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Solomon Islands Provinces

Provinces: Central - Choiseul - Guadalcanal - Isabel - Makira-Ulawa - Malaita - Rennell and Bellona - Temotu - Western - Capital: Honiara -

Note: In 1981, the four districts (Central, Western, Eastern, and Malaita) were formed into seven provinces by "The Provincial Government Act - No. 7 of 1981" on 8 Dec 1981 (received assent on 22 Jan 1982), effective 1 Feb 1982. Provinces, provincial assemblies and provincial executives were established throughout the country on 1 Feb 1982. Each then separately negotiates with its provincial ministry over the contents of its devolution order. The devolution order set a "second appointed day", when the province assumes legislative powers and transferred functions listed in the order, as well as the financial powers set out in the Act. The contents of devolution orders and the dates of the second appointed dates vary between province. The first provinces created were Central, Guadalcanal, Isabel, Makira, Malaita, Temotu, and Western: Central (includes the Florida Islands [Nggela Sule and Nggela Pile are the largest], Savo Island, and the Russell Islands); Guadalcanal (includes Guadalcanal Island and adjacent islets); Isabel (includes Santa Isabel, San Jorge, Barora Fa, Barora Ite, the Ghizunabeana Islands); Makira (includes San Cristobal, Ulawa, Uki Ni Masi, Santa Ana, Santa Catalina); Malaita (includes Malaita, Maramasike, Manaoba, Ndai, and the islets and reefs of Stewart Islands [Sikaiana], Ontong Java [Lord Howe], Roncador); Temotu (includes the Santa Cruz Islands [Vanikoro and Ndeni are largest], Reef Islands, Duff Islands, and the remote islands of Anuta, Fatutaka, and Tikopia); and Western (includes the New Georgia Islands [New Georgia, Kolombangara, Vella Lavella, Rendova, Ranongga, Gizo], and the Shortland Islands [Alu, Treasury Islands, Fauro]). In 1983, the 22 square-kilometre Honiara was split from Guadalcanal Province and became a separately-governed capital territory, until 23 Feb 1995.  In 1991 and 1993, the additional provinces of Choiseul and Rennell & Bellona were created by "The Provincial Government (Amendment) Act - No. 3 of 1991" on 28 Jun 1991 (received assent on 11 Jul 1991) and "The Provincial Government (Special Provisions)(Rennell and Bellona Province) Act - No. 8" of 2 Dec 1992 (received assent on 16 Dec 1992): Choiseul (Choiseul, Wagina [Vaghena], Rob Roy, and Taro Islands) separated from Western Province and Rennell and Bellona (Rennell Island [Mu Nggava] and Bellona Island [Mu Ngiki]) from Central Province.

Party abbreviations: AIM = Association of Independent Members of Parliament (founded by Tommy Chan, est. c.2001); Ind = Independent; KPSI = Kadere Party of Solomon Islands (promotes  traditional governance and land reform, founded by Peter Boyers, est.c.2014); MGR = Malaita Government for Redirection; NCRA = National Coalition for Reform and Advancement (coalition incl. NCRA, SIPRA, est.2010); OURP = Ownership, Unity and Responsibility Party ("Our Party", former SISCP, est.16 Jan 2010); PAP = People's Alliance Party (social-democratic, est.1979); RDPSI = Reform Democratic Party of Solomon Islands (constitutional reform, est.2010); SIDP = Solomon Islands Democratic Party (christian democratic, est.Oct 2005); SILP = Solomon Islands Liberal Party (est.1988); SIPRA = Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement (est.2006); SIUP = Solomon Islands United Party (conservative, est.1980); U4C = Umi for Change Party (economic liberal, Daniel Suidani personalist, MARA  successor, est.2022);
- Former parties: GNUR = Group for National Unity and Reconciliation (group founded by Solomon Mamaloni, 1992-1994); MARA = Malaita Alliance for Rural Advancement (Malatia regionalist, 2019-2024, replaced by U4C); MEF = Malaita Eagle Force (Malaita militia group, opposed Isatabu [Guadalcanal] Freedom Movement, 1999-2000); NCP = National Coalition Partnership (GNUR opposition, 1993-1994); NDP = National Democratic Party ('NADEPA', founded by Bart Ulufa'alu, 1976-1989); PPP = People's Progressive Party (1989-late 1990s known as National Unity Group, 1973-2006); RUPP = Rural and Urban Political Party (split from SIPRA, Jun 2010-c.2014); SIAC = Solomon Islands Alliance for Change (electoral coalition incl. SILP, SISCP, SIPRA, est.1997); SINURP = Solomon Islands National Unity, Reconciliation and Progressive Party (founded by Solomon Mamaloni, split from PAP, 1994-1997); SISCP = Solomon Islands Social Credit Party ("Socreds", advocated full monetary and financial reform, founded by Manasseh Sogavare, 2005-2010)

 
Provinces

Central

[Central Province (Solomon Islands)]

 1 Feb 1982                Central province
29 Jun 1984                Province assumes legislative powers and financial powers.

