Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says two ministers removed from their portfolios this week will be offered roles on cabinet sub-committees.
Speaking to reporters in a doorstep interview Tuesday, Manele defended his decision to drop Rennell and Bellona MP John Tuhaika Jnr and Malaita Outer Islands MP Polycarp Paea.
Tuhaika was Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs, while Paea held the Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology portfolio.
Both were dismissed in a cabinet shake-up that also saw former Provincial Government Minister Rollen Seleso – who withdrew support from Manele during last year’s mass ministerial walkout – reinstated to the same role.
Manele said the decision to remove Tuhaika and Paea, and to bring back Seleso, was part of a cabinet realignment aimed at reflecting coalition commitments and ensuring the 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.
Despite the reshuffle, Manele maintained that the government remains stable.
He added that Tuhaika and Paea will continue to serve in the government caucus and contribute to policy-making.
“I’ve spoken to them already, and I intend to appoint them as chairs of a number of cabinet sub-committees,” the prime minister said.
Manele also gave a clear assurance that there would be no further ministerial changes at this stage.
He described the reshuffle as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to delivering its policies and national priorities.
The political shake-up resulted in the swearing-in of three ministers Tuesday. Rollen Seleso, MP for South Guadalcanal, has reclaimed the Provincial Government portfolio, replacing Wayne Ghemu (MP for Rannongga/Simbo), who has been moved to the Environment Ministry.
Stephen Kumi, MP for Temotu Nende, was sworn in as the new Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs.
In a statement, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said the adjustments followed consultations with coalition partners and Members of Parliament to ensure Cabinet responsibilities fairly reflect the makeup of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), giving due consideration to party representation and strengthening coordination for effective delivery of the 2026 programme of work.
“As we move into full implementation of the 2026 Budget, it is important that ministerial portfolios are aligned to support strong coordination and clear leadership across key sectors,” Prime Minister Manele said.
“These adjustments strengthen our collective capacity to deliver on the commitments we have made to our people,” he added.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Ministers and thanked them for their service.
