[Published on Monday, March 23, 2026]

BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

A police-marked vehicle crashed into a roadside tree at Gracious Bay, Temotu Province, on 21 March 2026, prompting an investigation by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

Supervising Provincial Police Commander, Inspector Walter Leleina, confirmed that a police officer allegedly involved in the accident is now under initial review.

“The case will be forwarded to the Professional Standards Internal Investigation (PSII) Department for further assessment once preliminary findings reach my office,” Inspector Leleina said.

He added it is too early to determine the cause of the accident and urged villagers to remain patient while investigators gather information.

Any decision regarding the possible suspension of the officer will be made by PSII in consultation with the Commissioner of Police, RSIPF said.

“This is a sad incident, but the actions taken will help address the matter,” Inspector Leleina said, encouraging anyone with information to assist investigators.

The RSIPF warns that the investigation is expected to take time to ensure all aspects are thoroughly examined.

Photo: Supplied

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[Published on Monday, March 23, 2026]

BY NED GAGAHE

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele has moved to ensure continuity in governance by appointing new Ministers, Acting Ministers and Supervising Ministers to fill up vacant portfolios following recent political developments.

Speaking during a media conference with local journalists on Sunday, Mr Manele confirmed that all government portfolios are now fully covered and Cabinet remains functional.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that several Cabinet Ministers from the former GNUT coalition have resigned, while a number of Members of Parliament have submitted a petition to the Governor-General seeking a possible Motion of No Confidence in Parliament.

“I acknowledge that these developments have prompted public discussion and interest,” Mr Manele said.

“Let me be absolutely clear: Your Government remains in office under the Constitution and continues to discharge its full responsibilities.”

He said that the current situation does not amount to a constitutional crisis but is part of the normal democratic process.

“What we are witnessing is not a constitutional crisis. It is a normal democratic process provided for under our Constitution,” he said.

Mr Manele assured the public that despite leadership changes within certain portfolios, government operations remain stable.

“Public services continue. National operations remain stable and uninterrupted,” he added.

He said the resignation of ministers and MPs is a matter of personal and political choice, which he respects, while thanking former ministers for their service to the country.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the mandate of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) goes beyond individuals.

To maintain effective governance, Mr Manele announced the following appointments:

Manasseh Sogavare, MP for East Choiseul, has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, and Acting Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration.

Trevor Manemahaga, MP for Gao/Bugotu, takes on the role of Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, and Acting Minister for Infrastructure Development.

Alfred Tuasulia, MP for West Kwara’ae, is now Minister for Communication and Aviation.

Nestor Giro, MP for Central Makira, has been appointed Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development.

Mary Daniella Zae Garu, MP for West Guadalcanal, takes up the role of Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs.

Freda Tuki Soriocomua, MP for Temotu Vatud, is now Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs.

Minister for Police Jimson Tanangada has been appointed Acting Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, while Minister for Finance Rexson Ramofafia serves as Acting Minister for Rural Development.

Minister for Fisheries Bradley Tovosia has been assigned as Supervising Minister for Health and Medical Services, and Forestry Minister Makario Tagini as Supervising Minister for Public Service.

Prime Minister Manele will also serve as Supervising Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

Mr Manele said that Cabinet continues to meet and make decisions necessary for the effective administration of government.

“All Ministries are fully covered. Cabinet remains functional and continues to meet and take decisions necessary for the effective administration of Government,” he said.

He assured the public that the government remains committed to maintaining stability and delivering services to the people of Solomon Islands.

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[Published on Monday, March 23, 2026]

BY NED GAGAHE

Political tensions continue to boil in the capital as both the new coalition and the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) strongly condemned an alleged attack on the residence of Marovo Constituency MP, Chachabule Amoi, over the weekend.

According to reports the MP’s home was stoned on Saturday night, in what the coalition described as a “troubling and unacceptable act,” allegedly carried out by supporters aligned to the current administration.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the new coalition said the incident was not only criminal in nature but also a direct threat to the country’s democratic principles.

“This kind of intimidation exposes a dangerous culture where political loyalty is enforced through fear and violence,” the statement said.

The group further questioned the leadership of the current administration, claiming the act reflects a government struggling to maintain control over its supporters amid the ongoing political standoff.

Meanwhile, GNUT has also distanced itself from the incident, condemning the act in the strongest terms during a joint press conference with local media on Sunday.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele called for calm and urged citizens, particularly residents of Honiara City, to respect the rule of law.

“I call on all citizens not to take the law into their own hands and to allow leaders to resolve the current political situation peacefully,” he said.

Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Jimson Tanagada, confirmed the matter is now under police investigation.

He appeals to members of the public who may have information to come forward and assist authorities.

The coalition has also called on the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to thoroughly investigate the incident, stressing that the people of Solomon Islands deserve leadership that promotes unity, integrity and peace.

Police investigations continue.

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[Published on Monday, March 23, 2026]

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele calls on all Solomon Islanders to remain calm, united, and responsible as the nation prepares for two key milestones in the next two years.

Speaking to local media on Sunday, Mr Manele said 2027 will mark the country’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, followed by the 50th Independence Anniversary in 2028.

“These milestones require stability, continuity, and national unity. The GNUT Government will not allow them to be compromised,” he said.

The Prime Minister commended the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force for their professionalism in maintaining law and order during this period.

“To colleagues across Parliament: political power is a trust from the people and must be exercised through proper legal channels,” he said.

He also addressed provincial premiers, the Honiara City Mayor, chiefs, community leaders, private sector representatives, church leaders, civil society groups, women and youth leaders.

“I urge you to remain calm, respectful, and united,” Mr Manele said.

The Prime Minister reminded citizens to exercise responsibility in what they share, whether on social media or by word of mouth.

“Please respect one another’s opinions and do not spread rumours. Our government continues to function and deliver services to you,” he said.

Mr Manele said that all political processes will continue to follow constitutional procedures and the law, ensuring stability and continuity of governance as the nation approaches these historic milestones.

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– ‘Leadership to be determined on Parliament floor’

– Parliament not yet called as MoNC notice matures today

[Published on Monday, March 23, 2026]

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has assured Solomon Islanders that the nation is not in a constitutional crisis, despite growing political speculation and the maturing Motion of No Confidence (MoNC) notice in Parliament.

Speaking at a media conference on Sunday, Mr Manele said: “What we are witnessing is not a constitutional crisis. It is a normal democratic process.”

The MoNC matures today, but the Prime Minister did not specify when Parliament will be convened.

He told media during a press conference earlier this month that a sitting may be called in May or June 2026, depending on government business.

The current GNUT Government is operating as a minority, following the resignation of 12 cabinet ministers last week, leaving the government with only 22 MPs.

The coalition has submitted a MoNC, and recent resignations of Parliamentary Standing Committee chairpersons have added to the political standoff.

Mr Manele emphasised the Constitution as the supreme law of the land:

“The confidence of Parliament in a Prime Minister is tested and determined only through a motion of no confidence on the floor of Parliament. Until then, the sitting Prime Minister remains legally in office.”

On speculation about a new political majority, he said: “A photograph is only a snapshot in time. A vote in Parliament is the constitutional determination.”

He also clarified that Parliamentary Standing Committees operate independently of the Executive.

“These Committees report to Parliament, not to the Prime Minister or the Government,” Mr Manele said, reiterating the doctrine of separation of powers.

He thanked former committee chairpersons for their service and said the Speaker is taking steps to reconstitute committees so Parliament can continue its oversight role effectively.

“Until Parliament meets and decides, the Government remains in office and continues to serve the people,” the Prime Minister said, reassuring citizens that government operations remain stable and fully functional.

The Prime Minister further reassured the public that all constitutional processes, including those involving the Governor-General, will be followed in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, Mr Manele clarified issues surrounding Parliamentary Standing Committees following recent mass resignations of chairpersons.

He said the committees are part of Parliament and operate independently from the Executive.

“Parliamentary Standing Committees are part of Parliament. They are not part of the Executive,” he said.

“These Committees report to Parliament, not to the Prime Minister or the Government.”

He added that under the doctrine of separation of powers, the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary each operate within their respective constitutional roles.

“The Executive is accountable to Parliament, not the other way around,” he said.

He said the Speaker is taking steps to ensure committees are properly reconstituted so Parliament can continue its oversight role effectively.

The Prime Minister reiterated that Parliament will be convened in line with constitutional requirements and due process will take its course.

He said Parliament will be convened at an appropriate time in accordance with the Constitution.

Mr Manele also assured that his government remains fully functional and continues to deliver services across the country.

“Until Parliament meets and decides, the Government remains in office and continues to serve the people,” he said.

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-New majority coalition calls on Prime Minister Manele to ‘do the honourable thing’ – resign or call parliament to debate the motion of no-confidence

-New coalition warns PM Manele’s delay tactics is a tilt towards ‘dictatorship’

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The new coalition with the majority of MPs is calling again on Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to do the ‘honourable thing’ – resign or call for parliament.

