Peter Kenilorea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Peter Kenilorea
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| Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands | |
| In office 19 November 1984 – 1 December 1986 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Solomon Mamaloni |
| Succeeded by | Ezekiel Alebua |
| In office 7 July 1978 – 31 August 1981 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Position Established |
| Succeeded by | Solomon Mamaloni |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 May 1943 Malaita, Solomon Islands |
| Died | 24 February 2016 (aged 72) Honiara, Solomon Islands |
| Political party | Solomon Islands United Party |
Sir Peter Kenilorea was a very important politician from the Solomon Islands. He was born on May 23, 1943, and passed away on February 24, 2016. Sir Peter was special because he was the very first Prime Minister when the Solomon Islands became an independent country in 1978. He led the country from 1978 to 1981, and then again from 1984 to 1986.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings in Politics
Sir Peter Kenilorea was born in a village called Takataka, located on Malaita island. He belonged to the ꞌAreꞌare ethnic group. As a young man, he trained to become a teacher for the South Seas Evangelical Church. He also helped start the Solomon Islands Christian Association.
He was one of the people who helped create the Solomon Islands United Party. This party became important in the country's politics.
Joining Parliament and Becoming Chief Minister
In 1973, Peter Kenilorea first tried to get elected to Parliament. He ran in the ꞌAreꞌare constituency but did not win that time. However, he tried again in the 1976 elections.
This time, his area was split into smaller parts. Kenilorea was elected to Parliament for the East ꞌAreꞌare constituency. In the same year, he became the Chief Minister of the Solomon Islands. This was a big step towards the country gaining its independence.
Leading the Solomon Islands to Independence
As Chief Minister, Peter Kenilorea played a key role in helping the Solomon Islands become independent from Britain. This happened in 1978. After independence, he became the country's first Prime Minister.
He served as Prime Minister for his first term until 1981. Later, he served a second term as Prime Minister from 1984 to 1986. He also worked as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, which means he handled the country's relationships with other nations, from 1988 to 1989 and again from 1990 to 1993.
Working for Peace and as Speaker of Parliament
Later in his career, Sir Peter Kenilorea helped bring peace to the Solomon Islands. There was a time of conflict between two groups, the Malaita Eagle Force and the Isatabu Freedom Movement. Sir Peter helped lead the peace talks.
He became the Chairman of the Peace Monitoring Council, a group created in August 2000 to help keep the peace. From 2001 to 2005, he served as the Speaker of Parliament. This role is like being the referee for discussions in Parliament.
Later Political Roles
In 2004, Sir Peter Kenilorea was a candidate for the position of Governor-General. This is a representative of the King or Queen in the country. He did not win this election.
However, after the 2006 general election, he was again chosen as Speaker of Parliament. He held this important position until 2010. Sir Peter Kenilorea passed away in 2016. His son, Peter Kenilorea Jr., also became a member of Parliament in 2019.
Images for kids
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Sir Peter Kenilorea, the first Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.
See also
In Spanish: Peter Kenilorea para niños
