The US Government has sent its condolences to President Lonsdale’s family and the people of Vanuatu on the passing Womtelo Reverend President Baldwin Lonsdale.
US Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson said President Lonsdale served Vanuatu and her people admirably, and leaves a legacy of strong, just leadership.
“His background as an Anglican priest clearly guided his decisions, and his firm action to ensure a more corruption-free society in Vanuatu stands as a shining example for the rest of the world.”
“In this time of national mourning, please accept our deepest sympathy and reassurances that the United States stands with Vanuatu as an enduring friend and partner,” Tillerson said in a statement.
Vanuatu is in a ten-day mourning period with tomorrow (Wednesday, June 21) declared a public holiday to allow the public to pay their last respects to their beloved leader. There will be a funeral service at the rotunda at Parliament.
President Lonsdale will be laid to rest on his home island of Mota Lava in the Banks Group in Torba Province.