Sir Toaripi Lauti ( November 28, 1928 - May 25, 2014 ) - Tuvalu statesman, holder of the Order of Saints Michael and George , with the establishment of the British colony of Tuvalu, took over as its chief minister on October 2, 1975 . With the declaration of independence, Tuvalu on October 1, 1978 became the first prime minister of this country, but on September 8, 1981 was forced to resign due to participation in investment fraud.
As the founder of the country and its most respected representative abroad, he served as Governor General of Tuvalu from October 1, 1990 to December 1, 1993 .
