AFTER serving the country in the political arena for about 57 years, Sir Waeta Ben Tabusasi finally received his Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) Medal on Friday.
Governor General Sir Reverend David Tipa Kapu officiated at the ceremony during the Kings Birthday celebration at the National stadium in East Honiara.
Sir Tabusasi, former Governing Council for East Guadalcanal, Provincial Speaker and Premier was awarded the 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.
He first entered politics in 1973 to represent East Guadalcanal and then Northeast Guadalcanal.
After leaving Parliament, he served in other areas like speaker to the national parliament and Guadalcanal Province and Premier for Guadalcanal Province.
At the age of 79, he is still active and strong by looking after his health.
Sir Waeta Ben Tabusasi was born on August 5, 1946, in the village of Konoboe on Guadalcanal.
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.
He was also a member of the legislative assembly when Solomon Islands gained independence in July 7th 1978.
He was also a member of the delegation that went to London for the constitutional congress.
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.
Sir Tabusasi was amongst 15 others received their awards.
Photo caption: GG David Tipa Kapu bestowing the knighthood on Sir Waita Ben Tabusasi.
