BY NED GAGAHE
President of Ownership, Unity and Responsibility (OUR) Party, Jimson Tanangada, has firmly rejected claims that the ruling party’s management and administration have weakened or lost direction.
In a response to Island Sun yesterday, Tanangada dismissed assertions made by Northwest Choiseul MP Harry Kuma following his resignation from OUR Party last Friday.
Kuma, who is the Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), resigned from OUR Party citing “weak accountable manner in the administration and management of the party’s affairs”.
He has since joined the People’s First Party (PFP).
Kuma, in his resignation letter sighted by Island Sun, said OUR Party had “evolved significantly” and that the values he initially aligned himself with “have either changed or been marginalised in practice”.
However, Tanangada hit back, saying since its establishment in 2019, OUR Party has remained true to its founding principles of Ownership, Unity and Responsibility — the very ideals that continue to guide its leadership and policy direction.
“Our record speaks for itself,” Tanangada said.
“OUR Party has consistently upheld good governance, political discipline and stability — all of which are essential foundations for nation-building and sustainable development.”
He said from successfully completing a full parliamentary term in government from 2019 to 2024, to once again leading in the 12th Parliament from 2024 to the present, OUR Party had demonstrated “continuity, strength, and resolve” despite many political and economic challenges.
“Far from losing its way, OUR Party remains focused on advancing its vision to empower Solomon Islanders through inclusive leadership, national unity, and responsible stewardship of the nation’s resources,” he added.
No threat to OUR’s stability
When asked if Kuma’s resignation threatened the stability of OUR Party, Tanangada was adamant it did not.
“No, Kuma’s resignation does not threaten OUR Party in any way,” he said.
“OUR Party is not defined by individuals but by the strength of its collective vision, values and policies. It is an enduring institution built on solid political ideals — not a personality-based organisation.”
Tanangada said party membership was both a privilege and a responsibility that required integrity, discipline, and unity under the leadership of the Party Wing Leader — the Prime Minister.
He added that while the Political Parties Integrity (PPI) Act allows MPs to freely change party affiliation, OUR Party respected Kuma’s decision and wished him well in his new political journey with the PFP.
Focus remains on delivery, not defections
Tanangada denied suggestions that more MPs might follow Kuma’s move, saying the party’s focus was on delivering results through the GNUT coalition government alongside its partners, PFP and Kandere Party.
“We are committed to advancing policies that promote economic growth, improve service delivery, and strengthen national unity,” he said.
“Our priority remains clear: to preserve unity within OUR Party, uphold stability within the GNUT coalition, and continue working collectively to build a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous Solomon Islands.”
Political turbulence within GNUT
Kuma’s departure comes amid reports of growing internal tensions within the GNUT government.
The former finance minister was removed from cabinet on August 30 for allegedly acting against a Cabinet decision relating to “sufferance wharves” — an issue that has reportedly divided government members.
Outside interests are said to be fuelling the division, pulling strings from behind the scenes.
Opposition Leader Matthew Wale this week accused Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of losing control over his government, claiming “other forces” now dictate GNUT’s internal numbers.
Kuma was reportedly part of a group within government that had been planning to remove the Prime Minister.
