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Wale calls for unity as new govt talks begin

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BY NED GAGAHE

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale says discussions among political leaders to identify the country’s next Prime Minister are a normal and necessary part of the democratic process.

Speaking to local media following the successful Motion of No Confidence against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Mr Wale said lobbying and consultations between leaders should not be viewed negatively.

“It’s part of the process. It’s not necessarily a bad thing,” Mr Wale said.

“You call it lobbying, leaders need to talk to each other to find a nominee. Let’s allow that process. Let’s talk to each other for the new Prime Minister of this beautiful country.”

Mr Wale said new coalition are committed to working together to form the next government despite challenges that often arise during political transitions.

“We are committed to each other to form the next government,” he said.

“From history there are perilous moments in our political process, but I hope we will remain committed to each other and have common goals in moving forward to elect our Prime Minister for all of us in this country.”

The Opposition Leader described the period ahead as an exciting time for Solomon Islands, saying a new government could create opportunities for fresh policies and reforms.

“It’s an exciting time ahead in this country,” he said.

“It also comes with a cost too. Some things need to change, but it is exciting in terms of new opportunities and new policies on things we can do.”

Mr Wale said he hopes the incoming government will be responsible, inclusive and responsive to the issues affecting Solomon Islanders.

“We hope that the new government would be a responsible and inclusive one, a government that responds to the many issues we feel,” he added.

Meanwhile, responding to questions on political instability, Mr Wale said the issue was not new in Solomon Islands politics.

He referred to constitutional amendments introduced by former Prime Minister Derek Sikua in 2010, which later became part of the Political Parties Integrity Act.

Mr Wale said the legislation was intended to reduce political “grasshopping” and instability within Parliament.

“That Act could have stopped a lot of grasshopping,” he said.

However, he said that the current political situation was different because it involved an entire coalition partner withdrawing support from government rather than individual MPs changing sides.

“We have to permit that parties are able to lose confidence and therefore change support,” he said.

“But individual jumping has been the cause of many instabilities in the past.”

Mr Wale said reforms to strengthen political stability have already been widely discussed and supported by development partners and diplomats.

“These are things that we must fix,” he said.

“Let’s be bold about some of the things we must do. We must not be frightened and hold back.”

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Outgoing PM rejects claims he is weak and indecisive

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BY NED GAGAHE

Outgoing Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has defended his leadership style, rejecting accusations that he is weak and indecisive and insisting that consultation has always guided his decision-making.

Speaking during the Motion of No Confidence debate in Parliament yesterday, Mr Manele revealed that this was the third motion brought against him since taking office.

He said the first motion was lodged just seven months after he became Prime Minister, while the second came only five months later.

Mr Manele said one of the major criticisms repeatedly raised against him was that he was seen as a weak leader who struggles to make decisions.

However, he told Parliament that his leadership approach has always been based on broad consultation with coalition partners and senior party leaders.

“My style of leadership is based on consultation. I always consult before I make decisions,” Mr Manele said.

He explained that as parliamentary leader of his party, he regularly consulted the party president, caucus chairman and deputy parliamentary leader before making major decisions.

Mr Manele said he also consulted coalition partners within the GNUT government, including leaders of the Kandere Party and Solomon Islands People’s First Party before the latter withdrew its support from the coalition.

Referring to criticism from former Health Minister and former coalition colleague, Mr Manele addressed concerns over the role of the advisory group he had established.

He said on one occasion he chose not to consult the advisory group because he had already consulted party leaders and deputy leaders who were themselves members of the advisory body.

“When I consult widely, I am portrayed as weak and indecisive,” he said.

“If I do not consult and instead make decisions on my own, I am accused of being dependent.”

Mr Manele acknowledged that criticism within coalition politics was unavoidable.

“Either way, there will always be some within GNUT who choose to criticise. Such is the nature of politics,” he said.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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Manele questions court ruling

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BY NED GAGAHE

Outgoing Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has questioned recent court rulings relating to motions of no confidence, warning that the decisions could create political instability and expose governments to outside influence.

Speaking during the Motion of No Confidence debate in Parliament yesterday, Mr Manele said he respected the judiciary but believed the courts had set what he described as a “dangerous precedent”.

“Whilst I understand that the principle of majority rule is a fundamental tenet of representative democracy, it must be interpreted within the boundaries set out by our Constitution,” Mr Manele said.

He argued that the Constitution does not expressly create a duty requiring the Prime Minister to convene Parliament whenever a motion of no confidence matures.

