Bartholomew Ulufa'alu

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bartholomew Ulufa'alu (born 25 December 1950) was the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands from 27 August 1997 to 30 June 2000.

He founded the Solomon Islands General Workers Union and was leader at the time of independence in 1978. He later founded the Solomon Islands Liberal Party which he still leads.

In June 2000, as Prime Minister, he was kidnapped apparently by militia members of the Malaita Eagle Force protesting the government, and he resigned in exchange for his release. [1]

He is still a member of the Solomon Islands parliament, and tried to form a coalition to become prime minister again in April 2006, but he was unable to do so.

On May 5, 2006, he became finance minister of the Solomon Islands, and held that position until October 2006.

In June 2006 he was reported to be critically ill and had not been in his office for several weeks. [2]. However, he seemed to make a good recovery and was back in his role as finance minister before his resignation over the government's handling of relations with Australia.

Preceded by Solomon Mamaloni

Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands 1997-2000

Succeeded by Manasseh Sogavare

Prime Ministers of the Solomon Islands
Peter Kenilorea • Solomon Mamaloni • Peter Kenilorea • Ezekiel Alebua • Solomon Mamaloni • Francis Billy Hilly • Solomon Mamaloni • Bartholomew Ulufa'alu • Manasseh Sogavare • Allan Kemakeza • Snyder Rini • Manasseh Sogavare