Premiers
26 Apr 1982 - 198.         George Tuhaika                       (b. 1950)
198. - 1989                Ataban Tonezepo                                         NDP
 19.. - Mar 1995            Nelson Ratu                          (b. 1948)
 Mar 1995 - 1998            Peter Manetiva                                          Ind
 1998 - Apr 2006            Mark Roboliu Kemakeza                (b. 1960)          SILP
 Apr 2006 - Feb 2007        Patrick Vasuni (1st time)(acting)    (b. 1958)
 Feb 2007 - 17 Jun 2007     Charles Kunu
 14 Jun 2007 - Dec 2010     Patrick Vasuni (2nd time)            (s.a.)
 17 Dec 2010 - 27 Mar 2013  Patteson Mae
27 Mar 2013 - 30 Dec 2014  Stanley S. Manetiva (1st time)       (b. 1969)          SIDP
 30 Dec 2014 - 24 Aug 2016  George Selwyn Mapuli
 24 Aug 2016 - 27 Jun 2019  Patrick Vasuni (3rd time)            (s.a.)
27 Jun 2019 -  8 Jun 2022  Stanley S. Manetiva (2nd time)       (s.a.)             SIDP
 8 Jun 2022 -  8 May 2024  Polycarp Vakino Galaigu                                 Ind
 8 May 2024 -              Michael Salini                                          SIDP


Choiseul

(Choiseul province (Solomon Islands))

25 Feb 1992                Choiseul province, split from Western province.
25 Feb 1993                Province assumes legislative powers and financial powers.

Premiers
1992 - 1995                Clement Kengava (1st time)         (b. 1953)            PAP
1995 - 1996                Jonathan Vazarabatu
1996 - 1997                Clement Kengava (2nd time)         (s.a.)               PAP
1997 - 28 Jun 2018         Jackson Kiloe                      (b. 1968)
28 Jun 2018 -  1 Nov 2021  Watson Qoloni                      (b. 1984)
 1 Nov 2021 -  9 Jan 2023  Benjiman Harrison
 9 Jan 2023 - 12 Mar 2024  Tongoua Tabe
12 Mar 2024 -              Harrison Ngosu Pitakaka


Guadalcanal
[former Guadalcanal province flag to c.2009 (Solomon Islands)] to c.2009
 [Guadalcanal province (Solomon Islands)]
Adopted c.2010

 1 Feb 1982                Guadalcanal province
 1 Aug 1984                Province assumes legislative powers and financial powers.

Premiers
1982 - 1986                David Rosalio 
1986 - 1990                Lawson Belande
 1990 - 1993?               Eric Seri     
1993? - 1996               Gideon Moses                       (b. 19.. - d. 2012)
 1996 - Apr 1998            Siriako Usa                        (b. 1959)
  1 Apr 1998 - Dec 2002     Ezekiel Alebua                     (b. 1947 - d. 2022)  SIUP
 Dec 2002 -  3 Dec 2004     Waeta Ben Tabusasi                 (b. 1946)
  3 Dec 2004 - Jan 2007     Abel Arabola                       (b. 1958)
 Jan 2007 -  7 May 2008     Joash Salani                       (b. 1959)
  7 May 2008 - Dec 2010     Stephen Panga (1st time)           (b. 1962 - d. 2024)
 Dec 2010 - 22 Feb 2013     Anthony Kamutulaka Veke (1st time) (b. 1976)            OURP
 22 Feb 2013 - 20 May 2014  Stephen Panga (2nd time)           (s.a.)
20 May 2014 - 29 Dec 2014  Anthony Kamutulaka Veke (2nd time) (s.a.)               Non-party
29 Dec 2014 - 29 Mar 2016  Bartholomew Vavanga                (b. 1955)
29 Mar 2016 - Apr/May 2019 Anthony Kamutulaka Veke (3rd time) (s.a.)               KPSI
Apr/May 2019 - 25 Jun 2019 Peter Aoraunisaka (acting)
25 Jun 2019 - 10 May 2024  Francis Mocho Belande Sade                              Non-party?
10 May 2024 -              Willie Atu                                              Ind


Isabel

[Isabel Province (Solomon Islands)]

 1 Feb 1982                Isabel province
 2 Jun 1984                Province assumes legislative powers and financial powers.
 
