Frank Utu Ofagioro Kabui, | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Kabui in 2017 | |
| 6thGovernor General of Solomon Islands | |
| In office 7 July 2009 – 7 July 2019 | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Derek Sikua Danny Philip Gordon Darcy Lilo Manasseh Sogavare Rick Houenipwela |
| Preceded by | SirNathaniel Waena |
| Succeeded by | SirDavid Vunagi |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1946-04-20)20 April 1946 (age 79) |
| Spouse | Grace Kabui |
| Alma mater | University of Papua New Guinea |
Sir Frank Utu Ofagioro Kabui,GCMG,CSI,OBE,KStJ (born 20 April 1946) is a former diplomat who was theGovernor-General of Solomon Islands from 7 July 2009 to 7 July 2019.
He was the country's first law graduate in 1975, became a judge and was a former member of theSolomon Islands Bar Association (SIBA), having twice served as its president.
Kabui was born on 20 April 1946[1][2] in the village of Suluagwari, nearMalu'u on the island ofMalaita. He is a former High Court judge and Attorney General.[3] He was twice elected President of theSolomon Islands Bar Association, the second time in 2007 to succeedRanjit Hewagama.[4] Whereas David Campbell was Solomon Islands' first local lawyer, Kabui was the country's first law graduate upon completing his studies at theUniversity of Papua New Guinea in 1975.[5][6][7] Kabui also served as Chairman of the Law Reform Commission.
Kabui was nominated by theNational Parliament to becomeGovernor General after the fourth round with thirty votes. The Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Edmund Andresen, received eight votes while Kabui's predecessor,Nathaniel Waena, received seven. Three members were not present.[8] The list of candidates also included formerPrime Minister and current Speaker of ParliamentPeter Kenilorea and five other candidates.[9] Following the completion of this nomination process in Parliament, the formal appointment as Governor-General was then issued byElizabeth II,Queen of Solomon Islands.[10] His election came as the country celebrated thirty-one years of independence.[10]
Kabui attended a ceremony at theLawson Tama Stadium on 7 July 2009, where several thousand people saw him take his oath.[10] He inspected a guard of honour by theRoyal Solomon Islands Police Force and received the royal salute during a parade.[10]
On 8 July 2009 inHoniara, Kabui presented an award to athleteJim Marau, who, in 1975, became Solomon Islands' firstSouth Pacific Games gold medallist.[11] Marau was awarded during the Independence Celebration in Lawson Tama.[11]
On 9 October 2009, Kabui was appointed aKnight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George.[12]
| Government offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Governor General of Solomon Islands 2009–2019 | Succeeded by SirDavid Vunagi |