This statement comes as the notice of the Motion of No-Confidence (MoNC) against PM Manele matured in parliament yesterday with no sign of the prime minister calling for parliament to debate the MoNC.

Mr Manele had said on Sunday that he would call parliament at an ‘appropriate time’. But the new coalition says the most appropriate time is ‘now’.

With Manele prolonging his rule with a minority government, refusing to let go of power and delaying parliament from debating the MoNC, the new majority coalition warns that the prime minister is pulling Solomon Islands from a democracy ‘towards dictatorship’.

The new coalition boasts 28 MP members and PM Manele commands 22. Two of government’s MPs are in serious medical conditions, rendering only 19 MPs helping Manele run government.

Speaking on behalf of the new majority coalition yesterday, MP for East Are’are Peter Kenilorea Jnr called the group the ‘Government in waiting’.

The new opposition coalition is officially registered with the Political Parties Commission – comprising six parties; People First Party (PFP), Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP), SI United Party (SIUP), Democratic Alliance Party (DAP), Iumi for Change Party (U4C) and SI Party for Rural Advancement Party (SIPRA).

Mr Kenilorea Jnr and Peter Shanel Agovaka (MP for Central Guadalcanal) represented the ‘Government in waiting’ at a press conference yesterday in which the group rebuffed PM Manele’s statements in his press conference on Sunday which the group said attempted to ‘undermine’ and bring ‘uncertainty’ to the current political crisis.

The new majority coalition is 28-MP strong and rock-solid

“We have now been together for one week as a group, 28 strong and being consistent throughout this whole week,” MP Kenilorea Jnr said.

“We are not simply saying that through photographs. It’s not just snapshots on photo. It’s not just rumours that I think the Prime Minister might be referring to it as such.

“It’s actually registered in the Political Parties Commission.

“We have a strong resolve to see this through right till its natural end. We see ourselves as the government in waiting.

“We already have the number. We already have the majority. We’re all about majority rule.

“We will be the next government for Solomon Islands. And that is the resolve that all of us 28 we have.

“To start we are the government in waiting and we look forward to that honour and privilege to serve our nation again in a new government. And that is something we want to say out front and to rebuff the idea that what is happening is perhaps unclear, uncertain. There is a clear certainty.

“We are very clear about our objectives, about what we are doing. And I would encourage you to check out the Office of the Commission for Political Parties. All the documentations are there and that should give you a good guidance.

“And I would also encourage the Prime Minister to also go and have a look at the registration of our coalition. It’s already there in black and white. All 28 have signed.”

PPIA supports new opposition coalition and condemns PM Manele’s minority government

“We now have the PPIA, which is the Political Party Integrity Act. That is a law in itself that governs how the coalition or political parties have coalition,” MP Agovaka said.

“And the PPIA is also a proof that [PM Manele] hasn’t got the number.”

MP Kenilorea Jnr said: “There is an effort to try and undermine what is happening here and perhaps doing the playbook of the old days where we didn’t have this particular office in place where the fluidity was more at play. Now, with this new Political Party Integrity Act and the Political Party Commission, I think unless you look if everyday change, change, somebody signed, resigned, more signed, resigned in a coalition or so, there is no fluidity anymore.

“So, the days where the fluidity, you don’t know who’s here, who’s there, photo taken today might not reflect what happens tomorrow, those days are gone. We are now in a new era where there’s a strong resolve by our group to look forward towards taking this country forward.”

Majority rule is a bedrock of our democracy

“We are all about majority rule. Majority rule is the bedrock upon which democratic countries are built,” MP Kenilorea Jnr said.

“That is the foundation upon which all that we are doing, otherwise it’s meaningless. Otherwise, we might as well be a dictatorship. We are very much a democratic country, believe in the values of democracy.

“And this is something that we thought the Prime Minister also believes in. That is why it’s quite surprising for some of us to start to hear this kind of dictatorship tendencies coming out and holding on to power. Because for us the clear and simple way forward in this impasse that we are now experiencing is simply resignation.

Numbers is important in politics, not just a concept

“Numbers are so important. And we refute and we … disagree with the suggestion that numbers somehow is a concept. Number is not a concept,” MP Kenilorea Jnr said.

“Number is what makes politics operate. Number is where you see the mandate that is given to the people that help to run government. Number is what gives us, as members of parliament, legitimacy.

“Number is what gives the prime minister legitimacy, because he has to win by absolute majority. And we want to say that number is the bottom end of democracy.

