BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

What began as a friendship formed during high school years has now become a mission of compassion and support for women and girls affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila in Sasamunga, North Choiseul.

For four close friends, Anna Grace Aitorea, Goretti Pala, Alice A. Hou and Mary A. Inasimae, the devastation caused by the cyclone was more than just another disaster story. It was personal.

When Cyclone Maila struck parts of Choiseul and Western Province, Goretti Pala was in her home village of Sasamunga, witnessing firsthand the destruction left behind.

Through phone calls and conversations with her friends in Honiara, she shared the struggles faced by families, especially women and girls who were in urgent need of basic sanitary and hygiene supplies.

Moved by the situation, the group quickly came together with one goal: to provide assistance where it was needed most.

Rather than focusing only on food and general relief items, the friends decided to support a need they believed was often overlooked during emergencies: dignity and hygiene support for women and girls.

An appeal for donations was launched among friends, work colleagues and family members. The response, they said, was overwhelming.

Within a short time, the group raised a total of $6,340, enabling them to purchase 10 cartons of sanitary pads, three bales of washing powder and clothing essentials for women and girls in the affected community.

The supplies were shipped to Sasamunga on May 1^st aboard the MV Pelican Express 1 and later handed over to staff at Sasamunga Hospital and Sasamunga High School.

Recipients included the nurse in charge at the hospital, the school principal, the home economics teacher and female students at the school.

For the group, the initiative was not only about delivering supplies, but also about restoring dignity, comfort and hope to women and girls recovering from the disaster.

The success of the relief effort has now inspired the organisers to continue helping other affected communities across Western Province.

They say what started as a small act of friendship has grown into a wider commitment to support vulnerable communities during difficult times.

The group also acknowledged the many individuals and supporters who contributed financially to help make the project possible.

“We wish to extend our deepest gratitude to those who opened their hearts and pockets to make this possible. Your kindness has provided dignity and relief to many. Our sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks to: Mary A Inasimae, Alice A Hou, Anna G. Aitorea, Maslyn Tauvave, Mariselo Asupeu, Amos Ngaingeri, Christina Tefekome, Lavinia J Fineanganofo, Ronnie Raraihuru, Dr. Elizabeth Wore, Rose Karoa, Muriel Takamae, Etter Asanao, Josephine Pitakere, Roger Dezilwa, Don Fakarii, Mariselo Asupeu, Selwyn Luiramo, Jennifer Wate, Dairus Korasi, Deborah E. Aitorea, Gabriel Riotarau, Tolosi Hokutenikeni Women’s Association.

“Together, we are making a difference,” the organisers said in a message of thanks to donors and supporters.

In response, the nurse in charge of Sasamunga hospital said it’s a timely donation for mothers who are admitted, because accessing stores to buy such supplies is still a challenge due to physical access and economic challenges

The principal of Sasamunga Community High School is also very grateful for this small donation, as it will help their female students.

Photos: Supplied

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Jessie Larui, president of Solomon Islands Midwifery Association, calls for stronger investment in midwifery through education, regulation, and professional support to improve maternal and newborn healthcare services across the country.

She made the call during the celebration of the International Day of Midwives, on Tuesday this week at the Multipurpose Hall futsal court in Honiara.

Ms Larui said that the three key pillars identified by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) for strengthening the profession are Education, Regulation, and Association.

Speaking at the event, she said that investment in education and continuous professional development is essential to build a stronger midwifery workforce.

She acknowledged the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) for offering a Bachelor of Nursing in Midwifery programme, which has increased the number of trained midwives in the country.

She also revealed that a newly reviewed postgraduate diploma in midwifery aligned with ICM standards is expected to be offered next year.

The president adds that the importance of empowering midwives is to take on leadership roles in health policy, planning, and management at the national level.

She also calls for a dedicated midwifery regulatory framework.

“The current nursing regulations are not enough to fully govern the unique scope of midwifery practice,” she said.

She also urges for a review of the Nursing Council Act to establish a separate registration process for midwives and ensure the profession is properly recognised under national legislation.

The Solomon Islands Midwifery Society (SIMS) is recognised for advocating and supporting professional development within the sector.

She urges stakeholders, policymakers, donor partners, and health authorities to address the shortage of midwives, improve working conditions, provide fair salaries and incentives, and ensure equal distribution of midwives to rural and remote communities.

Ms Larui praised midwives for their dedication and commitment to saving the lives of mothers and newborns throughout Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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BY NED GAGAHE

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale says the incoming coalition government aims to free Solomon Islands from what he describes as “elite capture” and powerful interests that have long controlled the country’s economy and politics.

Speaking to local media after the successful Motion of No Confidence vote in Parliament yesterday, Mr Wale was asked how he felt after many years in opposition and now being on the verge of taking over government.

Responding to the question, Mr Wale said his focus was not about emotions or personal achievement, but about building a government that genuinely serves the people.

“It’s not about the question of feeling, there is no emotion to it,” Mr Wale said.

“We are always looking to form a good government, one that truly embraces people, a government that releases the shackles of elite capture of this country.”

Mr Wale said concerns over the influence of powerful interests on governments had been one of his consistent messages during past elections and political campaigns.

He claims successive governments over the years had been controlled by interests that were not necessarily aligned with the national interests of Solomon Islands citizens.

“Unfortunately, our governments for quite some time were being held in shackles and enslaved by interests that are not necessarily the national interests of our people,” he said.

Mr Wale acknowledged that changing the system would not be easy or immediate, warning that the country was dealing with “powerful forces”.

“It’s not going to be done overnight. It’s not going to be easy. We are talking about powerful forces,” he said.

“But let’s begin that process. Let’s look forward with some boldness, take some courage and say we are going to try and defeat it.”

The Opposition Leader said Solomon Islanders needed to better understand the forces influencing the country and why wealth remained concentrated among a small group while the majority of citizens continued to struggle economically.

“People must know the forces that enslave this country, why in the economy just a few people are so wealthy while the vast majority are poor,” he said.

“That is not a good situation.”

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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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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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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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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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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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