Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo was deeply saddened by the passing of the late Honorable Johnley Hatimoana over the weekend after a short illness.

The late Hatimoana was elected to Parliament in February 2013 as member for Gela constituency in the Central Islands Province.

He was a teacher by profession before becoming the Secretary General of the Solomon Islands National Teacher’s Association (SINTA) prior to being elected into Parliament.

In a broadcasted message on Saturday, Prime Minister Lilo expressed deepest condolences to the wife and family of the late Hatimoana during these difficult moments.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved husband, father and leader, the late Johnley Hatimoana in Honiara,” Mr Lilo said, adding that the late Hatimoana “was a close friend and colleague whose courageous leadership qualities have led him to be voted into Parliament in 2013”.

Prime Minister Lilo said the late Hatimoana’s other contributions to the country, particular, in education and Industrial Relations have been immense and will be long remembered.

He was 58 at the time of his passing. A formal funeral service in honor of the late Hatimoana will be held on Tuesday 22 April in Honiara before his body will be flown to his home Island of Bellona for burial.

Source: Press Release, Government Communications Unit