The Cabinet has agreed to appoint a candidate from either the Central Islands Province or Rennell and Bellona Province as the next Governor General.
This decision is part of the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) initiative to rotate the Governor General’s post among provinces that have not previously held the position.
A reliable source indicated that both Central Islands and Renbel have yet to be represented in the Governor General’s office.
Historically, the position has been held by individuals from various provinces:
Sir Baddeley Devesi of Guadalcanal (1978-1988)
Sir George Lepping of Western Province (1988-1994)
Sir Moses Pitakaka of Choiseul (1994-1999)
Sir John Lapli of Temotu (1999-2004)
Sir Nathaniel Waena of Makira Ulawa (2004-2009)
Sir Frank Kabui of Malaita (2009-2019)
Sir David Vunagi of Isabel Province (2019-present)
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele recently announced that he will move a motion to set the date for the election of the Governor General when Parliament resumes on Monday, June 10.
He noted that such a motion is provided for under Standing Order 16.
Sir David’s term will come to an end next month.