 Premiers
20 Apr 1982 - 1984         Culwick Vahia
1985 - 1988                Jason Leguhavi                     (b. 1953)
 1989 - 1990                Clement Rojumana                   (b. 1945)
 1990 - 1992                Philip Manehatha
1993 - 1994                Stanley Vunagi
1994 - 1996                Amos Gigini                        (b. 1956)
 1997 - 1998                Joseph Hiro
1998 - 2003                Jacob Pitu                         (b. 1958)
2003 - Dec 2006            James Habu                         (b. 1972)
 Dec 2006 - Dec 2010        Ruben Dotho                        (b. 1953)
17 Dec 2010 - 19 Mar 2012  Amos Gigini
 19 Mar 2012 - Jun 2019     James Habu  
Jun 2019 - 21 Mar 2022     Leslie Kikolo
 22 Mar 2022 - 13 May 2024  Rhoda Sikilabu (f)
 13 May 2024 -              Lawrence Hayward                                        Ind

Makira-Ulawa

[Makira-Ulawa Province (Solomon Islands)]

 1 Feb 1982                Makira-Ulawa province
 3 Aug 1983                Province assumes legislative powers and financial powers.

Premiers
1982 - 19..                Mathias Ramoni (1st time)          (b. 19.. - d. 2003) 
c.1989                     Gad Hagasuramo
 199.                       Mathias Ramoni (2nd time)          (s.a.)
 .... - ....                Reginald Nunu                      (b. 1957)
 .... - 2003                Daniel Nahusu                      (b. 1954)
2003 - 2007                Stephenson Piringisau
Feb 2007 - Dec 2007        John Mamafe                        (b. 1961) 
Dec 2007 - 12 Jan 2016     Thomas Weape
 12 Jan 2016 - 10 Jan 2020  Stanley S. Siapu (1st time)        (b. 1960)            Ind
 10 Jan 2020 -  3 May 2024  Julian Maka'a                      (b. 1957)            Ind
 3 May 2024 -              Stanley S. Siapu (2nd time)        (s.a.)               Ind


Malaita

[former Malaita Province flag to 2016 (Solomon Islands)]
to 2016
 [Malaita Province flag (Solomon Islands)]
Adopted 2016

 1 Feb 1982                Malaita province
 15 Aug 1983                Province assumes legislative powers and financial powers.

Premiers
1982 - 19..                David Nanato                       (b. 1938 - d. 2022)
 c.1983                     Stephen Tonafalea                  (b. 1951)
 c.1986                     Harold Maomatekwa
c.1988                     Timothy Kauhiona                   (d. 2022)
 c.1989                     Fred Luitolo
 c.1995 - Jan 2003          David Oeta                         (d. ....)
 Jan 2003 - Jan 2007        Ruben Tori Moli
Jan 2007 - 11 Jan 2011     Richard Na'amo Irosaea
 11 Jan 2011 - Jan 2015     Edwin Miniti Suibaea 
Jan 2015 -  5 Jul 2019     Peter Channel Ramohia
  5 Jul 2019 -  7 Feb 2023  Daniel Suidani                     (b. 1970 - d. 2025) MARA;2022 U4C
  7 Feb 2023 - 10 Feb 2023  Glen Waneta (acting)
 10 Feb 2023 - 15 May 2024  Martin Fini
15 May 2024 -              Elijah Asilaua                                          MGR


Rennell and Bellona

[Rennell and Bellona province old flag (Solomon Islands)]
Former Provincial Flag to c.2023
 [Rennell and Bellona Province flag (Solomon Islands)]
Current Provincial Flag c.2023

21 Jan 1993                Rennell and Bellona province, split from Central.
20 Jul 1995                Province assumes legislative powers and financial powers.
Premiers 
1993 - 1999                Ajilon Jasper Nasiu                (b. 1945)
 1999 - Jan 2003            Francis Taupongi                   (b. 19.. - d. 2013)
Jan 2003 - Jan 2007        Matthew Taupongi Giusaga
 Jan 2007 - Mar 2008        Solly Amonga Tengemoana            (b. 1963)
 Mar 2008 - Dec 2010        Johnstone Timothy Peseika
                             (1st time)
 Dec 2010 - 18 Mar 2013     George Tuhaika
 18 Mar 2013 -  4 Sep 2014  Lence Tango
                             (in dissidence from 14 Aug 2014)
14 Aug 2014 -  4 Sep 2014  Johnstone Timothy Peseika
                             (2nd time)
 4 Sep 2014 - 30 Dec 2014  Agiki Peseika Baiabe (administrator)
30 Dec 2014 -  5 Aug 2019  Collin Singamoana Tesu'atai
 5 Aug 2019 - 20 Dec 2021  Willie Tuhagenga
20 Dec 2021 - 16 May 2024  Japhet Tuhaika Tuhanuku
16 May 2024 -              Derek Tenoaika Pongi                                    Ind

Temotu

[Temotu province flag (Solomon Islands)]

 1 Feb 1982                Temotu province
  8 Jun 1984                Province assumes legislative powers and financial powers.

