Ati George Sokomanu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ati George Sokomanu
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| 1st President of Vanuatu | |
| In office 8 March 1984 – 12 January 1989 |
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| Prime Minister | Walter Lini |
| Preceded by | Frederick Karlomuana Timakata (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Onneyn Tahi (acting) |
| In office 30 July 1980 – 17 February 1984 |
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| Prime Minister | Walter Lini |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Frederick Karlomuana Timakata (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
George Kalkoa
13 January 1937 Mele, New Hebrides (now Vanuatu) |
| Political party | Vanua'aku Pati |
| Spouse | Leitak Sokomanu |
| Children | 3 |
Ati George Sokomanu, born George Kalkoa on January 13, 1937, is an important politician from Vanuatu. He was the very first president of Vanuatu, serving from 1984 to 1989. He also held other important government roles before becoming president.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Ati George Sokomanu was born in 1937 in Mele, a place in what was then called the New Hebrides. He went to school in Port Vila and also in Fiji during the 1940s. He spoke English, which was helpful in his career.
In 1957, he started working for the British National Service as a clerical officer. He spent almost 20 years working in District Administration. After studying Public and Social Administration, he was promoted in 1965.
He became a member of the New Hebrides Advisory Council in 1969. Later, he studied administration at the University of the South Pacific. From 1978 to 1979, he was the Minister of Public Administration. In 1979, he was elected to the parliament of Vanuatu. He served as the Minister of Home Affairs and also as the deputy chief minister.
Becoming President of Vanuatu
When Vanuatu became an independent country in 1980, Ati George Sokomanu was chosen to be its first president. The president's role in Vanuatu is mostly ceremonial, meaning they represent the country but don't make all the daily decisions. During his time as president, he was a member of the Vanua'aku Pati political party.
In February 1984, he stepped down from his role due to some legal matters. However, he was re-elected by the Parliament just a few weeks later. This meant he returned to the presidency for a new five-year term.
In December 1988, he tried to remove the Prime Minister, Walter Lini, from office. He wanted to set up a new government led by his nephew, Barak Sopé. But the Supreme Court of Vanuatu quickly said that the president's decision was not allowed. In 1989, a group called the Electoral College removed Sokomanu from his position because of serious actions. There were legal proceedings, but the Vanuatu Court of Appeals later changed the outcome.
Later Life and Achievements
After his time as president, Ati George Sokomanu continued to serve his country and the Pacific region. From 1993 to 1996, he was the Secretary-General of the Pacific Community. This organization helps countries in the Pacific work together.
In February 2022, he was a special person who carried the Queen's Baton for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. This happened when the baton visited Vanuatu. He has received special honors for his service, including the Vanuatu Order of Merit and an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire).
Personal Life
Ati George Sokomanu was married to Leitak Sokomanu. She passed away in 2020 at the age of 83.
See also
In Spanish: George Kalkoa para niños
