PEOPLE of Isabel province are mourning the passing away of Late Chief Denis Carlos Lulei, whose soul was called to rest last night.

Former Member of Parliament, Paramount Chief of Maringe House of Chiefs and one of the Directors of Isabel Development Company late Lulei died at the National Referral Hospital.

Condolences have been pouring in via Facebook from all around the country and abroad since his death was announced online.

Among them is the President and Founder of Isabel Province Youth Forum (IPYF), Mr Josiah Manehia.

Mr Manehia said the news about the passing of late Lulei comes as a shock to members of IPYF.

He said late Chief Lulei has been a tower of strength for those who are close to him, a respected leader, and one of the great sons of Isabel Province.

“From the moderators of the Isabel Provincial Youth Forum and the members, to the family, relatives, and friends of the late Chief Dennis Carlos Lulei OBE, in Buala, Isabel province and elsewhere.

“It is with deep sympathy that we convey our condolences to you in this time of the loss of the late Chief Dennis Carlos Lulei, OBE who was called to rest on the evening of the 11th May, 2017.

“Indeed the late Chief Lulei has been a tower of strength for those who were close to him, a respected leader, and one of the great sons of Isabel Province.

“His commanding presence will surely be missed by those who knew him, personally and professionally. The impact of his life will certainly leave a deep impression on the Youth of Isabel Province. And for this we pray that his soul rest in eternal peace with our Almighty God.

“We pray that you accept us to share with you in this time of this, our great loss.”

He said late Lulei will be sorely missed by those who knew him, personally and professionally.

Mr Manehia said the impact of late Lulei’s life will certainly leave a deep impression on the youth of Isabel Province.

“And for this we pray that his soul rest in eternal peace with our Almighty God,” he said.

“Abide with me fast falls the evening tide.”

Late Lulei was a teacher and later appointed as the Principal of King George VI School in the early 80s before he went into politics in later years.

He first entered parliament in 1982 and served his term till 1984, during which he was Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Late Lulei also secured a seat in Parliament from 1994 to 1997 and at one stage became the Deputy Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.

His contribution towards the Public Service in the country earned him the Order of the British Empire, Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) Civil Division For public service medals.

Late Lulei was a director and an active member of IDC Board till his death.