Former Opposition leader Matthew Cooper Wale was sworn in Friday as the new Prime Minister of Solomon Islands after securing victory in a closely contested parliamentary vote and pledging “discipline and prudent management” as the country faces difficult economic and political challenges.
Wale, 57, Member of Parliament for Aoke-Langalanga in Malaita Province and leader of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party, was sworn in by Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu at Government House shortly after defeating Peter Shanel Agovaka by 26 votes to 22 in Parliament.
In his first statement after taking office, Prime Minister Wale said his government would work hard to serve the country and called on citizens to keep leaders accountable.
“We will do our utmost to serve,” Wale said.
“We take government at a difficult time… but we will exercise discipline and prudent management,” he said, warning that some reforms and decisions may be “painful”.
Wale also appealed for national unity and urged Solomon Islanders, particularly young people, to help shape the country’s future.
“Change is coming,” he said.
He encouraged youth to remain ambitious and take part in the country’s development.
Francis Sade, Member of Parliament for Northwest Guadalcanal, was sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Public Service, a portfolio he previously held.
A large number of Cabinet ministers were also sworn in as Wale moved quickly to establish his administration.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo was appointed Minister for Finance and Treasury, while former Prime Minister Ricky Nelson Houenipwela was sworn in as Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
Peter Kenilorea Junior was appointed Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, while Mannaseh Maelanga took over the Home Affairs portfolio.
Other ministers sworn in included John Maneniaru as Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs; Makario Tagini as Minister for Forestry and Research; and Derrick Manuari as Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification.
Wayne Ghemu was sworn in as Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, while John Tuhaika Junior became Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services.
Morris Toiraena took the Health and Medical Services portfolio, while Polycarp Paea was appointed Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources.
Other appointments included Alfred Lazarus Rinah as Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening; Daniel Waneoroa as Minister for Rural Development; and George Temahua as Minister for Traditional Governance and Ecclesiastical Affairs.
Oliver Salopuka was sworn in as Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey, while Stephen Kumi took the Education and Human Resource Development portfolio.
The other ministers sworn in were Ricky Fuo’o as Minister for Infrastructure Development; Harry Kuma as Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration; Frederick Kologeto as Minister for Communication and Aviation; Clezy Rore as Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs; Franklyn Derek Wasi as Minister for Agriculture and Livestock; and James Bonunga as Minister for Culture and Tourism.
