BY NED GAGAHE
A total of 15 recipients will be honoured with medals during the King’s Birthday celebrations this Friday, 13 June, at the National Stadium in Honiara.
This was revealed by Government House in preparation for the national event.
Governor General Sir David Tiva Kapu, will officiate the Honours and Awards ceremony, which is a key highlight of the King’s Birthday celebrations.
The awards are granted based on nominations submitted to the Honours and Awards Committee, which is responsible for recommending recipients for approval by Buckingham Palace. The honours recognise long and dedicated service to the country across various sectors.
Among this year’s recipients:
- One individual will be conferred a Knight of the British Empire (KBE)
- One recipient will be appointed a Commander of the British Empire (CBE)
- Three will receive the title of Officer of the British Empire (OBE)
- Seven will be made Members of the British Empire (MBE)
- Three others will receive the British Empire Medal (BEM) and the King’s Police Medal
The King’s Birthday is a public holiday and is considered one of the most significant national events of the year. Celebrations will begin with a police parade and marching band performance at the National Stadium, followed by a formal speech from the Governor General.
The Governor General will also preside over the pardoning of one inmate, as part of the official ceremony.
The King’s Official Birthday is traditionally celebrated in June in most Commonwealth realms, including Solomon Islands, although it does not correspond with the actual birth date of the monarch.
Since gaining Independence in 1978, the Solomon Islands has continued to observe the monarch’s official birthday in recognition of the King as Head of State, represented locally by the Governor General.
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