Students from Betikama Adventist College (BAC) had the opportunity to meet Prince Charles during his three-day visit to Solomon Islands this week.
BAC was the only school involved in welcoming and farewelling Prince Charles at the airport. It was his first visit to the Solomons.
Betikama students Arina Manele and Kimi Waikum accompanied principal Partinson Bekala to a state lunch with the Prince of Wales on Monday (November 25), attended by representatives from a number of local schools.
“The students had the opportunity to greet and shake hands with the Prince,” Mr Bekala said.
“I was wearing our BAC staff t-shirt with the Adventist Christian education logo. The Prince easily recognised the logo when I shook his hand and he asked if I am from an Adventist institution. I said yes. He thanked me for taking the time with our students to attend the lunch with him and other distinguished guests.”
Following the lunch Betikama students joined other school children and members of the public in greeting Prince Charles at the Lawson Tana Stadium in central Honiara, where he gave a speech in pidgin English.
“When he shook one of our teacher’s hands, he recognised our logo and said, ‘You Adventist, you worship every morning and evening?'” Mr Bekala said.
“Yes, BAC was truly a witness of Adventist Christian education during [Prince Charles’] visit to Solomon Islands.”
Prince Charles arrived in the Solomons last Saturday night. It was the final stop on the royal tour, which also took in New Zealand and India.
