28 Dec 2011

Former Solomons' deputy leader dies suddenly

12:08 pm on 28 December 2011

A former Solomon Islands deputy prime minister, Fred Fono, has died suddenly after falling ill during the weekend.

Mr Fono, who had been the MP for Central Kwara'ae for 13 years until he lost the seat during last year's election, died at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara on Monday night.

He was due to become the Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea next year.

The Solomon Star newspaper quotes Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, describing Mr Fono as a true friend who still had a lot to offer Solomon Islands.

He says his death is shocking and sad news for the country.