Tuvalu ICT Director Passes Away at 26

December 27, 2003
Pacific Islands Chapter of the Internet Society

Paul Alapati passed away last Saturday 27 December following a picnic in Tuvalu.  He was only 26.

Despite his youth, Paul was a key member of the IT community and, was the newly appointed Director of the Tuvalu Government Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Office under the Deputy Prime Minister Office.  He was also an active and important contributor to the Pacific Islands ICT Policy and Strategic Plan that was endorsed at the Forum Ministerial Communication Meeting and was a participant in discussions at various meetings including the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).  Today, the people of Tuvalu  have reliable access to the Internet  because of Paul's leadership.

Paul is survived by his wife,  Ms Lanieta Faleasiu (also working in the ICT office) and a son, Alapati.

Paul was known to us for being the ISP manager of Tuvalu and because he participated actively in the growth of our PICISOC chapter. We are loosing not only an invaluable friend but also an ICT force for the nation of Tuvalu and for all the Pacific Islands.

We will always remember Paul's energy and smiling face.  He preferred putting the talk aside, believing action the key to achievement.

The Pacific Islands Chapter of the Internet Society will dedicate its next annual meeting PacInet 2004 in Vanuatu to the memory of Paul.

The members of the Pacific Islands Chapter would like also to offer their assistance to the Tuvalu Government to ensure that all of Paul's projects are completed without delay.