The chairman of Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) Mel Togolo was bestowed with a knighthood in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
The Bougainville-born Mr Togolo was awarded Knight Bachelor for his service to economic development, particularly in the mining and petroleum sectors, and to the community.
Sir Mel is only the fifth Bougainvillean to have ever received the honour, with the short list also including Sir Paul Lapun, Sir Donatus Mola, Sir Peter Kurongku and Sir Michael Ogio.
Christopher Abel, the father of PNG Treasury Minister, Charles Abel, was also knighted for his services to the community through supporting rural agricultural extension and citizen participation in business activity.
The Post Courier quoted Mr Togolo as being astonished by the award bestowed on him by the Queen.
“I am very humbled indeed by the recognition and very thankful to those in authority who saw fit to bestow this honour on me.”
In 2004 he was also awarded Commander of the British Empire for services to industry and commerce and was a founding member of the Business Council of Papua New Guinea. Previously Sir Mel held several senior positions with Bougainville’s former North Solomons Provincial Government between 1978 and 1990.
Credit: The Post Courier reported the news on 12 June, 2018.