The Assembly will deliberate on the province’s 2026 and 2027 budgets
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
The Western Provincial Assembly (WPA) will convene its sitting on Monday at the Western Provincial capital of Gizo.
The sitting will take place at the Fair Trade Conference Room.
According to the Assembly Office, the sitting is expected to run from March 16 to 20 and will focus mainly on deliberations surrounding the province’s 2026 and 2027 budgets.
Speaker of the Western Provincial Assembly, Hon. Ramuraka Talasasa, confirmed that the meeting will prioritise discussion and consideration of the provincial government’s financial plans.
“The main agenda for this meeting is the appreciation and consideration of the 2026 and 2027 budget,” Speaker Talasasa told the Solomon Star in an interview.
He said members of the Assembly will gather to review and deliberate on the proposed budget allocations for the next two years.
In addition to the budget discussions, the Speaker revealed that a report from the House Committee will also be presented during the sitting.
The report follows public consultations conducted last year regarding the proposed new market ordinance and policy.
“The report of the House Committee will be deliberated in relation to the public consultation on the new market ordinance and policy,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Assembly is also expected to deal with a Motion of No-Confidence (MONC) that has been formally lodged against the Premier of Western Province.
The notice of motion, dated March 5, 2026, was publicly posted at the Western Provincial Government headquarters in Gizo, triggering the mandatory seven-day notice period required under the Assembly’s Standing Orders.
Speaker Talasasa confirmed receipt of the motion two weeks ago saying the legislative process is now underway.
“Yes, I have received the submission for a Motion of No-Confidence in the Premier,” he said.
“A notice is currently displayed on the notice board at the provincial government building.” he adds.
The motion was moved by the Member of the Provincial Assembly for Ward 7 Vonunu, Hon. Rence Sore.
According to the public notice, the motion is based on three main allegations against the Premier. These include alleged misconduct and misuse of authority, claims of financial mismanagement involving the misappropriation of public funds, and governance failures in addressing key issues affecting the province.
The notice was issued in accordance with Standing Order 107 of the Western Provincial Government, which requires seven clear days’ notice before the motion can be debated.
As a result, the motion is expected to be tabled and debated this week and onwards.
Meanwhile, sources within the Assembly claim both the executive and non-executive sides are confident of securing the numbers needed ahead of the vote.
However, insiders suggest the non-executive group may currently hold the advantage, with indications that support for the government side has declined.