“The mandate that people give to us is controlled by the number. So, the number game, as we always say, is a real reality. It’s not a concept, it’s not something that you think about. It’s the fact that the number is so important.”

“The number game that we are playing is that the prime minister hasn’t got the number,” MP Agovaka said.

“It is evident in the fact that he is appointing ministers to supervise in other ministries, act in other ministries, so that in itself is a proof that he has no number. And the PPIA is also a proof that he hasn’t got the number.”

PM Manele twisting the issue of parliamentary chairmanship

“The issue about the parliamentary chairmanship, how it’s been framed by the prime minister is not the right way to see what we’re going through now,” MP Kenilorea Jnr said.

“It’s framed as a separation of powers, when we all know that the prime minister is elected by parliament. That is a convergence of powers for executive, derived from parliament.

“The executive is accountable to parliament.

“And because of that accountability, he has to take a meeting in parliament, call for it, so that we can really go through that full accountability in parliament.

“That’s something that you see throughout commonwealth parliament, that happens now and again. [It is not a] new something. It might be new for Solomon Islands, [that is true].

“It questions the legitimacy of the executive. When we, who are on this side of the house, who man much of the chairmanship, we resign, that is a protest that there is a minority government in place.”

Government ministers in parliament committees against separation of powers

“Once the prime minister would start to appoint people into those committees again, then the separation of power that he’s been talking about calls into question,” MP Kenilorea Jnr said.

“How would you have people in government sitting in those committees to scrutinise again the government? How can you have your own people do the scrutiny? That in itself goes way against what the prime minister is trying to promote as separation of powers.

“That in itself, prime minister, if you start to do that, you’re driving us straight into a constitutional crisis where you have members of the executive manning parliamentary committees, where you’re supposed to have scrutiny and oversight over the role of the executive, but it’s now done by members of the executive.

“Where is that division? Where is that separation? If you go down that route, you are just committing what is potentially a constitutional crisis.”

Vote of no-confidence takes precedence

MP Agovaka said ‘everything’ that Prime Minister Manele had mentioned in his Sunday press conference are secondary to the democratic principle of numbers.

“That principle must stand. The vote of no confidence is an important motion that takes precedence during parliament sitting. [When there is a] vote of no confidence, first we leave aside all the other motions and we concentrate on the vote of no confidence.

“And parliament must be convened to look at this vote of no confidence. It shows that the house has no confidence in the prime minister.

“He is holding the country to ransom, saying that it is in the national interest. And he has not deliberated on what that national interest is.”

For the love of this nation, PM must call parliament

“I would like to call on my friend, the prime minister, to seriously think about this nation, for the love of this nation and people, that he should call parliament, so that we can test this number,” MP Agovaka said.

“Resign from your position that you’ve now lost numbers, accept that, or call Parliament and test your number on the floor of Parliament,” MP Kenilorea Jnr said.

Background

On March 16, 19 government MPs including 12 ministers resigned from the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) coalition.

A notice for a Motion of No-Confidence was served to Parliament on March 17.

Yesterday, this notice matured its seven days and today (Tuesday, March 24) marks the beginning of when the motion can be debated.

It can only be debated when parliament is called for by the prime minister.

On February 2 this year PM Manele in a press conference voiced his intention to call for parliament either in May or June.

The Governor General (GG) has come out saying he does not have the power to call for parliament, adding that he can only do so under advice from the prime minister. This followed a petition by the opposition coalition for the GG to call parliament.

PM Manele told a press conference on Sunday, March 22, that he would call parliament at ‘the appropriate time’.

Furthermore, on March 19 nine chairpersons of nine of the parliamentary select committees resigned – a move which crippled parliament in its oversight functions, and looked to force PM Manele to resign or call parliament.

All nine former chairpersons are MPs in the new opposition coalition. The tenth committee was vacant after its chairperson was appointed a government minister earlier last week.

This is PM Manele’s third MoNC. In the first two MoNC the prime minister had not delayed in calling parliament to debate the two MoNC.

By the time the motions matured, PM Manele had already secured majority numbers to defeat them.

In this instance, the MoNC has matured and PM Manele is with a minority. He has not yet called for parliament.

Photo: Supplied

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The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has successfully completed Operation RAIBALANG 2026 by RSIPV (Royal Solomon Islands Police Vessel) Gizo, reaffirming the organisation’s ongoing commitment to safeguard Solomon Islands’ maritime domain.

