Francis Hilly obit

Former Solomon Islands PM Sir Francis Hilly dies

 

He was not on the list.

Former Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sir Francis Billy Hilly passed away last night at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara.

Tavuli News reports that his daughter confirmed his passing in a social media post.

His death comes just days after the passing of former Governor-General Sir Reverend David Vunagi, marking the loss of another senior statesman.

Born on 20 July 1948, at Emu Harbour on Ranongga Island, Western Province, Sir Francis had a distinguished career in public service and politics. He attended Government Primary School in Honiara, King George VI School, and later became the first student to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (Administration) from the University of the South Pacific in 1973.

Before entering politics, he worked as a District Officer, Clerk to Makira Province, and Manager of the British Solomons Trading Company in Gizo. In 1976, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for

Ranongga/Simbo and was appointed Minister for Home Affairs. However, he resigned in 1978 in support of the Western Breakaway Movement.

Throughout his political career, he held various key positions, including Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Health and Medical Services, and Leader of the Opposition.

He served as Prime Minister from June 1993 to November 1994 and later held several ministerial and

parliamentary roles. Sir Francis was also a candidate for Prime Minister in 2000 and remained active in

government until 2007.

In recognition of his contributions to public service, Sir Francis was knighted in 2012. He later served as Chairman of the Solomon Islands Political Parties Commission but resigned from the role in December 2024 after falling ill.