Faimalaga Luka
| The Right Honourable Faimalaga Luka OBE | |
|---|---|
| Governor-General of Tuvalu | |
| In office 9 September 2003 – 15 April 2005 | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Saufatu Sopoanga Maatia Toafa |
| Preceded by | Tomasi Puapua |
| Succeeded by | Filoimea Telito |
| Prime Minister of Tuvalu | |
| In office 24 February 2001 – 14 December 2001 | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor General | Tomasi Puapua |
| Preceded by | Lagitupu Tuilimu (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Koloa Talake |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 15, 1940 |
| Died | August 19, 2005 Suva, Fiji |
Faimalaga Luka (April 15, 1940 – August 19, 2005) was a political figure from the Pacific nation of Tuvalu. He served as Governor-General and the Prime Minister of Tuvalu.
Background
He was a broadcaster and politician, spending 40 years in the civil service and in politics,[1] serving in roles including Minister for Health from 1994 to 1996 and Minister of Home Affairs from 1999 to 2001.
Prime Minister
He became Prime Minister of Tuvalu from 24 February 2001 after the previous Prime Minister, Ionatana Ionatana, died of a heart attack in December 2000.[2]
Within a year of taking office, Luka lost a vote of no confidence on 14 December 2001 and was forced to resign as Prime Minister, being replaced by Koloa Talake.[2]
Speaker of Parliament
In June 2003 he became Speaker of Parliament, although an opposition MP at the time.[3]
Governor-General
Luka was appointed as Governor-General on 9 September 2003, as the representative of HM Queen Elizabeth II, who is Tuvalu's head of state. He retired on 15 April 2005[4] after reaching his 65th birthday. Tuvalu, unlike most countries, has a mandatory retirement age for all civil servants.
Historical note: Luka was the only Governor-General of Tuvalu not to accept a Knighthood. The practice of a Governor-General accepting a Knighthood was resumed by Luka's successor to that office, Sir Filoimea Telito.
Death
He died on August 19, 2005 in Fiji where he had been referred for medical treatment.[1][5]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Pacific Magazine
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Freedom House
- ↑ "Tuvalu has new speaker". Radio New Zealand International. 24 June 2003. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
- ↑ Craig, Robert D. (2010). Historical Dictionary of Polynesia. Scarecrow Press.
- ↑ PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT - Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006
| Preceded by Lagitupu Tuilimu (acting) |
Prime Minister of Tuvalu 2001 |
Succeeded by Koloa Talake |
| Preceded by Sir Tomasi Puapua |
Governor-General of Tuvalu 2003–2005 |
Succeeded by Filoimea Telito |