Faimalaga Luka | |
|---|---|
 Luka in 2003 | |
| 7thGovernor-General of Tuvalu | |
| In office 9 September 2003 – 15 April 2005 | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Saufatu Sopoanga Maatia Toafa |
| Preceded by | Tomasi Puapua |
| Succeeded by | Filoimea Telito |
| 6thPrime Minister of Tuvalu | |
| In office 24 February 2001 – 13 December 2001 | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor-General | Tomasi Puapua |
| Preceded by | Lagitupu Tuilimu (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Koloa Talake |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 April 1940 |
| Died | 19 August 2005 (aged 65) |
Faimalaga Luka,OBE (15 April 1940 – 19 August 2005) was a political figure from thePacific nation ofTuvalu. He represented the constituency ofNukufetau in theParliament of Tuvalu. He served asGovernor-General and thePrime Minister of Tuvalu.
He was a broadcaster and politician, spending 40 years in the civil service and in politics, serving in roles including Minister for Health from 1994 to 1996 and Minister of Home Affairs from 1999 to 2001. He was married to Sikiona Luka.[1]
In the1995 New Year Honours, he was appointed anOfficer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for public service.[2]
After the death of Prime Minister Ionatana on 8 December 2000,Lagitupu Tuilimu was acting prime minister, and foreign minister, from 8 December 2000 to 24 February 2001. Faimalaga Luka became theprime minister, and foreign minister, on 23 February 2001 and was sworn in the next day with a reshuffled cabinet.[3] Luka's government lasted until December 2001, when he lost office as the consequence of amotion of no confidence.[3] On 13 December 2001 the former finance ministerKoloa Talake was appointed prime minister.[3][4]
In June 2003 he becamespeaker of parliament, although an opposition MP at the time.[5]
Luka was appointed as Governor-General on 9 September 2003,[3][6] as the representative ofElizabeth II,Queen of Tuvalu. He retired on 15 April 2005,[3][7] after reaching his 65th birthday. Tuvalu, unlike most countries, has a mandatory retirement age for all civil servants.
Luka was the onlyGovernor-General of Tuvalu not to accept a knighthood.[citation needed]
Luka died on 19 August 2005, inFiji where he had been referred for medical treatment.[3][8]
| Government offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Lagitupu Tuilimu (acting) | Prime Minister of Tuvalu 2001 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Governor-General of Tuvalu 2003–2005 | Succeeded by |