BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

It will be business as usual this week, despite the Motion of No Confidence (MoNC) scheduled to be debated in Parliament tomorrow against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Mostyn Mangau, told local media during a press conference on Friday that the MoNC is part of the democratic process and should not disrupt normal life.

“This is a normal democratic process. Let our leaders deal with it,” Commissioner Mangau said.

He urged the public to go about their daily routines as usual—attending school, going to work, and running businesses.

“We have leaders elected to handle this matter. The Solomon Islands is mature enough to go through such processes. We’ve been through this before. Let our leaders deal with it,” he added.

Parliament received the notice of the MoNC last Monday. The motion was moved by the MP for Central Honiara, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo.

Mangau also assured the public that appropriate security measures are in place and that peace and order will be maintained throughout the proceedings.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Newly sworn-in Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Cathy Nori says she is humbled by the trust placed on her to lead the important ministry.

Speaking to media following her official swearing-in ceremony yesterday at Government House, Minister Nori acknowledged the responsibility that comes with her new portfolio and pledged to do her best in serving the people.

“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 are, to be implemented in the ministry. I will do my best. That is why we are in Parliament – to serve our people. I pledge to do my best to deliver,” Minister Nori added.

When asked about the current political climate and her experience as a female leader, the Minister remained grounded, emphasizing faith and resilience.

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

“Mostly you pray about how God can guide you on the decisions that you make. And so, I think it is important not to be swayed by all sorts of reasons that will make us undecided.

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

Frederick Kologeto, member of Parliament for South Vella La Vella and party leader of Solomon Islands People’s First Party was officially sworn in yesterday afternoon as Deputy Prime Minister in the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), during a ceremony held at Government House in Honiara.

Cathy Nori, MP for Maringe Kokota, who takes up the role of Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.

The ceremony was officiated by the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Reverend David Tiva Kapu.

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case of a man accused over the rape of his daughter is set to return to court on May 22.

This is for sentencing and mitigation by defence and prosecution.

The matter was heard at the High Court on Wednesday last week where the defendant pled guilty.

Both prosecution and defence sought a 21-day adjournment from the court after the guilty plea was made.

The accused who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim is 40 years old and the victim is 15 years old.

The accused is the biological father of the victim.

Court statements said the defendant raped the victim twice, first in April last year and second in August, 2024.

The incidents took place in the family home and the defendant threatened the victim not to tell anyone what happened, court heard.

In September last year, the victim’s grandmother enquired of her whether she was pregnant, and the victim reported what her father had done.

Matter was reported to the Buala police and later victim was transported to Buala hospital which then confirmed she is five months pregnant by the defendant (her father).

Ben Alasia from Public Solicitor office (PSO) represent the defendant and Jonathan Auga prosecuting.

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Judgement into the case of a man charged in connection with the 2021 riot was delivered Thursday last week at Magistrate Court.

Court acquitted the defendant on count-one, which was sedition, but convicted him on counts two and three which were unlawful assembly and count-four arson.

After the ruling delivered the presiding principal magistrate adjourns the matter to May 15 for sentencing and mitigation submissions from both defence and prosecution.

Court heard on November 24, 2021 Kwate’e together with a group of people protested at the Parliament House for the Prime Minister to step down.

On the following day he and a group of people went and set fire to the Naha Police Station.

This happened during the three days of violence in Honiara which left Chinatown in ruins and business houses and shops in Honiara looted and set on fire.

Naha Police Station was looted and also set on fire, but fortunately was put out by the Naha Community.

Around 200 peacekeepers from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea were deployed to Honiara to help restore law and order.

Fransica Luza act for Crown and Bobby Harunari act for the Kwate’e.

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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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