Solomon Islands former governor general, Sir Baddley Devesi, has passed away in the national capital, Honiara, at 6pm today (Thursday 16, February 2012 – Honiara time).
The late Devesi became the first Solomon Islands governor general in 1978 and served two consecutive terms and only ended his tenure as required by the constitution – a total of ten years.
Following the end of his tenure as GG, he entered national politics and successfully contested and won the parliamentary seat of North East Central Guadalcanal in the early 1990s.
As a political leader, the late Devesi had served in a number of executive governments, during the late Solomon Mamaloni era, as a senior government minister.
In the late 1990s, Devesi broke rank with his former political colleague and good friend, the late Mamaloni, who was then the Prime Minister, due to his displeasure over allegations of persistent corruption in government, fuelled by Asian loggers.
Subsequently, the late Devesi became the Leader of Opposition in parliament. During his leadership, he strongly advocated anti-corruption and accountability in national leadership.
He remained in national politics until the Malaita Eagle Force (MEF) forcefully ousted the democratically elected government of former Prime Minister, the late Bart Ulufa'alu, of which he was Deputy Prime Minister, in a coup in 5 June 2000.
During the height of the ethnic conflict, where he was one of the main targets of the MEF armed thugs and leadership due to his prominant status on his native Guadalcanal, the late Devesi left and seek refuge in the Western Province in 2000 and 2001.
In the late 1990s, Devesi broke rank with his former political colleague and good friend, the late Mamaloni, who was then the Prime Minister, due to his displeasure over allegations of persistent corruption in government, fuelled by Asian loggers.
Subsequently, the late Devesi became the Leader of Opposition in parliament. During his leadership, he strongly advocated anti-corruption and accountability in national leadership.
He remained in national politics until the Malaita Eagle Force (MEF) forcefully ousted the democratically elected government of former Prime Minister, the late Bart Ulufa'alu, of which he was Deputy Prime Minister, in a coup in 5 June 2000.
During the height of the ethnic conflict, where he was one of the main targets of the MEF armed thugs and leadership due to his prominant status on his native Guadalcanal, the late Devesi left and seek refuge in the Western Province in 2000 and 2001.
As Paramount Chief of his tribal group in the Tasimboko region, North East Central Guadalcanal, the late Devesi exited national politics under duress at the post coup December 2001 national election.
The late Devesi has left behind his wife, June, and eight adult children and several grandchildren.
Condolence Message:
From Catherine Koroi Angiki and Children in Brisbane to Aunty June and family members in Honiara and New Zealand: We learn with great sadness the passing away of uncle Devesi. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this time of sorrow. May the good Lord continue to comfort you.
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