Biographical entry: Paia, Willie G. (1909 - )
- Born
- 1909
Details
Willie Paia was born in 1909 in Roviana Lagoon, New Georgia. He joined the public service in 1926, was the first Solomon Islander to work as a government clerk, and eventually became a Special Grade Clerk and Customs Officer. He was awarded a British Empire Medal for his services during the Japanese occupation. In 1951, he travelled to England as a representative of the Protectorate at the Festival of Britain. He was a member of the Advisory Council (q.v.) from 1952-1953, and later of the Executive Council (q.v.). In August 1959, as a Headman, Paia attended the official opening of the Coastwatchers' Lighthouse at Madang in Papua New Guinea, with other representatives of the Protectorate including Chief Boatswain Peter Sasabule (q.v.). The party also attended a Local Government Council meeting at Madang, and inspected the workings of Rabaul's Co-operative Society and Cocoa Fementaries. Willie Paia was awarded an M.B.E in 1961. (PIM July 1951; NS Aug. 1959; Gina 2003, 48)
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Published resources
Books
- Gina, Lloyd Maepeza, Journeys in a Small Canoe: The Life and Times of a Solomon Islander, Judith A. Bennett;Khyla J. Russell, Institute of Pacific Studies, University of the South Pacific; Pandanus Books, Suva; Canberra, 2003. Details