# Governor-General of Solomon Islands > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Governor-General_of_Solomon_Islands > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Governor-General_of_Solomon_Islands.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor-General_of_Solomon_Islands > Source revision: 1355553162 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Representative of the monarch of Solomon Islands Governor-General of Solomon Islands Badge Flag of the governor-general Incumbent Sir 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 SI$130,000 annually This article is part of a series on the Monarchy of Solomon Islands Viceroy Governor-General Vice-regal residence Government House Constitution Constitution Executive Council Role in Parliament Republicanism Symbols Solomon Islands royal symbols Royal eponyms Royal monuments St Edward's Crown Royal cypher Royal anthem Related links Royal tours of Solomon Islands Loyal toast List of jubilees Demise of the Crown Oceania portal v t e Politics of Solomon Islands Constitution The Crown Monarch King Charles III Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu Executive Cabinet Prime Minister Matthew Wale Legislature National Parliament Speaker: Patteson Oti Leader of the Opposition Manasseh Sogavare Shadow Cabinet Constituencies Political parties Elections Recent elections General: 2014 2019 2024 Judiciary Judiciary Administrative divisions Administrative divisions Foreign relations Minitry of Foreign Affairs: Minister: Rick Houenipwela Diplomatic missions of / in Solomon Islands Passport Visa requirements Visa policy Related topics Foreign relations Truth and Reconciliation Commission Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) Other countries v t e The **governor-general of Solomon Islands** is the representative of the [Solomon Islands' monarch](/source/Monarchy_of_Solomon_Islands), currently King [Charles III](/source/Charles_III), in [Solomon Islands](/source/Solomon_Islands). The governor-general is appointed by the monarch after their nomination by the [National Parliament](/source/National_Parliament_of_Solomon_Islands) by vote. The functions of the governor-general include appointing [ministers](/source/Cabinet_of_Solomon_Islands), judges, and ambassadors; giving [royal assent](/source/Royal_assent) to [legislation](/source/Legislation) passed by parliament; and issuing [writs for election](/source/Writs_for_election). In general, the governor-general observes the conventions of the [Westminster system](/source/Westminster_system) and [responsible government](/source/Responsible_government), maintaining a political neutrality, and has to always act only on the advice of the prime minister. The governor-general also has a ceremonial role: hosting events at the official residence—Government House in the capital, [Honiara](/source/Honiara)—and bestowing honours to individuals and groups who are contributing to Solomon Islands and their communities. When travelling abroad, the governor-general is seen as the representative of Solomon Islands and its monarch. Governors-general are appointed for a five-year term of office. Since 7 July 2024, the governor-general has been [Sir David Tiva Kapu](/source/David_Tiva_Kapu). The office of the governor-general was created on 7 July 1978, when Solomon Islands gained independence from the United Kingdom as a sovereign state and an independent constitutional monarchy. Since then, eight individuals have served as governor-general. ## Appointment Unlike most other [Commonwealth realms](/source/Commonwealth_realm), the governor-general of Solomon Islands is nominated by the country's [National Parliament](/source/National_Parliament_of_Solomon_Islands), rather than being proposed by its [prime minister](/source/Prime_Minister_of_Solomon_Islands) (as is the convention in the other Commonwealth realms). The appointment is made by the monarch of Solomon Islands following a simple majority vote of the National Parliament. Section 27 of the [Constitution of Solomon Islands](/source/Constitution_of_Solomon_Islands) provides that:[1] 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 term of office is five years, and is renewable once.[1] ### Oath of office The oath of office of the governor-general is:[2] "I, *(name)*, do swear that I will well and truly serve His Majesty King Charles III, His Heirs and Successors, in the office of Governor-General of Solomon Islands. So help me God." ## Dismissal The governor-general may be dismissed by the monarch "for misbehaviour or for such other cause as may be prescribed by Parliament", after an address from Parliament supported by at least two-thirds majority of all members of parliament.[1] If the office of governor-general becomes vacant, due to death or dismissal, the [speaker](/source/Speaker_(politics)) of the [National Parliament of Solomon Islands](/source/National_Parliament_of_Solomon_Islands) becomes acting governor-general until a new appointment is made. If the office of Speaker is vacant or unable to perform those functions, then the vice-regal duties are carried out by the Chief Justice.[1] ## Functions Governor-General [Sir Frank Kabui](/source/Frank_Kabui) with President Tsai of Taiwan at Government House, 2017 Governor-General [Sir David Vunagi](/source/David_Vunagi) with [Erin Elizabeth McKee](/source/Erin_Elizabeth_McKee), US ambassador to Solomon Islands, 2020 Solomon Islands [shares the person of the sovereign](/source/Personal_union) equally with [14 other countries](/source/Commonwealth_realm) in the [Commonwealth of Nations](/source/Commonwealth_of_Nations). As the sovereign works and resides outside of Solomon Islands' borders, the governor-general's primary task is to perform the monarch's constitutional duties on their behalf. As such, the governor-general carries out their functions in the government of Solomon Islands on behalf and in the name of the Sovereign. The governor-general's powers and roles are derive from the Constitution of Solomon Islands Part IV Sections 27, 28 & 29, and set out certain provisions relating to the governor-general.[1] ### Constitutional role The governor-general is responsible for early dissolutions of parliament, which may occur upon the resolution of an absolute majority of members of parliament. Parliamentary terms otherwise run for four years. The governor-general is responsible for appointing the date of the general election, which must occur within four months of the dissolution of parliament. After an election, the governor-general convenes a meeting of parliament to elect the prime minister in accordance with section 33 of the constitution. Once a prime minister is elected, the governor-general appoints the other ministers on the prime minister's advice.