Frank Kabui

His Excellency
Frank Kabui
GCMG CSI OBE
Governor General of Solomon Islands
Incumbent
Assumed office
7 July 2009
Monarch Elizabeth II
Prime Minister Derek Sikua
Danny Philip
Gordon Darcy Lilo
Manasseh Sogavare
Preceded by Nathaniel Waena
Personal details
Born 20 April 1946
Suluagwari, Solomon Islands
Spouse(s) Grace Kabui
Alma mater University of Papua New Guinea

Sir Frank Utu Ofagioro Kabui, GCMG, CSI, OBE has been the Governor General of Solomon Islands since 7 July 2009.

He is also a trained judge, having been his country's first law graduate in 1975, and is a former member of the Solomon Islands Bar Association (SIBA), having twice served as its President.

Career

Legal career

Kabui was born on 20 April 1946.[1][2] He is a former High Court judge and Attorney General.[3] He was twice elected President of the Solomon Islands Bar Association, the second time in 2007 to succeed Ranjit Hewagama.[4] He was the first law graduate from the Solomon Islands, graduating from the University of Papua New Guinea in 1975.[5] Kabui also served as Chairman of the Law Reform Commission.

Political career

2009 nomination

Kabui was nominated by the National Parliament to become Governor General after the fourth round with thirty votes. The Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Edmund Andresen, received eight votes while Kabui's predecessor, Nathaniel Waena, received seven. Three members were not present.[6] The list of candidates also included former Prime Minister and current Speaker of Parliament Peter Kenilorea and five other candidates.[7] Following the completion of this nomination process in Parliament, the formal appointment as Governor-General was then issued by Elizabeth II, Queen of the Solomon Islands. Kabui will serve as the de facto head of state of the Solomon Islands for a five-year term.[8] His election came as the country celebrated thirty-one years of independence.[8]

Kabui attended a ceremony at the Lawson Tama Stadium on 7 July 2009, where several thousand people saw him take his oath.[8] He inspected a guard of honour by the Royal Solomon Islands Police and received the royal salute during a parade.[8]

On 8 July 2009 in Honiara, Kabui presented an award to athlete Jim Marau, who was Solomon Islands first South Pacific Games gold medallist, achieving this feat in 1975.[9] Marau was awarded during the Independence Celebration in Lawson Tama.[9]

On 9 October 2009, Kabui was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George[10]

References

  1. "KABUI, Sir Frank (Utu Ofagioro)", Who's Who 2013. UK: A&C Black, 2012.
  2. Mr Frank Kabui is elected new Governor-General designate of Solomon Islands
  3. Solomon Star News
  4. Maeava, Rachel (2007-08-25). "Moti Should Step Down: Bar Association". Solomon Times. Retrieved 2012-04-22.
  5. "Kabui says no surprise in winning GG election". Radio New Zealand International. 16 June 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
  6. "Frank Kabui is New Governor General" Solomon Times.
  7. One Television.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 "New Governor General for Solomons". Solomon Times. 2009-07-08. Retrieved 2009-07-07.
  9. 9.0 9.1 "First gold medalist sprinter awarded". Solomon Star. 2009-07-09. Retrieved 2009-07-08.
  10. http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/59208/notices/941330/recent=10;category=state;subcategory=honours
Government offices
Preceded by
Nathaniel Waena
Governor General of Solomon Islands
2009–present
Incumbent