Sogavare admits that the Bottom Up Approach concept pursued by his government was late Ulufa'alu's initiative

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare had spoken highly of the late Bartholomew Ulufa'alu as a man whose initiative the Bottom Up Approach concept government had based its development policy on.

Speaking during the late Ulufa'alu's funeral Service at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Honiara today, Mr Sogavare said the late Ulufa'alu had lived a colourful life.

Mr Sogavare said as the prime minister of Solomon islands, he is not qualified to describe the life of late Ulufa'alu because of his many achievements and hardship the late leader had been through in his private and public life.

He said the late Ulufa'alu is an enemy to none and friend to all.

Mr Sogavare said during his public life, the late Ulufa'alu had thought up great ideas, one of which is the initial Bottom Up Approach and the many reforms in the country's, economic reforms.

He said through his initial reforms, Solomon Islands is able to move ahead against all odds.

Mr Sogavare said Solomon islands will miss many contributions, the late Ulufa'alu have had and new ones he may have been thinking about.

He said various government's have made the late Ulufa'alu their finance minister because of his credentials of being a reformist.

Mr Sogavare also described the late Ulufa'alu as a man who strived, even through vary trying times for a united Solomon Islands until his death last Friday after a long illness.

The body of the late Bartholomew Ulufa'alu will be buried at his home village in the Langa Langa Lagoon Malaita province tomorrow.

His body was transported home this evening by police patrol boat Auki after today's state funeral.

The country's distinguished leaders including the Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena and Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare paid last tribute and respect to the late Ulufa'alu when his body lay in state at the national parliament chamber.

The body was later taken to Holy Cross Cathedral for a funeral service before it was transported home.

Source: SIBC