“If this was the intention of the Constitution, it would have been expressly stated,” he said.

Mr Manele warns that the court ruling could leave any Prime Minister vulnerable to constant political pressure from dissatisfied Members of Parliament.

“The addition by the Court will leave the Prime Minister at the mercy of any Member of Parliament who does not get his way to run to Parliament with a motion of no confidence and then force the Prime Minister to call Parliament,” he said.

According to Mr Manele, the Court of Appeal’s interpretation now places a constitutional obligation on the Prime Minister to convene Parliament once such a motion is filed.

He said this newly created constitutional duty could also expose governments to manipulation by external interests.

“This newly created constitutional duty would make the Cabinet vulnerable to state capture by private business interests, criminal syndicates or foreign interests,” he said.

“The Prime Minister would be left at the mercy of power brokers because even when Parliament is adjourned and prorogued, the Prime Minister is duty bound to call Parliament.”

Mr Manele said that Solomon Islands’ Constitution was carefully designed to balance majority rule with the country’s need for political stability.

“Our Constitution is designed in such a way to balance the principle of majority rule with our nation’s need for political stability,” he said.

“This constitutional balance has been tampered with by the Courts.”

The outgoing Prime Minister further claims that the judiciary had entered into the role of lawmakers by creating what he described as a new constitutional duty not expressly provided for in the Constitution.

“I strongly feel the Courts have encroached into the jurisdiction of the Legislature by creating a new constitutional duty in the Prime Minister without any express contextual permission,” Mr Manele said.

“Sadly, this is, in my humble opinion, judicial overreach of the highest order. The role of the judiciary is to interpret the law, not to write it.”

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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Manele defends leadership before fall

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BY NED GAGAHE

Outgoing Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele defended his leadership and reflected on political loyalty moments before he was voted out through a Motion of No Confidence in Parliament yesterday.

Speaking before the vote, Mr Manele thanked MPs who stood by him during the seven weeks of political uncertainty, saying their loyalty and trust meant a great deal to him.

“I am grateful and will always treasure the loyalty that you have demonstrated,” Mr Manele said.

“As you know in politics, loyalty is an invaluable currency. Without loyalty, there can be no trust.”

He said loyalty and trust are among the most important ingredients in any political union and acknowledged members of his party and coalition partners who remained with him throughout the political turmoil.

Mr Manele also thanked his former Deputy Prime Minister for his support during his tenure, revealing that he had been repeatedly assured of continued loyalty even shortly before his resignation.

“Sir, he assured me several times when he was DPM and just a couple of days before he resigned that he would be with me until the end,” Mr Manele said.

However, the Prime Minister said that his former deputy later joined the rest of his party colleagues on the opposition side.

Mr Manele said political negotiations had continued behind closed doors during the crisis, with ongoing efforts to keep coalition partners together.

Addressing Parliament, Mr Manele acknowledged the constitutional right of the opposition to move a Motion of No Confidence against him.

“This is your right and you are chosen to exercise it,” he said.

He said Members of Parliament also have the responsibility to debate and vote on the motion not only for themselves, but on behalf of the people they represent and for the future of democracy in Solomon Islands.

“That is why when the mover of the motion asked whether I should resign now, I said no, let’s debate this so that our people can hear what really is at stake,” he said.

The Prime Minister also responded to remarks made by former MPs, saying he had previously been assured of support before the MPs eventually left the government camp.

The outgoing Prime Minister further expressed disappointment that the reasons for the motion were only fully presented during the debate, saying he had little time to prepare a detailed response to the allegations raised against him.

“I must say that I am greatly disappointed that I am put at a great disadvantage of literally not having time to prepare a response to these reasons and allegations,” he said.

Despite this, Mr Manele said he respects the ruling of Speaker Patteson Oti and proceeded to address the House.

He argued that recent court decisions requiring the Prime Minister to convene Parliament to debate a motion of no confidence should also place a responsibility on the mover of the motion to clearly state the grounds and reasons in advance.

Mr Manele said this would allow the Prime Minister sufficient time to properly respond to allegations raised on the floor of Parliament.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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MANELE OUSTED

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PM Manele loses motion of no-confidence vote, remains caretaker leader as Parliament awaits election of new Prime Minister

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has been ousted following the successful Motion of No Confidence (MoNC) in Parliament yesterday afternoon, ending the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) coalition’s leadership after two years in office.

Speaker of Parliament Patteson Oti announced the final result on the floor of Parliament, declaring 26 votes in favour of the new coalition and 22 votes for the government, while two Members of Parliament were absent during the vote.

