Peoples First Party unhappy with sacking of two ministers
The Solomon Islands Peoples First Party (SIPFP) is reportedly unhappy following the removal of two of its members from ministerial positions in the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).
Member of Parliament (MP) for Rennell and Bellona, John Tuhaika Jnr, and MP for Malaita Outer Islands, Polycarp Paea, have lost their ministerial portfolios.
Tuhaika, who served as Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs, was replaced by MP for Temotu Nende, Stephen Kumi.
Former Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening and MP for Ranoggah/Simbo Wayne Ghemu, has taken over from Paea as the new Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology.
MP for South Guadalcanal, Rollen Seleso, has been reinstated as Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele told media after the swearing-in ceremony at Government House that the decision to remove Tuhaika and Paea, and to reinstate Seleso, was part of a Cabinet realignment aimed at reflecting coalition commitments and ensuring full implementation of the government’s budget.
“These changes are designed to ensure fair and balanced representation in the distribution of cabinet portfolios within the coalition government,” he said.
However, sources within SIPFP claim party members are dissatisfied, noting that Tuhaika Jnr and Paea were among the seven party MPs who supported Manele’s election as Prime Minister.
Other SIPFP members included; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communication and Aviation Fredrick Koloqeto; MP for Marovo, Chacha Bule Amoi; Wayne Ghemu; Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Franklyn Derek Wasi; and Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Paul Popora Bosawai.
Sources also claimed that several ministers joined SIPFP after the formation of the coalition, including Minister for Public Service Francis Sade, Minister for Infrastructure Development Ricky Fuo’o, Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Derrick Rawcliff Manuari, and Minister for Commerce Harry Kuma.
An insider said the coalition should have maintained Tuhaika Jnr and Paea in their ministerial roles.
The Solomon Star understands that SIPFP members are expected to meet over the weekend to discuss the matter.
However, some members are currently overseas or in their constituencies. Sources say once all members return to Honiara, they will meet to determine their position within the coalition.
Manele has assured there will be no further ministerial changes at this stage, describing the reshuffle as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to delivering its policies and national priorities.
The Ownership, Unity and Responsibility (OUR) Party, led by Manele, continues to dominate the GNUT coalition with 19 members, while the Kadere Party of Solomon Islands holds three seats in the coalition.
