ELLA Keru is the only female recipients in the list of awards given out at the 47th Independence Anniversary ceremony in Honiara on Monday.
At 55, Mrs. Keru is the longest serving officer in the Attorney General’s Chamber.
Here are the awardees, according to list provided by Government House.
The others are the late Chief Richard Gething Tinoni’s award is in recognition for his “long and dedicated service to the government, church and community development.
Late Chief Richard Gething Tinoni was born on 7th April 1949. He is from Buena Vista Island, Gella, Central Islands Province.
He was first employed in the National Government from 1973 – 1983, in the Ministry of Education, and Finance and Treasury.
He later was employed with the Solomon Islands Monetary Authority (now CBSI). In 1983-1988, he became the first Provincial Assembly Speaker of Central Islands Province.
Later he was employed in the Anglican Church of Melanesia; Honiara Consumers Co-operative Society, and Solomon Islands Public Employees Credit Union.
In sports, he was the first President of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF).
In his local community, he is a tribal chief. He served the country for more than 40 years.
SOLOMON ISLANDS MEDAL (SILVER):
Henry Luito’o Fa’arodo was awarded the Solomon Islands Medal (Silver) in recognition of his long and dedicated service to the government, community and sports in the field of soccer.
Mr. Fa’arodo was born on 21st April 1955. He is 70 years old. He hails from Kwaibala village, Malaita Province.
He was first employed as a Chief Parasitologist in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for 35 years.
During his employment, he also played football and joined the national team of Solomon Islands.
In 1975, he was selected into the national team to play in the Pacific Games in Guam and won bronze. In 1979, he was the captain of the national soccer team to play at the Pacific Games in Fiji, where they won bronze medal.
Later, he became a coach of the Solomon Islands National Football team. After his retirement from soccer, his legacy was passed on to his son Henry Luito’o Fa’arodo Junior, who was also a captain of the Solomon Islands Football National Squad.
Chief Moses Loea also received the Solomon Islands Medal (Silver) for his “long and dedicated service to community development.
Chief Moses Loea was born on 10th April 1949. He is now 76 years. He hails from Funafou village, Malaita Province. He is one of the pioneers to have settled and established the Vaivila Fishing Village in Honiara.
He is the Chairman of the Salo Fishing & Shipping Co-operative, a position he held for 45 years. He is also instrumental in the organization and control of Fishing village to keep the peace, law and order in the village.
The late Stephanas Steve Mechaiah was also awarded the Solomon Islands Medial (Silver) for “long and dedicated service to the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands.”
“The Late Stephanas Steve Mechaiah was born on 22nd December 1969. He was first enlisted in the CSSI in 1990 and had served for more than 30 years. Throughout his career, he served in the CSSI with dedication, commitment, and honesty, and has shown great leadship quality,” according to his citation.
“Due to his commitment and dedication, he rose through the ranks and become the Commandant at Tetere Correctional Centre until his retirement.
Ellah Keru is another recipient of the Solomon Islands Medal (Silver) for “long and dedicated service in the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs.
Mrs. Keru was Born on 7th May 1970. She devoted over 30 years of service to the Attorney-General’s Chambers, holding roles as Typist, Executive Personal Secretary, and now, Legal Publications Officer.
“As the longest-serving member of the Chambers, she is known for her unwavering dedication, loyalty, and precision,” the citation reads.
By Alfred Sasako