The two MPs are John Dean Kuku and William Marau.

Before the vote, Mr Manele defended his leadership, insisting he had done nothing wrong and maintaining there were no valid grounds for him to resign.

Following the result, Prime Minister Manele moved for Parliament to stand sine die for Parliament to resume on a date yet to be confirmed for the election of a new Prime Minister.

Speaker Oti clarified that although the motion had passed, Mr Manele remains Prime Minister in a caretaker capacity and will continue to perform normal duties until a new Prime Minister is officially elected and appointed by the Governor General.

In his remarks after the vote, Mr Manele thanked both sides of the House and congratulated the new coalition for winning the motion.

He also thanked Speaker Oti for presiding over the debate and acknowledged GNUT ministers and supporters for their loyalty and support over the past two years.

The outgoing Prime Minister further expressed appreciation to public servants for carrying out their duties during his administration.

“For the 50 of us in this House as leaders, continue to work for the betterment of this country. We have a beautiful country. It is important that both sides of the House continue to work together to deliver services to our people going forward,” Mr Manele said.

He urged leaders to place national interests above party and personal interests, noting that Solomon Islands is expected to graduate from Least Developed Country status in 2027 and celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary in 2028.

“These are important milestones, and I hope the new government will continue the preparations for the country,” he said.

The country has now endured more than 50 days – seven weeks of political uncertainty leading up to the vote.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Matthew Wale described the outcome as proof that democracy remains strong in Solomon Islands.

“Parliament has expressed very clearly its determination on the question of confidence,” Mr Wale told local media after the sitting.

He said Parliament remains the proper institution to resolve political issues through a motion of no confidence.

He also thanked Prime Minister Manele for his leadership in leading the country in the past two years.

With nomination notices for the Prime Minister’s election expected in the coming days, Mr Wale said the new coalition is committed to forming the next government.

He said, it’s important that a new government is formed so that it can deliver to the people.

Prime Minister Manele will now remain caretaker Prime Minister while both political camps await Government House to announce the nomination period and date for the election of a new Prime Minister.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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Four-year dispute resolved as judo regains clean status and targets growth

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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

In Hamilton, NZ

JUDO in the Solomon Islands has emerged from four years of administrative turmoil, following the resolution of a long-running federation dispute that had clouded the sport since 2022.

A recent legal ruling has confirmed the Judo Federation of the Solomon Islands (JFSI) as the legitimate governing body, ending a bitter recognition battle with the Judo Association of the Solomon Islands (JASI).

The case was triggered after JASI, led by Eddie Cooper, challenged its exclusion by the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) ahead of the 2023 Pacific Games. In response, JFSI—under president Andrew Kofela—was formed and recognised to represent the country at the regional event.

JFSI Secretary General Laven Ronnie Safue said the ruling has finally restored stability to the sport.

“All matters are now cleared, and we have a clean status moving forward,” Safue told SunSPORTS. “Our focus is now on development and attracting more athletes into judo.”

Safue described the dispute as a major setback that hindered progress over the past four years but said the federation is now ready to rebuild with renewed support from key stakeholders, including the National Sport Council (NSC).

“This issue affected our ability to pursue our goals, particularly in developing the sport,” he said. “Now, with recognition and support, we can move forward confidently.”

He noted judo’s potential as a medal-winning sport for the nation, adding that efforts will be made to raise its profile and encourage wider participation.

“We want our sportsmen and women to realise that judo is one of the medal prospects that can make the country proud.”

Meanwhile, Gregory Muaki represented JFSI during last month’s court proceedings, where all allegations brought forward by JASI were dismissed. JASI also failed to lodge an appeal within the required timeframe, effectively closing the case.

Photo credit: Elton Lonaratha Jnr

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Honiara ignites Pro League era

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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

In Hamilton, NZ

THE inaugural Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Professional League has found its defining moment in Honiara, with Round 4 emerging as the standout highlight of the 2026 season.

Hosted at the National Stadium, the Honiara circuit signalled a new era for football across the Pacific, particularly for smaller island nations including Vanuatu, Tahiti, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

From packed crowds to community outreach and digital innovation, the round showcased the growing reach and potential of the competition.

Coaches praised the overall experience, pointing to the digital ticketing system powered by M-SELEN, strong fan engagement and school visits — despite mixed results on the pitch.

Speaking during a Round 6 pre-match conference in Auckland, Vanuatu United FC coach Lars Hopp described the Honiara leg as a highlight of the competition.

