BY JOY OFASIA
After 35 years of loyal service to the Solomon Islands Government, Ella Keru, a dedicated public servant from Malaita Province, was awarded the Solomon Islands Medal (SIM) Silver during the country’s 47th Independence Anniversary celebration on Monday.
Ella, now 55 years old, has spent most of her professional life serving at the Attorney General’s Chambers under the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs. Speaking to the Solomon Women’s Newspaper, she shared her inspiring journey, beginning as a typist and rising through the ranks to become the Legal Publications Officer.
“I started work in January 1990 with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for just two weeks before being called to the Attorney General’s Chambers,” she recalled. “I took over from the Executive Personal Secretary and moved up the ladder.”
Ella pursued her education part-time at the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE), graduating with an Advanced Certificate in Secretarial Studies. Over the decades, she became known for her precision, loyalty, and calm leadership behind the scenes in the legal drafting and legislative process.
“In 2009, I moved to the Legislative Drafting Division as Executive Personal Secretary to the Legal Draftsperson,” Ella told SOLOMON WOMEN. “In 2019, I was promoted to Legal Publications Officer, a role I still serve in today.”
Ella Keru’s story is not just about her long service, but also about quiet dedication and the important role of women working faithfully behind the scenes in shaping Solomon Islands’ future.
Ella is now the longest-serving member of the Chambers. Her work includes preparing and delivering draft Bills to Parliament, ensuring they meet legal standards before final approval by the Governor-General.
“This is a privilege and honor to receive this medal,” she said with emotion. “I thank the Attorney General, Hon. John Muria, for nominating me, and I thank God and my family for their support through all these years.”
Her message to fellow government workers was clear and heartfelt:
“We must commit ourselves to our jobs, be faithful, and be honest in the services we provide—for our offices, our government, and our people.”
