Former Speaker and Statesman Sir Paul passes on this afternoon

Former politician, Speaker of the National Parliament and Statesman Sir Paul Tovua has passed on this afternoon in Honiara.

Sir Paul has been ill for sometime before he was called to rest this afternoon.

His doctor, Dr. Pedical Togamana confirmed that Sir Paul died today.

Information published about Sir Paul details that he served in the first Parliament representing the Central Guadalcanal Constituency in 1976 until 1980. He then went on to become the Speaker of Parliament from from 1994 to 2001.

Sir Paul and late Sir Peter Kenilorea also co-chaired the peace-talks between former militant groups Malaita Eagle Force and Isatabu Freedom Movement in 2000. He was one of the key players in the country’s efforts to bring back peace following the ethnic tension.

Sir Paul had also engaged in national and community events. He was also a former athlete especially rugby.

Sir Paul in 2018 met with former All Black great Michael Jones in Honiara who was on a business trip here to promote rugby.

He was Knighted in 2014.

The SBMOnline Team wishes to pass its sincere condolences to the Late Sir Paul’s family in Honiara, Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands and elsewhere.