Star of the Solomon Islands explained

Star of the Solomon Islands
Country:	Solomon Islands
Awarded For:	Contribution and dedication of time, energy and resources to advance the well being of the people of Solomon Islands
Post-Nominals:	SSI
Established:	1981
Firstawarded:	1982 (to Queen Elizabeth II)
Higher:	None
Lower:	Knight/Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE)

The Star of the Solomon Islands, established in 1981^[1] is the highest honour of the Solomon Islands.^[2] Queen Elizabeth II was the first recipient in 1982.^[3] Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters SSI.^[4]

This award is placed by the Court of St James's (the royal court for the Sovereign of the United Kingdom) immediately above the Knight/Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. It is primarily awarded to heads of state and other important international leaders. No Solomon Islander holds this award.^[3]

Recipients

Notable recipients include:

• Elizabeth II, Queen of Solomon Islands (1982)
• Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand (2005)^[2]
• John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia (2005)^{[2] [5]}
• Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester (2008)^[6]
• Sir Michael Somare, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (2009)^[7]
• Charles III, King of Solomon Islands (2024)^[8]

References

• wawards.org

Notes and References

1. Web site: Orders, Decorations and Medals - Medals by Country - Medals of Solomon Islands . Jeanpaulleblanc.com . 2018-06-15. https://web.archive.org/web/20110814180625/http://www.jeanpaulleblanc.com/SolomonIslands.htm . 2011-08-14 .
2. Web site: PM awarded the Star of the Solomon Islands . beehive.govt.nz . 2005-06-20 . 2011-12-03.
3. Web site: Honours Awards . Solomon Islands Historical Encyclopaedia 1893-1978 . 15 June 2018.
4. Web site: ODM of the Solomon Islands: Star of the Solomon Islands . www.medals.org.uk . 2011-12-03 . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20120229145048/http://www.medals.org.uk/solomons/solomons001.htm . 2012-02-29 .
5. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2005-08-17/pm-honoured-with-solomon-islands-highest-award/2082842 PM honoured with Solomon Islands' highest award
6. http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/programguide/stories/200808/s2323662.htm
7. Web site: Sir Somare Receives the Star Award | Economy | Solomon Islands News . Solomontimes.com . 2011-12-03. Archived
8. Web site: Solomon Islands Government. Governor General Sir David Vunagi paid farewell courtesy call to King Charles III. 6 June 2024.