I have today sent the following message of condolence to the
Honourable Donald Kalpokas, Prime Minister of Vanuatu, on the death
of Father Walter Lini. Australia will be represented at his funeral
tomorrow morning by the Speaker, the Hon. Neil Andrew, MP:
The Hon. Donald Kalpokas Masike-vanua
Prime Minister
REPUBLIC OF VANUATU
My dear Prime Minister
On behalf of the Australian Government and people, I wish to express
my deepest sympathy to Mrs Mary Lini and her family, and to the Government
and people of Vanuatu, on the death of Father Walter Lini in Port
Vila early this morning.
Father Lini led a distinguished career in the service of his people,
of his country and of the South Pacific region. He steered Vanuatu
to its independence in 1980 and served as the Republic's first
prime minister until 1991. He was known affectionately as the "Father
of Independence" throughout Vanuatu. Until his death he continued
as an active member of the Vanuatu Parliament and in the service of
his home community on Pentecost island.
Committed to his country, he was also a major figure in the South
Pacific region and made an important contribution to the region's
development.
Successive Australian Governments enjoyed a close and productive relationship
with Father Walter Lini and part of his legacy is a strong and healthy
partnership with Australia.
Yours sincerely
(John Howard)
21 February 1999