BY TONY IROGA
Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu has paid tribute to the last two surviving members of the Solomon Islands’ 1977 independence delegation, describing them as national heroes whose contributions to the country’s independence must never be forgotten.
Speaking during the Guadalcanal Provincial Government’s celebration of the nation’s 48th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday, Premier Atu said Guadalcanal Province is proud that both remaining delegates who travelled to Lancaster House in London for the independence negotiations are sons of Guadalcanal.
According to a statement from the Guadalcanal Provincial Government, the two surviving founding delegates are Mr Philip Kapini and Chief Waeta Ben Tabusasi.
“Today, as our nation marks 48 years of independence, Guadalcanal Province holds a special place in this story.
“Of all those who travelled to Lancaster House, London, in September 1977 to negotiate and witness the signing of our Independence Order, only two still remain with us today, and both are sons of Guadalcanal,” Mr Atu said.
He said the delegates’ efforts secured the nation’s freedom and laid the foundation for future generations.
“What you helped secure in 1977 gave every generation since, including this one, the freedom to build our own future. Guadalcanal is proud to call you our own, and Solomon Islands owes you a debt that 48 years has not diminished,” he said.
He also honoured the other founding fathers who have passed away, saying their vision, sacrifice and leadership paved the way for an independent Solomon Islands.
“We also honour those founding fathers who walked that same path but are no longer with us. Their names are enshrined in our institutions and in our independence itself. We remain forever grateful for their sacrifice and vision,” he said.
He urges the younger generation, particularly the youth of Guadalcanal, to protect and uphold the legacy left by the nation’s founders.
“This legacy is now yours to carry.
“Mr Kapini, Chief Tabusasi and their fellow founding members did not build a nation for it to be taken for granted. Choose unity over division, hard work over shortcuts, and always carry your Guadalcanal heritage with dignity,” he said.
Premier Atu encourages young Solomon Islanders to honour the sacrifices of the country’s founding leaders by becoming responsible citizens and ambassadors for both Guadalcanal Province and the nation.
Addressing the two surviving delegates directly, he thanked them for their courage and dedication in helping secure Solomon Islands’ independence.
“To these two elder statesmen, we say thank you. You stood in a foreign land, far from home, carrying the hopes of your people and your nation on your shoulders,” he said.
Photo: Supplied
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