PORT VILA, VANUATU (10 August 2022): On behalf of the staff of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat in Port Vila, Vanuatu, the Director General, Leonard Louma, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Government and People of Solomon Islands, on the passing of the former and third Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, the Rt Honourable, Ezekiel Alebua.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, MP dated August 2022, DG Louma paid tribute to the surviving families, children, grandchildren and relatives for their unwavering support in the life of this great Leader and father.

The Rt Honorable Ezekiel Alebua was one of the Founding Fathers of the MSG and the original signatories to the Agreed Principles of Cooperation between the MSG countries signed alongside the Late Hon, Fr Walter Lini, Prime Minister of Vanuatu and Hon, Pias Wingti, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea on 14 March 1988, to formally and for the first-time recognize MSG as the sub-regional grouping in the Pacific.

“Since its inception in 1988, and from the wisdom of the founding fathers, the MSG has grown stronger as a Group ever since, and has become a subregional force within the Blue Pacific Continent,” DG Louma stated.

It is our solemn prayer that our Good Lord and Saviour will comfort you all at this time of bereavement and may the Soul of Rt Honourable Ezekiel Alebua, Rest in Peace and Rise to Everlasting Glory with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.