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John Ini LapliSolomon Islands politician, Anglican priest
Date of Birth: 25.06.1955
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Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Ecclesiastical Career
- Political Career
- Governor-Generalship
- 2004 Gubernatorial Election
Early Life and Education
John Cardinal Ovasa was born in 1955 on the Solomon Islands. He attended Selwyn College on the island of Guadalcanal. He later traveled to New Zealand to pursue his calling as a priest.
Ecclesiastical Career
Ovasa studied at St. John's Theological College in Auckland, New Zealand. He was ordained in 1982 and served at the college from 1982-1983. In 1986, he became a parish priest in the Solomon Islands. From 1987-1988, he worked as a Bible translator.
Political Career
In 1988-1989, Ovasa served as Premier of Temotu Province. On July 7, 1999, he was elected Governor-General of the Solomon Islands, defeating Moses Pitakaka in a parliamentary vote (25 votes to Pitakaka's two).
Governor-Generalship
Ovasa held the position of Governor-General until July 7, 2004, when he was succeeded by Nathaniel Waena. In 2000, he was taken hostage by rebels but was released several days later when the Prime Minister and government agreed to resign.
2004 Gubernatorial Election
In June 2004, Ovasa ran for a second term as Governor-General but lost, receiving only 6 out of 41 parliamentary votes.
