The management and employees of Samoa’s Taumeasina Island Resort have expressed deep sadness at the passing of it’s founder and major shareholder, Tulaniu-o-Atua Sir Kostas Constantinou OBE.
Tulaniu-o-Atua Sir Kostas died of a heart complication at Brisbane’s Wesley Hospital on Saturday evening 17th June 2023 at the age of 65.
Taumeasina Island Resort General Manager, Tuiataga Nathan Bucknall said Tulaniu-o-Atua Sir Kostas will be remembered as a humble and successful businessman who was well respected across the South Pacific Islands, where his absence will be sorely felt.
“Tulaniu had a love for the people of Samoa, and took his responsibilities as a matai from the village of Lepa very seriously,” said Tuiataga..
“On a personal note, I will miss his kindness, guidance, advise and witty sense of humour.”
Tuiataga also expressed sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sir Kostas including his children Constantia, George, Andrea and Theophilus, and grandchildren Imogen, Sylvia, Harry, Zoe and George.
“He will be sorely missed. Manuia lau malaga Tulaniu-o-Atua Sir Kostas Constantinou OBE Rest in Peace,” adds Tuiataga on behalf of the Taumeasina Island Resort family.
The BSP Banking Group Chairman has also issued a statement in honour of BSP’s long serving Chairman – from 2011 until February 2023 when Sir Kostas retired.
Tulaniu Sir Kostas built an empire across the Pacific, The Constantinou Group, continuing the legacy of his late father Sir George Constantinou.
A prominent business figure in Papua New Guinea, he held a number of high level public sector and private sector appointments. He chaired various companies; including Airways Hotel and Apartments Limited, Lamana Hotel Limited, Lamana Development Limited, Alotau International Hotel and Bank of South Pacific Limited.
He was a Director of Oil Search Limited, Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara, Gazelle International Hotel in Kokopo, Grand Pacific Hotel in Fiji, Good Taste Company in New Zealand and Loloata Island Resort Limited in Papua New Guinea, Heritage Park Hotels in Solomon Islands and Samoa’s award-winning Taumeasina Island Resort.
Sir Kostas is also Vice President of the Employers Federation of Papua New Guinea, Honorary Consul for Greece in Papua New Guinea and Trade Commissioner of Solomon Islands to Papua New Guinea.
Tributes are pouring in from across the Pacific honouring a business savvy pioneer with charisma and great leadership.
The Constantinou Group of Companies which includes Bank South Pacific have also issued a press statement to inform of Tulaniu-o-Atua Sir Kostas sudden passing over the weekend.
“It is with great sadness and regret that we advise of the passing of our founder and father Sir Kostas Constantinou OBE.”
“Sir Kostas was a resilient and proud Papua New Guinean at heart, creating employment opportunities, inspiring and encouraging so many people of this country in the pursuit of opportunity and progress for the future.”
“He will be greatly missed, but his memory has been forever forged and will be cherished especially for the vision he has inspired within all he touched through his philanthropy.”
“An amazing human being. His legacy will be irreplaceable.”
