home Affairs.
- Minister for Health and Medical Services and Deputy Prime Minister.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts (Administration), University of the South Pacific
- King George Sixth Secondary School.
Occupation before entering Parliament
- Member, Western Provincial Assembly
- Administrative Officer Solomon Islands Government
- Company Manager
- Self-Employed Businessman
Conferences, Delegations, Visits
- Attend various Regional and International Seminars and Conferences
