By Alfred Sasako
PETER Kenilorea jnr has reportedly resigned as Permanent Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and External Trade in pursuit of a like-father-like-son political career.
Mr Kenilorea jnr is reportedly eyeing the East Are seat, once held by his late father, Sir Peter Kenilorea at the next national general election.
The seat is being occupied by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Survey, Hon Andrew Manepora MP, who according to some accounts is eyeing contesting the East Honiara Constituency.
The young Kenilorea could not be contacted yesterday for comment as he was away in London attending the official opening of Solomon Islands new High Commission there. The official opening is due to take place today (April 21).
In March this year, the Government formally appointed him as the new substantive Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
Prior to his appointment, Kenilorea jnr was an International Civil Servant who worked at the United Nations Secretariat in New York.
From 2000-2017 he has held positions in the UN Office of Legal Affairs, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the UN Department of General Assembly and Conference Management, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the UN Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States.
In 1996-2000, he worked at the Attorney General’s Chambers and from 1994-1995 he was employed by Jennifer Corrin Barrister & Solicitor.
Peter obtained an LLB from the University of Waikato in New Zealand which he has attended from 1991-1994. He also obtained an LLM in International Law from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom which he attended from 1997-1998.
Most of his secondary schooling was done at Wesley College, New Zealand which he attended from 1986-1990. Kenilorea jnr also spent a year at the Su’u National Secondary School on Malaita in 1985.
He is married with two children.
Kenilorea jnr told the media shortly after his appointment that he was truly honored to serve as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade.
“I look forward to representing the interest of the Solomon Islands Government and its people. At the national level the Ministry will continue and enhance it close cooperation with all substantive ministries. At the international level we will continue to engage constructively with our many partners,” he said.
“I am bringing the experiences I have gained over the years at the global level to my new position to hopefully make a positive contribution that would ultimately benefit our beloved nation, Solomon Islands, and its peoples,” he added.
