During the memorial service at the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly Chamber this morning, former Premier Hon. Bartholomew Vavagha paid tribute to his long-time colleague, describing him as “a visionary and committed Guadalcanal leader.”

Late Hon. David Rosalio (February 14, 1953 – September 5, 2025). Photo credit @ GP Media

“I first met the first Premier at Avuavu in the 1970s during the Guadalcanal Legislative Council. He was a charismatic, visionary, and committed political leader,” Hon. Vavagha recalled.

He further emphasized that Premier Rosalio was instrumental in shaping Guadalcanal’s political journey, guiding the transition from the Guadalcanal Legislative Council to the Local Council, and eventually into the Provincial Government system in 1982.

First Premier of Guadalcanal, Hon. David Rosalio (2nd left) with Guadalcanal Executive members and Guangdong delegations in 1984 during the signing of the sister relations. Photo credit @ GP Media

The late Hon. Rosalio also presided during a historical moment in Guadalcanal’s international relations, the signing of the historic sister-province relationship between Guadalcanal Province and Guangdong Province in China in 1984.

In addition to this, the Premier Hon. William Atu described the late Rosalio as a leader whose contributions still resonate today.

“The late Hon. David Rosalio was a dedicated, towering figure and a changemaker who helped shape the provincial politics of Guadalcanal. He was simply beyond his time due to his visionary leadership,” Premier Atu said.

Premier of Guadalcanal Province, Honorable William Atu reading the Eulogy during the memorial service at the GP Assembly Chamber. Photo credit @ GP Media

Premier Atu highlighted that Rosalio’s influence reached far beyond the Assembly Chamber.

He was also a paramount chief, a leader whose wisdom was deeply rooted in the land and traditions of Guadalcanal.

As Chairman of the Virgin Coconut Oil Producers Association in Sumate and Variana, he strengthened rural livelihoods and advanced local development. At the same time, as a trustee of the proposed Nini Protected Area, 700 hectares of primary rainforest, he championed conservation and environmental stewardship, ensuring that future generations would inherit not just resources, but a safeguarded homeland.

Premier William Atu and Hon. Speaker William Barile leading the procession today morning. Photo credit @ GP Media

“His vision was holistic,” Premier Atu continued, “to care for the people and the land together. This is what we, the current generations, must emulate. As Premier today, I feel the weight and privilege of walking a path first cleared by him. He was a pioneer; a man whose steps became the foundation of the journey we now continue. Truly, Hon. David Rosalio was a towering figure, not only in politics, but in the lives of those he served with wisdom, humility, and compassion.”

Born on 14 February 1953, Hon. David Rosalio grew up in Lambi, West Guadalcanal. His early education took him through several village and mission schools: Lambi School (1961–1963), Tangarare School (1964–1965), and Tenaru School (1966–1968).

In 1970, he undertook research studies in Dala, Malaita, before returning to farming at Tenaru between 1971 and 1973.

Guadalcanal Provincial Law Enforcement officers as pallbearers. Photo credit @ GP Media

At the young age of 21, Rosalio entered political life. In March 1974, he was elected to the Guadalcanal Legislative Council as the Member for Savulei Ward. That same year, he also became a Local Council Member, beginning a political career that would span decades.

From 1974 to 1981, he faithfully served in the Local Council, and with the creation of the Guadalcanal Provincial Government in 1982, he was elected its first Premier. Rosalio served as Premier from 1985 to 1988, while continuing as Member of the Provincial Assembly for Savulei Ward for many years after.

Hon. David Rosalio’s legacy lies in being Guadalcanal’s first Premier and the values he carried into public service, vision, humility, and dedication to people and land.

Speaker of Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly, Honorable William Barile paying tribute to the first Premier of Guadalcanal, Hon. David Rosalio during today’s memorial service. Photo credit @ GP Media

Premier Atu reminded all that Rosalio’s life teaches enduring lessons: that leadership is service, that true progress uplifts the community, and that our land must always be protected as a sacred trust.

“His passing closes an important chapter of our history,” Atu concluded, “but his example endures. His life remains a gift to Guadalcanal.”

Former Premier of Guadalcanal Bartholomew Vavanga (2014 – 2015) paying tribute to his long time political colleague at the GP Assembly chamber. Photo credit @ GP Media