Premiers
1982 - 1984                David Dawea Taukalo                (b. 1920 - d. 1993)
 1984 - 198.                Canon Daniel Victor Gordon Brock   (b. 1908 - d. 1993)
 198. - 1988                Jonas Malatua                      (b. 1943)
 1988 - 19..                John Ini Lapli (1st time)          (b. 1955 - d. 2025)
 19.. - 19..                Mathew Matoko
 19.. - 1999                John Ini Lapli (2nd time)          (s.a.)
Jun 1999 - Jan 2003        Gabriel Metaneu Teao               (b. 1964)
 Jan 2003 - 23 Jan 2009     Johnson Levela
 26 Jan 2009 - 10 Jan 2011  David Daiwo
10 Jan 2011 - 14 Jan 2015  Charles Brown Beu                  (b. 1957)
14 Jan 2015 -  2 Oct 2015  Buddley Soakifono
  2 Oct 2015 - 31 Mar 2017  Nelson Omar Menale
31 Mar 2017 - Jul 2019     David Maina
 Jul 2019 - 10 May 2024     Clay Forau Soalaoi                 (b. 1976)
 10 May 2024 -              Stanley Tehahua (Tehi)                                   Ind


Western

[Western Province (Solomon Islands)]

 1 Feb 1982                Western province
  7 Dec 1983                Province assumes legislative powers and financial powers.

Premiers
198.                       Francis Billy Hilly                (b. 1948 - d. 2025)
 1983 - 1987                Job Dudley Tausinga                (b. 1951)
 c.1989                     Jerry Buare                        (b. 1940? - d. 2002)
 c.1994                     Arthur Unusu Kovara
 c.1996                     Thornley Hite
 199. - 1999                Clement Base (1st time)            (b. 1960?)
1999 - 2002                Ruben Lilo                         (b. 1951)
 2002 - 25 Jul 2005         Clement Base (2nd time)            (s.a.)
25 Jul 2005 - 20 Jul 2009  Alex Lokopio                       (b. 1942)
 20 Jul 2009 - 21 Oct 2013  George Solingi Lilo                (b. 1965)
 21 Oct 2013 - 10 Aug 2016  Robert Pae Kuve                    (b. 1980)
10 Aug 2016 -  3 Jul 2018  Wayne Maepio                       (b. 1974)
 3 Jul 2018 -  2 Dec 2021  David Gina                         (b. 1959)
 2 Dec 2021 -  9 Jan 2023  Christian Mesepitu
 9 Jan 2023 -              Billy Veo

 
Capital

Honiara 

[Honiara city (Solomon Islands)]

1942                       Camp Guadal established in Guadalcanal province.
 May 1945                   Renamed Honiara.
 Jul 1983 - 23 Feb 1995     Honiara split from Guadalcanal province and designated as the
                              Capital Territory and separately governed (subordinate to Home
                              Affairs Minister). 
25 Feb 1995                Capital Territory abolished, but City of Honiara maintains a
                              separate administration (subordinate to Home Affairs Minister). 
28 Sep 1999                The Honiara City Act 1999 of 26 May 1999 creates a city council of
                              representatives from 12 wards.
Presidents
 1982 - 1985                Paul Keyaumi
 1986 – 1988                Robert Wale (1st time)
 1989                       Ronald Dausabea
 1989 - 1990                John Ratu
 1990 – 1992                David Kausimae (chairman)
 1993 – 1995                David Maesua
 1996 – 1998                Robert Wale (2nd time)
 1998 - 1999                John Maetia
 Mayors
 2000 – Nov 2002            Ronald Ila Fugui                   (b. 1961)
 Nov 2002 - 2003            David Dausabea                     (b. 1953?)  
 2004 - 2005                Hazel Lule (f)(chairman)
 2006 – 29 Apr 2008         Alfred Maetia                      (b. 1944)        SISCP
 29 Apr 2008 – Dec 2010     Andrew Luke Mua (1st time)
 Dec 2010 - Oct 2012        Israel Maeoli                      (b. 1963)
 Oct 2012 - 30 Dec 2014     Andrew Luke Mua (2nd time)
 30 Dec 2014 - 22 Aug 2016  Alfrence Inoga Fatai               (b. 1959)
 22 Aug 2016 - Jun 2019     Andrew Luke Mua (3rd time)
 5 Jun 2019 - May 2021     Wilson Mamae                       (b. 1954)
May 2021 -                 Eddie Kasuteé Siapu





© Ben Cahoon