Governor-General of Solomon Islands facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Governor-General of Solomon Islands
Flag of the governor-general
Badge
Incumbent David Tiva Kapu since 7 July 2024
Viceroy
Style	His Excellency
Residence	Government House, Honiara
Appointer	Monarch of Solomon Islands on the nomination by the National Parliament
Term length	Five years, renewable once
Constituting instrument	Constitution of Solomon Islands
Formation	7 July 1978
First holder	Sir Baddeley Devesi
Salary	130,000 SBD annually

The governor-general of Solomon Islands is the official representative of the King of Solomon Islands, currently King Charles III. The governor-general is chosen by the King after being nominated by a vote in the National Parliament.

The governor-general has many important jobs. These include appointing ministers (who help run the government), judges, and ambassadors. They also approve new laws passed by parliament and announce when elections will happen.

Generally, the governor-general follows the rules of the Westminster system, which means they stay politically neutral. They always act on the advice of the prime minister. The governor-general also has a special ceremonial role. They host events at their official home, Government House, in the capital city of Honiara. They also give awards to people and groups who have done great things for Solomon Islands. When traveling to other countries, the governor-general represents Solomon Islands and its King.

Governors-general serve for five years. They can be chosen for a second term. Since 7 July 2024, Reverend David Tiva Kapu has been the governor-general.

The role of governor-general began on 7 July 1978. This was when Solomon Islands became an independent country, no longer ruled by the United Kingdom. Since then, eight different people have held this important position.

How the Governor-General is Chosen

In Solomon Islands, the governor-general is chosen differently from many other countries that have the King as their head of state. Here, the country's Parliament nominates the person. In many other countries, the prime minister suggests who should be the governor-general.

The King of Solomon Islands then officially appoints the person chosen by a simple majority vote in the National Parliament. Section 27 of the Constitution of Solomon Islands explains this:

There shall be a Governor-General of Solomon Islands who shall be appointed by the Head of State in accordance with an address from Parliament and who shall be the representative of the Head of State in Solomon Islands.

The person chosen serves for five years. They can be chosen again for one more term.

Taking the Oath of Office

Before starting their job, the governor-general must take an oath. This is a special promise to serve the King and the country. The oath is:

When the Governor-General Leaves Office

The King can remove the governor-general from office if they do something seriously wrong. This can only happen after Parliament asks for it with a vote supported by at least two-thirds of all its members.

If the governor-general's job becomes empty (for example, if they pass away or are removed), the Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands steps in as the acting governor-general. They do this until a new governor-general is chosen. If the Speaker cannot do this, then the Chief Justice takes on the role.

What the Governor-General Does

Governor-General Sir Frank Kabui with President Tsai of Taiwan at Government House, 2017

Governor-General Sir David Vunagi with Erin Elizabeth McKee, US ambassador to Solomon Islands, 2020

Solomon Islands is one of 15 countries in the Commonwealth of Nations that share the same King. Since the King lives outside Solomon Islands, the governor-general's main job is to carry out the King's duties. This means the governor-general performs their tasks for the government of Solomon Islands on behalf of the King.

The governor-general's powers and roles come from the Constitution of Solomon Islands, specifically Part IV, Sections 27, 28, and 29.

Constitutional Duties

The governor-general is responsible for ending a parliament's term early if a majority of members vote for it. Otherwise, parliamentary terms last for four years. The governor-general also sets the date for the general election, which must happen within four months after parliament is dissolved.

After an election, the governor-general calls a meeting of parliament to choose the prime minister. Once the prime minister is chosen, the governor-general appoints the other government ministers based on the prime minister's advice.

The prime minister must keep the governor-general fully informed about how the government is running. The governor-general can also ask for information about any specific government matter.

On behalf of the King, the governor-general gives royal assent to laws passed by the National Parliament. This means they officially approve the new laws.

The governor-general also acts on the advice of the Cabinet (the group of top ministers). They issue rules and announcements under existing laws. They appoint state judges, ambassadors to other countries, and other important government officials.

The governor-general is also in charge of setting up Royal Commissions of Inquiry, which are special investigations. They also approve many other decisions made by ministers, like signing treaties with foreign governments.

The prime minister can be removed from office by the governor-general if a majority of parliament members vote no confidence in the prime minister. The old prime minister stays in office until a new one is chosen by parliament. If the prime minister passes away while in office, the governor-general chooses one of the other ministers to act as prime minister until a new election is held.

Ceremonial Duties

The governor-general's ceremonial jobs include officially opening new sessions of parliament. They do this by giving the Speech from the Throne, which outlines the government's plans. They also welcome visiting leaders from other countries and receive the official papers from foreign diplomats.

The governor-general also presents awards at special events to Solomon Islanders who have done great service to their community or shown bravery.

Community Role

Governor-General Sir Frank Kabui receiving the Queen's Baton for the Delhi Commonwealth Games, 2010

The governor-general provides leadership in the community without taking sides in politics. They act as a patron (a supporter) for charities, service groups, sports clubs, and cultural organizations. They also attend events all over the country.

The governor-general helps to encourage and represent the things that bring all Solomon Islanders together.

Benefits of the Office

Salary

The governor-general receives a yearly salary of 130,000 SBD.

Former governors-general receive a pension. This pension is sixty percent of the current governor-general's salary.

Symbols

The governor-general has a special flag. It shows a lion on top of a royal crown, with "Solomon Islands" written on a two-headed frigatebird. All of this is on a blue background. This flag is flown on buildings and other places in Solomon Islands to show that the governor-general is present.

Official Home

Government House in Honiara is the official home of the governor-general of Solomon Islands.

When governors-general retire, they are given an official home to live in for free. The government also pays for their water, gas, and electricity.

List of Governors-General

Here is a list of the people who have served as Governor-General of Solomon Islands since the country became independent in 1978.

     Denotes Acting Governors-General

No.	Portrait	Name (Birth–Death)	Term of office			Monarch (Reign)
			Took office	Left office	Time in office
1		Sir Baddeley Devesi (1941–2012)	7 July 1978	7 July 1988	10 years	Elizabeth II (1978–2022)
2		Sir George Lepping (1947–2014)	7 July 1988	7 July 1994	6 years
3		Sir Moses Pitakaka (1945–2011)	7 July 1994	7 July 1999	5 years
4		Sir John Lapli (1955–2025)	7 July 1999	7 July 2004	5 years
5		Sir Nathaniel Waena (born 1945)	7 July 2004	7 July 2009	5 years
6		Sir Frank Kabui (born 1946)	7 July 2009	7 July 2019	10 years
7		Sir David Vunagi (born 1950)	7 July 2019	7 July 2024	5 years
						Charles III (2022–present)
8		Rev. David Tiva Kapu	7 July 2024	Incumbent	361 days

See also

In Spanish: Gobernador general de las Islas Salomón para niños

• List of resident commissioners and governors of the Solomon Islands, which lists leaders before Solomon Islands became independent.