The former Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Waena, a prominent statesman, passed away this morning, following a long illness.
The Government through the Office of the Prime Minister, has issued an official statement expressing profound condolences following his passing on.
Sir Nathaniel, a prominent statesman, served as the fifth Governor-General of Solomon Islands from 2004 to 2009 and represented the Ulawa-Ugi constituency in the National Parliament for two decades, from 1984 to 2004.
Prime Minister Wale highlighted Sir Nathaniel’s extensive career, including roles as Deputy Speaker, Minister of Provincial Government, Minister for National Unity, Peace, and Reconciliation, and permanent secretary.
Following his appointment to the vice-regal office, Sir Nathaniel was invested as a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) and later awarded the Cross of Solomon Islands (CSI).
“On behalf of the GREAT Coalition and the people of Solomon Islands, I extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the late Sir Nathaniel Waena. We mourn the passing of a national leader who devoted many years of his life to serving our people and our country,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Wale commemorated Sir Nathaniel’s parliamentary and vice-regal leadership, offering formal condolences to his family. The Government recognized his distinguished constitutional service and lasting legacy in Solomon Islands’ history.
“His service as a Member of Parliament and as Governor-General will be remembered with respect and gratitude. The late Sir Nathaniel was also a distinguished permanent secretary and held various other roles in the civil service. At this time of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, relatives, friends and all those who mourn his passing.”
Sir Nathaniel Rahumaea Waena, born in 1945 on Ulawa Island, built a distinguished career spanning over four decades across the Solomon Islands public service, national politics, and vice-regal leadership.
He entered public service in 1971 and served as provincial clerk and permanent secretary across several ministries.
Entering national politics in 1987, representing Ulawa-Ugi until 2004 as Deputy Speaker, Minister for Provincial Government, and Minister for National Unity, Peace, and Reconciliation, notably brokering a key ceasefire to the ethnic tension.
He reached the pinnacle of his public career upon his election as the fifth Governor-General of Solomon Islands (2004–2009), during which he was knighted.
In later years, he continued serving the state by advising on constitutional reform and chairing the transition of the College of Higher Education into Solomon Islands National University.
