Tofiga Vaevalu Falani Explained

Honorific Prefix:	His Excellency The Reverend Sir
Tofiga Vaevalu Falani
Order:	10th
Office:	Governor-General of Tuvalu
Term Start:	29 September 2021
Predecessor:	Samuelu Teo (acting)
Spouse:	Lady Tangira Falani^[1]

Sir Tofiga Vaevalu Falani is a Tuvaluan religious minister who has served as Governor-General of Tuvalu since 2021 and the president of the Church of Tuvalu since 2008.^[2] In his capacity as church president, he has represented the church at meetings of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches in 2009^[3] and 2011.^[4]

Governor-General of Tuvalu

In September 2021, Falani was appointed Governor-General of Tuvalu by Queen Elizabeth II.

As governor-general, Falani represents the reigning monarch of Tuvalu in the country, therefore effectively acting as Tuvalu's head of state. Falani previously served as the acting governor-general on 14 August 2017 during the absence of Sir Iakoba Italeli.^[5]

Honours

Sir Tofiga Vaevalu Falani
Dipstyle:	His Excellency
Offstyle:	Your Excellency
Altstyle:	Sir

Falani was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for public and community service in the 2014 New Year Honours.^[6]

On 18 September 2022, Falani was appointed by King Charles III as Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG).^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Clerk of the Crown in Chancery . The Coronation Roll. 6 May 2023 . 29 January 2024.
2. Web site: Simati . Sunema Pie . Massey University . A case study of PAC Migrants and their families. 2 September 2009 . 16 October 2021.
3. Web site: World Council of Churches . Full text of "Fifty-Eighth Meeting of the Central Committee". 2 September 2009 . 16 October 2021.
4. Web site: World Council of Churches . Full text of "Fifty-Ninth Meeting of the Central Committee". 20 February 2011 . 16 October 2021.
5. Web site: Fenui News. Rev. Tofiga Falani appointed Acting Governor General. 15 August 2017 . 16 October 2021 .
6. Web site: New Year honours 2014: the full list . The Guardian. 31 December 2013 . 16 October 2021.
7. Tuvalu Ministry of Foreign Affairs . Tuvalu_MJCFA . 1571953991046819840 . 19 September 2022 . The Ministry is happy to announce that, during his visit to London, H.E. Governor General Sir Reverend Tofiga Vaevalu Falani was appointed by His Majesty King Charles III to the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George as a Knight Grand Cross (GCMG). @Simon_Kofe https://t.co/HxjgwysklJ . en . 28 September 2022.