dies

Obituary

Elder statesman

Sir Robert Rex, Niue’s longest-serving premier, died on December 13 after a prolonged illness. The 83-year-old premier planned to retire after the general elections in April.

He was buried at his home village of Alofi on December 14 after a church service in accordance with his wishes. Almost the entire 2000 people of Niue were present. Messages of sympathy steadily streamed in from around the South Pacific region with the first coming from Nauru President Bernard Dowiyogo.

Among overseas dignitaries present at the funeral were New

Zealand deputy Prime Min ister Don McKinnon, New Zealand Opposition MP Richard Prebble who was formerly Minister for Pacific Island’s Affairs, the Queen’s representative in the Cook Islands, Sir Apenira Short and the Australian High Commissioner in New Zea land.

Sir Robert began his pub lic career in 1952 when he entered the Niue Island Council. He became leader of government business in

1974 and premier the same year when the island became self governing. He held the office of premier until his death, successfully heading off two challenges to his leadership.

In July last year Sir Robert said goodbye to the South Pacific Forum when he attended his last meeting in Honiara. The meeting expressed appreciation for the valuable contribution Sir Robert had made to the Forum and regional cooperation over the years.

October’s South Pacific Conference in Suva in October was to have been his last SPC meeting but he was unable to attend because of poor health. Sir Robert’s illness saw him seek medical treatment in New Zealand several times this year.

Sir Robert: at July's Forum