The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has successfully secured the support of Hon. David Gina over the weekend, reportedly with the backing of the Christian Fellowship Church (CFC).
Sources within Opposition circles claim that GNUT agreed to address certain issues concerning the CFC—an influential church in Western Province—in exchange for its support, which ultimately led to Hon. Gina joining the government.
“Following the agreement, a chartered plane was arranged to bring Hon. Gina to Honiara, where he was sworn in on Sunday,” an inside source revealed.
The CFC is widely regarded as a powerful and influential institution in Western Province and played a significant role in Hon. Gina’s victory in the South New Georgia Rendova and Tetepari constituency during the 2024 National General Election.
Attempts by Solomon Star to reach Hon. Gina for comment were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone was switched off.
Hon. Gina’s defection and subsequent appointment as Minister for Rural Development increases GNUT’s numbers in Parliament to 23, while the Opposition coalition now stands at 27.
This political development comes ahead of a crucial ruling by the Court of Appeal this Friday. The case involves an appeal by the Attorney General John Muria Junior challenging a High Court decision that ordered the Prime Minister to convene Parliament within three days. The ruling also stated that failure to do so would allow the Governor General to intervene and summon Parliament.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele welcomed the appointment of Hon. Gina, Member of Parliament for South New Georgia Rendova and Tetepari Constituency, who was officially sworn in by the Governor General at Government House.
Prime Minister Manele congratulated Minister Gina, stating that his inclusion helps ensure the Cabinet remains functional and focused.
“This appointment is a vital step in ensuring we remain on track to complete the work of the 12th Parliament. I have every confidence in the Minister’s commitment to seeing through our remaining legislative priorities and delivering on the Government’s 2026 national goals for the people of Solomon Islands,” the Prime Minister said.
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