15 Facts About Francis Bugotu

Francis Bugotu was a Solomon Islands public servant, diplomat, and educationist.

Francis Bugotu served two terms as the country's permanent representative to the United Nations, and was secretary-general of the South Pacific Commission from 1982 to 1986.

Francis Bugotu attended St Mary's School, Maravovo, and All Hallows' School, Ugi Island.

Francis Bugotu later completed further studies in New Zealand at St Stephen's College, Auckland, and Ardmore Teachers' Training College.

Francis Bugotu was appointed to the Legislative Council of the Solomon Islands in 1960, serving until 1962.

Francis Bugotu became an officer in the Education Department in 1962, and in 1964 moved to Scotland to attend Moray House School of Education, completing a diploma in the teaching of English as a second language.

Francis Bugotu lectured at the British Solomons Training College from 1964 to 1968, and carried out research into the Lengo language.

Francis Bugotu attended a three-month course at the University of Queensland in 1967, and from 1970 to 1971 studied at the University of Lancaster in England, becoming the first Solomon Islander to complete a Master of Arts degree.

Francis Bugotu was chairman of the Review Committee on Education, Permanent Secretary for Education and Cultural Affairs, and Permanent Secretary to the Council of Ministers.

Francis Bugotu was the inaugural Permanent Representative of the Solomon Islands to the United Nations, and accompanied Prime Minister Peter Kenilorea at the ceremony celebrating the country's admission as the 150th UN member.

Francis Bugotu was responsible for the organisation's decision to allow non-sovereign states to join, thereby significantly increasing its membership.

Francis Bugotu's term was extended by two years in October 1984, the first time that had occurred.

In 1990, Francis Bugotu was reappointed Permanent Representative to the UN and accredited as Ambassador to the US and Canada.

Francis Bugotu died of a heart attack in 1992, aged 55, while attending the South Pacific Forum in Honiara.

Francis Bugotu was replaced by colleague diplomat Bernard Bata'anisia in New York from August 1992.