THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Aoke-Langalanga Constituency and Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Wale is amongst eight persons approved for the Solomon Islands 2025 New Year’s Awards by His Majesty King Charles III.
The names of the eight Solomon Islands 2025 New Year’s Awardees were announced by the Governor-General Reverend David Tiva Kapu in his New Year’s Address to the nation on the Solomon Islands National Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC).
MP Wale will be awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) medal for his service to politics and government, commerce, church and community development.
MP Wale was first elected into Parliament in a bye-election in 2008 following the passing of the incumbent Aoke-Langalanga MP Bartholomew Ulufa’alu. He retained the constituency seat in all National General Elections thereafter. He served as the Minister of Education and Human Resource Development under the Dr Derek Sikua-led Government. He is now serving his second term as Opposition Leader.
The other seven are:
• Danny Lam who will also be awarded a CBE medal for his service to commerce and community development;
• Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Mostyn Mangau who will be awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal for his service to RSIPF and National Security;
• The Commander of the RSIPF-Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP), Heath Davis who will be awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) medal for his service to the RSIPF;
• RSIPF Deputy Commissioner National Security and Operations Support, Ian Vaevaso who will also be receiving an MBE medal for his service to RSIPF;
• RSIPF Assistant Commissioner National Capital and Crime Prevention, Simpson Pogeava who will also be receiving an MBE medal for his service to the RSIPF;
• RSIPF Director National Traffic Department, William Foukaka who will be receiving a King’s Police Medal (KPM) for his service to the RSIPF; and
• RSIPF Provincial Police Commander Honiara City, Chief Superintendent Jimson Robo who will also be receiving a KPM for his service to the RSIPF.
CBE is the highest-ranking Order of the British Empire level (excluding a knighthood/damehood), followed by OBE and then MBE.
A CBE medal is awarded to an individual for having a prominent role at national level, or a leading role at regional level. The honour may also be conferred for a distinguished and innovative contribution to any area.
An OBE medal is awarded to an individual for having made a major contribution at a local level, or having gained a national profile.
An MBE medal is awarded to an individual for an outstanding achievement, or service to the community that has had a long-term, significant impact, whilst the KPM is bestowed upon police officers in the United Kingdom and the entire British Empire, including commonwealth nations, most of which now have their own honour’s system. This medal is awarded in recognition of acts of gallantry or distinguished service.
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
