Nori joins cabinet as new minister for women

BY NED GAGAHE

The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) ushered in new energy and leadership yesterday as Frederick Kologeto was officially sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister, while Cathy Nori joined Cabinet as Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at Government House 2pm yesterday and was officiated by Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Reverend David Tiva Kapu.

Kologeto, the MP for South Vella La Vella and leader of the Solomon Islands People’s First Party (SIPFP), retains his portfolio as Minister for Civil Aviation.

His elevation to DPM reflects his increasing influence within the GNUT coalition, which includes the OUR Party, Kandere Party, and SIPFP, with SIPFP holding eight seats in Parliament.

In a move hailed as a step forward for gender representation, Cathy Nori, the MP for Maringe Kokota, was also sworn in.

Nori replaces Freda Tuki MP for Temotu Vatud who resigned along with 10 MPs last week following the political movements.

Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele welcomed both appointments, saying they bring “strength and balance” to the executive arm of government.

“These appointments demonstrate our commitment to inclusive governance and to delivering results for all Solomon Islanders,” the PM said.

Speaking to local media after her swearing-in, Minister Nori expressed gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility.

“I am humbled actually to be appointed to take up the responsibility as the Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs,” she said.

“I am here to deliver what the policies of the government require to be implemented in the ministry. I will do my best. That is why we are in Parliament — to serve our people.”

When asked about the challenges of politics as a woman, Nori spoke with conviction:

“Life is never meant to be an easy ride, you have challenges, and so it’s how we stand in those challenges that counts.

“Nothing should move you if you have faith in God that He will direct you where you go.” She said.

As of last night, GNUT holds a narrow lead with 26 MPs, ahead of the Motion of No Confidence scheduled for Tuesday, 6th May.

The Opposition trails with 23 MPs.

Sources close to Island Sun indicate that GNUT expects to gain further ground, with more MPs from the Opposition side expected to cross the floor before the motion is tabled in Parliament tomorrow.

In a significant political maneuver, GNUT swore in three new ministers, all defectors from the Opposition.

The appointments began on Friday night with Daniel Waneoroa, MP for North Malaita, who took office as the new Minister for Rural Development.

By Saturday midday, Derrick Manu’ari, MP for West Makira, was sworn in as Minister for Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification, followed by Ricky Fuo’o, MP for Central Kwara’ae, who became Minister for Infrastructure Development.

Insiders told Island Sun last night that the GNUT government anticipates further defections from the Opposition bench today, potentially strengthening its position ahead of the vote.

Meanwhile, the Opposition is also actively lobbying behind the scenes.

Attempts to reach key Opposition MPs for comment were unsuccessful, with several declining to speak on the matter.

The upcoming motion of no confidence was lodged earlier this week by Central Honiara MP Gordon Darcy Lilo and is expected to be formally presented in Parliament tomorrow.

The motion follows a dramatic walkout last week by 10 MPs led by former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who cited leadership concerns with both Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and former Deputy Prime Minister Bradley Tovosia.

Tovosia has since resigned from his ministerial roles but remains on the government bench as a backbencher.

Tomorrow’s no-confidence motion is set to determine the immediate future of the GNUT administration.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Ambassador of Norway to the Solomon Islands, HE Anne Grete Riise, had the historical opportunity to meet local descendants of early Norwegian traders during a special gathering held at the Mendana Hotel, Honiara yesterday.

As she concluded her official visit, Ambassador Riise spent the afternoon engaging with descendants, listening to family histories and stories passed down through generations.

Among the families represented were the Paulsen, Andersen, Nielsen, and Andresen families—each tracing their roots back to Norwegian traders who arrived in the Solomon Islands prior to and during the British colonial era.

These traders settled in various parts of the country and married local women, particularly from the Western Province, Isabel, Guadalcanal, and Malaita.

According to Norwegian researcher Edvard Hviding, a census carried out in 1897, recorded seven Norwegians among other Europeans living in the country.

In her short speech, Ambassador Riise said, “What will we do on our side from the embassy, we will also post on social media and make known these connections, and maybe this would help you to find where you are from and relatives in Norway.”

Speaking to Island Sun, second-generation descendant Jan Sanga shared that while many families are aware of their Norwegian heritage, they’ve never had the opportunity to gather in one place due to being scattered across the country.

“The coming of the ambassador has enabled us to meet each other,” she said.

