Prior to my arrival in the Solomon Islands in mid 1997, I had worked for the Minister of Safety and Security in the government of the North West Province in Mmbatho. I was the Minister’s Senior Legal Administrative Officer.
In carrying out one particular duty I happened to share a flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town with His Grace Archbishop Desmond Tutu who’s death was announced today, aged 90 years.
During the flight we spoke briefly and the Archbishop kindly gave me his autograph on the reverse of my air ticket
I remember him today as his passing is announced.
Footnote
In May 2009, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu from South Africa left Honiara after an eventful three days' visit to the capital. He was confident that Solomon Islands would be successful in implementing its reconciliation programme.
During his stay in Honiara Archbishop Tutu had brought a message of hope and forgiveness to Solomon Islands.
In the post Apartheid era of South Africa, Archbishop Tutu had chaired the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was the first Commission of its kind in the world.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