“It was a highlight for everyone, just from the atmosphere,” Hopp said.

“It shows the potential of this league. The teams are learning and finding ways to activate that enthusiasm, which is clearly there.

“I think that’s going to be key for the future as well.”

Hopp added that the reception during school visits reflected the region’s passion for football.

“The excitement for the league and for football was absolutely amazing. I’m sure there’s still huge untapped potential,” he said.

“Obviously, in New Zealand and Australia there’s more competition for major events, but in the island countries, the interest is huge. It’s just a matter of developing it further.”

Solomon Kings FC coach Ben Cahn shared similar sentiments, although his reflections were tempered by his side’s results at home.

The Kings recorded a draw and a loss in Honiara, leaving Cahn with mixed emotions.

“We came so close both times and left disappointed not to have delivered a win,” he said.

“It’s hard to explain — on one hand it was incredible, but on the other hand, we didn’t win in Honiara.

“Had we scored that winning goal, the place would have erupted.”

Despite the results, Cahn said the support from fans left a lasting impact.

“It was an amazing experience for everybody. It really touched us,” he said.

“But we have unfinished business, and when we return next year, we want to deliver a win at home.”

The Kings have drawn strong support throughout the competition, attracting more than 1,000 fans in Melbourne and filling the 10,000-capacity National Stadium in Honiara.

Cahn acknowledged the responsibility that comes with that backing.

“We can always ask for more, but we also have to deliver,” he said.

Meanwhile, Round 6 of the competition kicked off yesterday in Auckland with the Leaders Group, while the Challengers Group began today.

Photo credit: OFC Pro League

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INCLUSIVE SPORTS

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SINU community-based rehabilitation students gain firsthand insight at SINIS

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Students from Solomon Islands National University’s Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) programme have gained valuable, firsthand exposure to inclusive sport services following an educational visit to the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High Performance Centre yesterday.

The visit, part of their academic training, focused on understanding how sport contributes to improving the lives of people living with disabilities, with emphasis on inclusion, participation and athlete welfare.

During the tour, the students were taken through key service areas including Performance Services, Talent Identification and Development (TID), Nutrition, and Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. The session provided a practical overview of how the national institute supports both able-bodied and para-athletes.

Speaking after the visit, SINU part-time tutor Crystal Konainao said the experience highlighted the institute’s inclusive approach to athlete development.

“I have learnt that the institute is not only for those who are able, but it is inclusive, including athletes with special needs,” she said.

Konainao added that the visit also opened her eyes to the broader support systems in place beyond performance.

“The institute does not see people only for sport. They are also concerned about health, diet, and how athletes are cared for in many different areas,” she said.

She further acknowledged the professionalism of staff across departments and thanks SINIS personnel for sharing their expertise with the students.

First-year CBR student Patrick Lane described the visit as an eye-opening experience, particularly in understanding opportunities available for persons with disabilities in sport.

“One of the things I learnt today is how inclusive sports opportunities are provided, especially for people with disabilities,” Lane said.

He said the High-Performance Centre plays a key role not only in supporting participation but also in empowering individuals through structured programmes and partnerships.

Students said the session broadened their understanding of how inclusive sport systems operate at a national level, particularly in delivering services that prioritise both performance and wellbeing.

The visit concluded with expressions of appreciation from the students, who acknowledged the opportunity to engage directly with staff and gain practical knowledge of athlete support services.

The Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS), operated under the National Sports Council, serves as the country’s premier high-performance training facility. It provides integrated services such as athlete development, rehabilitation, nutrition, and talent identification, while also promoting inclusive sport programmes for para athletes and communities across the country.

Photo credit: NSC

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MP Quan Wing Chun transforms lives in Honiara

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BY TONY IROGA UFUNONI

MP Quan Wing Chun Kung Fu is making a positive impact on athletes in Honiara, promoting fitness, discipline, and respect while helping individuals stay focused and control their temper.

Senior athlete Titus Qwauna told Island Sun yesterday that MP Quan Wing Chun Kung Fu is playing a key role in shaping athletes both physically and mentally.

He emphasised that Wing Chun encourages mutual respect, builds self-control, and supports athletes in maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

“Martial art goes beyond fitness training, helping participants develop stronger character, discipline, and mutual respect,” he said.

He said Wing Chun also teaches self-control, particularly in managing anger and maintaining focus during competition and daily life.