Sanga added that reconnecting with relatives in Norway is a possibility, although most contact so far has been with Norwegian researchers who have conducted studies in the country in past years.

Caterine Nielsen, who is of Norwegian, Guadalcanal, and Malaitan (Are‘Are) descent, expressed her joy at being part of the event.

“I am very happy to know about the country my ancestor came from and to see others just like me, sharing the same heritage.”

Ambassador Riise, who will return to Australia, is expected to visit the Solomon Islands again in September for the Pacific Islands Forum.

She expressed interest in participating in similar gatherings and reconnecting with the descendants during her next visit.

*Cover photo: The Andersen descendants with Ambassador Riise

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Commissioner Mangau has expressed great pride in the graduation of 15 police officers as Police Response Department (PRD) operators at the Rove police club on Friday.

“I stand before you today to mark the successful completion of the PRD Basic Operators Course 1/2025—a course that represents not only a milestone in training excellence but also a significant investment in the future capability and professionalism of the RSIPF,” Commissioner Mangau said

The Commissioner also thanked the government and people of Australia, as a key strategic partner, for their unwavering support to the RSIPF, particularly the PRD.

“Your enduring commitment to our national security and institutional strengthening continues to shape our law enforcement development path. Australian assistance from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has been instrumental throughout this comprehensive program’s planning, implementation, and delivery,” he said

According to a press statement, the program was built on five structured phases—from marketing and preparatory fitness to barrier testing, selection, and a rigorous 13-week operators’ course—was nothing short of transformative.

“Each phase was designed with purpose and precision to ensure we selected only the most capable and resilient individuals.”

Commissioner Mangau said seeing the testing of mental strength, physical endurance, and team cohesion, concluding in a course that involved advanced weapon handling, public order management, combat casualty care, and tactical response training.

“Our newly graduated operators have earned their place in the RSIPF-PRD through courage, commitment, and character.”

The police chief also acknowledged the two female and 13 male officers who have completed the program

“You are a testament to our future and a symbol of RSIPF’s growing capability and inclusivity. We are especially proud to see the increased participation of our female officers, reflecting our shared commitment to gender diversity within the National Operations Portfolio,” he added.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Minister of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai, has extended the government’s appreciation to various stakeholders supporting the rollout of immunization programs across the Solomon Islands.

“On behalf of the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) and the people of the Solomon Islands, I would like to acknowledge and thank all our technical and development partners who have supported—and continue to support—our national immunization program and provincial health services,” Mr Bosawai said.

Speaking during World Immunization Week last week, Bosawai expressed gratitude to the World Health Organization (WHO) office in the Solomon Islands, UNICEF, World Vision, and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for their continued support.

“Thank you very much to all our partners. Despite challenges in human resource capacity, infrastructure, and finances, and the difficult geography of our islands, you continue to make it possible for mothers and children across the Solomon Islands to access safe and free vaccines,” he added.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Suggested to step down following the recent resignations of 10 ministers, Manele reaffirms his commitment to serve the country.

Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, speaking to media representatives on Friday shared his response to the suggestion of him to step down.

He stated that he wishes to reaffirm his unwavering commitment to serve this country.

“I was mandated to lead and deliver on the collective vision for national unity and transformation. If and when Parliament decides otherwise, that decision will be respected.”

Meanwhile, he said for now, they must continue to govern with clarity, not denying the reality before us, but with a clear-eyed focus on our responsibilities.

In this regard, Manele said ministries are operational, projects are progressing and our development partners remain actively engaged in supporting our shared national goals.

“In moments like these, it is crucial that we remain focused on what matters most: the well-being of our people, the functioning of our institutions and the continued delivery of services.”

Moreover, Manele mentioned that political shifts are part of our democratic journey.

“Some who have left the government have questioned our leadership and expressed doubts about our ability to address the nation’s most pressing challenges.

They have highlighted the need for strong, sensible government leadership capable of driving the nation forward.”

Manele said while he respects their views, he must respectfully point out that that these assertions do not align with the reality of what we have achieved under GNUT over the past year.

He expressed that leadership is not about issuing ultimatums or responding to individual grievances but rather about collective responsibility and working together towards the common good.

“We have advanced key infrastructure projects, made progress in economic reform and taken significant steps in human capital development all of which are critical to addressing the issues facing our country.”

“To claim that the government lacks leadership is to ignore the tangible progress we have made.”

Manele stated that they remain steadfast in their commitment to deliver on their promises and to tackle the challenges facing our people.

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