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in a statement yesterday said Operation RAIBALANG is a multilateral regional initiative coordinated under the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and was conducted from 3 to 4 March 2026.

The operation brought together Pacific partners to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing while strengthening maritime security across the region.

RSIPF said during this operation, RSIPV Gizo patrolled extensively across Solomon Islands waters, covering a total of 2,087.92 nautical miles during the operation.

Throughout this patrol, the team conducted 14 vessel boardings, including six Chinese-flagged vessels, seven Taiwanese-flagged vessels, and one local fishing vessel.

The boarding teams with support from an onboard fisheries officer also carried out thorough inspections to ensure compliance with fisheries regulations.

“These inspections involved verifying fishing licences and conditions, examining catch logs and reporting records, assessing crew welfare, conducting searches for any illicit or illegal activities, and inspecting vessel documentation as well as storage areas.

“All vessels boarded were found to be fully compliant with their licence conditions and remain in good standing with the Forum Fisheries Agency,” said RSIPF.

Commanding Officer of RSIPV Gizo, Superintendent Naotoro, emphasised the importance of maintaining a visible maritime presence within Solomon Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone as a strong deterrent to illegal fishing and other maritime crimes.

He raised the need to increase patrol frequency in the eastern EEZ and other remote areas that were not fully covered during this operation.

This patrol also had some initial challenges such as adverse weather conditions and crew fatigue due to limited rest.

Nevertheless, the team demonstrated resilience and professionalism to successfully complete the mission.

RSIPF said the Operation RAIBALANG’s success was possible through strong regional cooperation and support, including aerial surveillance provided by the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP) and QUAD partners, analytical support from the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre at the Forum Fisheries Agency, and maritime domain awareness support from the Police Maritime Operations Centre.

Commander RSIPF Maritime, Superintendent Nevol Soko, commended the crew of RSIPV Gizo and the fisheries officers for their dedication and professionalism in protecting Solomon Islands’ marine resources.

He also acknowledged the Australian Government, through the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP), for its continued support in funding this important operation.

“The RSIPF remains committed to working closely with regional and international partners to ensure our oceans remain secure, sustainable, and free from illegal activities,” the statement said.

Photo credit: RSIPF

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is taking a major step to strengthen cervical cancer prevention with the completion of the country’s first training on HPV DNA testing and treatment.

The week-long training was conducted by the Ministry’s Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Division from 5-10, March 2026.

MHMS in a statement yesterday said the training was supported by the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer (ACPCC), the Australian Government through DFAT, and the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA).

This initiative is said to be the first introduction of HPV DNA testing in Solomon Islands.

The training focused on upskilling health workers who were previously trained in Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA).

Deputy Secretary for Health Improvement, Dr Nemia Bainivalu, said HPV DNA testing is the most effective method of cervical screening, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

“This initiative represents a major milestone in our efforts to eliminate cervical cancer,” he said.

Bainivalu also emphasised that vaccinating girls aged 9 to 14 remains a key strategy, following a successful pilot in two provinces.

The HPV vaccination programme was rolled out nationwide in 2019. However, coverage declined during the COVID-19 pandemic to 11 percent, before recovering to over 80 percent through a campaign last year.

Since 2016, more than 15,000 women have undergone cervical screening using VIA, with over 1,000 receiving treatments for pre-cancerous lesions. Screening services were also expanded to Makira and Choiseul provinces for the first time in 2025, Bainivalu said.

The ministry now aims to extend services to Central, Temotu, and Rennell and Bellona provinces this year.

Bainivalu said more than 90,000 women aged 30 to 49 remain at risk, with over 5,000 women entering this age group each year.

Meanwhile although national data remains limited, cervical cancer is among the top ten causes of death among women in Solomon Islands.

He said that cervical cancer is highly preventable and is the only cancer with a global elimination strategy led by WHO.

The introduction of HPV DNA testing is expected to significantly increase screening coverage, including options such as self-swabbing, which reduces the need for clinical examinations and supports outreach services.

“This will accelerate screening coverage while existing screen-and-treat approaches continue,” he said.

Bainivalu acknowledged the contributions of partners, stakeholders, and health workers in supporting the initiative.

Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach welcomed the development and reaffirmed Australia’s support under the Partnership for a healthy region.

“Australia is a global leader in HPV and cervical cancer prevention, and we are committed to sharing this expertise for the benefit of Solomon Islands,” he said.

He said the partnership continues to strengthen research, clinical collaboration, and capacity building in the country’s health sector.

Photo credit: MHMS

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