“Many athletes are now seeing the practice as a way to improve overall well-being, encouraging a healthier and more balanced lifestyle while strengthening teamwork and respect within the sporting community in Honiara,” he said.

Senior athlete Titus Qwauna has clarified that MP Quan Wing Chun Kung Fu is not designed for tournaments or sporting competition like other martial arts disciplines.

“Wing Chun is mainly practiced for skill development and controlled sparring with other martial arts, rather than being focused on competitive fighting events,” he said.

He explained that the system emphasises discipline, self-control, respect, and mental focus, helping athletes improve their character and lifestyle rather than chasing medals or titles.

“Through training in Wing Chun, many athletes are learning how to manage anger, stay focused under pressure, and maintain fitness, making it a valuable practice for personal growth within the sporting community in Honiara,” he said.

He said Wing Chun is a traditional Chinese martial art known for its efficiency, direct movements, and close-range combat techniques. Its history blends legend and documented development.

 “Wing Chun is often traced back about 300 years to the late Qing Dynasty. According to popular legend, a Buddhist nun named Ng Mui developed the system after observing animal movements and refining techniques for speed and practicality rather than strength,” he said.

He said the art was taught to a young woman named Yim Wing Chun, who used it to defend herself against a forced marriage. The martial art was then named after her.

Over time, Wing Chun was passed down through generations, often in secret due to political unrest.

It became more structured and refined, focusing on centreline theory (protecting and attacking the central axis) simultaneous attack and defence, economy of motion and modern era.

Quauna said Wing Chun became widely known in the 20th century through masters like Ip Man, who taught in Hong Kong.

His students helped spread the art worldwide, including the famous martial artist Bruce Lee, who introduced elements of Wing Chun into his own philosophy.  

He explained that Wing Chun brings together people of different ages and experience levels, creating a supportive environment where members learn respect, focus, and controlled sparring skills rather than competition-based fighting.

“Martial art is not a tournament-style sport and is generally not used in competitive settings because of its combat-focused techniques,” he said.

He said MP Quan martial art welcomes children, women, and men, making it accessible to participants from different age groups and backgrounds.

“MP Quan Wing Chun Kung Fu is open to all members regardless of age or gender. The club offers an annual membership fee of $150, with a training session fee of $3 per day and training set for Thursday at the Multipurpose youth hub.

He explained that the training is structured to suit beginners and experienced practitioners alike, with a strong emphasis on discipline, respect, fitness, and self-control.

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SI swimmers chase Commonwealth Games dreams in Fiji qualifier

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The Solomon Islands Swimming Federation (SISF) has sent a small but determined national team to Fiji to compete in a key regional meet that doubles as a pathway to the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The team departed Honiara on Wednesday to take part in the Oceania Swimming Championships, scheduled from May 8–12 in Suva.

This competition is more than just another regional outing—it serves as an official qualifying event for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, placing added importance on performances in the pool.

SISF Secretary General Jackson Rahemae said the championships present a valuable opportunity for local swimmers to test themselves against the region’s best.

“This level of competition allows our swimmers to measure their performance against the region’s best, identify gaps and continue progressing towards international standards,” he said.

Rahemae added that international exposure remains critical for athlete development, not only in terms of performance but also in building mental strength and race awareness.

He explained that competing abroad helps swimmers sharpen race strategies, grow in confidence, and adapt to high-pressure environments, while also benefiting coaches through exposure to advanced techniques and competition management.

The team will be aiming to clock personal best times, gain crucial international experience, and further build professionalism within the sport.

In addition to the swimmers, technical officials are also part of the delegation, playing roles in event delivery and gaining valuable experience at international level.

One of the officials, Cindy Aungarima, is expected to attend a World Aquatics Junior Coaching Workshop during the championships as part of her professional development.

Rahemae also acknowledged the support from the National Sports Council, saying its assistance through governance and participation grants continues to strengthen the federation’s planning and preparation for overseas competitions.

The travelling team includes SISF President Chrisleon Sanga, Rahemae, Head Coach Stance Sanga, swimmers Brenton Naka, Loise Bently and Junior Sanga, along with technical officials Osken Haro and Aungarima.

The team is expected to return home on May 17 following the completion of the championships.

The Oceania Swimming Championships is a key regional competition that brings together top swimmers from across the Pacific. For countries like Solomon Islands, participation is part of a broader effort to raise performance standards and create pathways from grassroots development to elite competition.

With the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland on the horizon, events like this provide crucial qualification opportunities and exposure for emerging athletes aiming to compete on the global stage.

Photo credit: NSC

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