Tabusasi formally receives title of Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE)
By Taromane Martin
“Serving with integrity, honesty and with all your heart in whatever you do is what makes a great leader.”
Sir Waeta Ben Tabusasi, former Governing Council for East Guadalcanal, Provincial Speaker and Premier highlighted this after receiving his Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) Medal.
Sir Tabusasi was awarded this title to honor his lifelong contributions to politics, public service, and community development in the Solomon Islands, all of which he acknowledges back to the people he served.
“This medal is dedicated to the constituencies and organizations that I represented. I first came into politics in 1973 where I represented East Guadalcanal and then Northeast Guadalcanal when it changed,” he said.
“When I left Parliament, I served in other areas like speaker to the national parliament and Guadalcanal Province and Premier for Guadalcanal Province. I dedicate this medal to them because it is not me. It is them who put me there and who supported me until I got this medal.”
“My advice to young people. Serve with all your heart and put all your heart into whatever you do. With integrity, with honesty. These are the kind of things that are required of you as the future leaders.”
“It is because of dedication, and you must serve with integrity that is more important. That is my advice for the young people who aspire to do that,” Sir Tabusasi said.
Meanwhile, life after politics for Sir Waeta Ben Tabusasi, is now relaxed as he continues his leadership role with his family.
“I’m now relaxed, being a politician, you must meet expectations. Now that I’m a civilian I’m more relaxed looking after my family and grandchildren.”
“I have served (Guadalcanal province and our country) I think more years and I’m happy to continue to serve my people of Solomon Islands until the good Lord calls me home,” Sir Tabusasi adds.
OTHER INFORMATIONS
Sir Waeta Ben Tabusasi was born on August 5, 1946, in the village of Konoboe on Guadalcanal. His leadership journey has been one of steady dedication.
He attended Houa school on Guadalcanal (1959-1961) and Malaita the Su’u Senior Primary School on Malaita from 1961 to 1963, followed by the King George VI School at Auki from 1964 to 1967, before undergoing training in forestry at Bulolo Forestry College in Papua New Guinea.
He worked as a forest officer and shipping clerk before entering politics in 1973 when he was elected to the Governing Council for East Guadalcanal and soon became Minister of Agriculture and Lands.
He later served as Speaker of the National Parliament (1989–1993), and as Premier of Guadalcanal (2002–2004).
Most recently, he served as a commissioner for the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption.
ENDS//