[1] The prime minister keeps the governor-general fully informed concerning the general conduct of the government of Solomon Islands and furnishes the governor-general with such information as the governor-general may request with respect to any particular matter relating to the government of Solomon Islands.[1] The governor-general, on the Sovereign's behalf, gives [royal assent](/source/Royal_assent) to laws passed by the National Parliament of Solomon Islands.[1] The governor-general acts on the advice of the Cabinet, to issue regulations, proclamations under existing laws, to appoint state judges, ambassadors and high commissioners to overseas countries, and other senior government officials.[1] The governor-general is also responsible for issuing Royal Commissions of Inquiry, and other matters, as required by particular legislation; and authorises many other executive decisions by ministers such as approving treaties with foreign governments. The prime minister can be removed from office by the governor-general upon the passage of a [no-confidence motion](/source/No-confidence_motion) by an absolute majority of the members of parliament. The outgoing prime minister remains in office until a new prime minister is elected by the national parliament. In the event of the prime minister's death in office, the governor-general "after consultation with the other Ministers" appoints one of the other government ministers to act as a prime minister until a new election is held.[1] ### Ceremonial role The governor-general's ceremonial duties include opening new sessions of parliament by delivering the [Speech from the Throne](/source/Speech_from_the_Throne), welcoming visiting heads of state, and receiving the credentials of foreign diplomats.[3] The governor-general also presents honours at investitures to Solomon Islanders for notable service to the community, or for acts of bravery.[4] ### Community role Governor-General [Sir Frank Kabui](/source/Frank_Kabui) receiving the Queen's Baton for the Delhi Commonwealth Games, 2010 The governor-general provides non-partisan leadership in the community, acting as patron of charitable, service, sporting and cultural organisations, and attending functions throughout the country. The governor-general also encourages, articulates and represents those things that unite Solomon Islanders together.[5] ## Privileges ### Salary The governor-general receives an annual salary of 130,000 [SBD](/source/Solomon_Islands_dollar).[6] Former governors-general receive a pension set at sixty per cent of the incumbent governor-general's salary.[7] ### Symbols The governor-general uses a personal flag, which features a [lion passant](/source/Lions_passant) atop a [St. Edward's](/source/St._Edward's_Crown) [royal crown](/source/Crown_(heraldry)#Commonwealth_usage) with "Solomon Islands" written on a two-headed [frigatebird](/source/Frigatebird), all on a blue background. It is flown on buildings and other locations in Solomon Islands to mark the governor-general's presence. ### Residence Government House in Honiara is the official residence of the governor-general of Solomon Islands. Upon retirement, governors-general are provided with an official residence free of rent and the cost of water, gas, and electricity is paid for by the government.[7] ## List of governors-general Following is a list of people who have served as Governor-General of Solomon Islands since independence 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 (1950–2025) 7 July 2019 7 July 2024 5 years Charles III (2022–present) 8 Sir David Tiva Kapu (born ?) 7 July 2024 Incumbent 1 year, 361 days ## Timeline ## See also - [List of resident commissioners and governors of the Solomon Islands](/source/List_of_resident_commissioners_and_governors_of_the_Solomon_Islands), prior to the independence of Solomon Islands. ## References 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-const_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-const_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-const_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-const_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-const_1-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-const_1-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-const_1-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-const_1-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-const_1-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-const_1-9) ["The Constitution of Solomon Islands"](https://web.archive.org/web/20211019063119/https://www.parliament.gov.sb/files/business%26procedure/constitution.htm). *parliament.gov.sb*. Archived from [the original](https://www.parliament.gov.sb/files/business%26procedure/constitution.htm) on 19 October 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** [*Solomon Islands's Constitution of 1978 with Amendments through 2014*](https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Solomon_Islands_2014.pdf) (PDF), p. 82, [archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220416001636/https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Solomon_Islands_2014.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 16 April 2022, retrieved 15 April 2022 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Parliament to Open with Speech from the Throne from GG"](https://www.sibconline.com.sb/parliament-to-open-with-speech-from-the-throne-from-gg/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220307110903/https://www.sibconline.com.sb/parliament-to-open-with-speech-from-the-throne-from-gg/) from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** [Queen's Birthday Honors](https://www.solomontimes.com/news/queens-birthday-honors/289) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220519000726/https://www.solomontimes.com/news/queens-birthday-honors/289) 19 May 2022 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) at solomontimes.com 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Sir David Vunagi Knighted"](https://www.sibconline.com.sb/sir-david-vunagi-knighted/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220416001640/https://www.sibconline.com.sb/sir-david-vunagi-knighted/) from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Report on the Governors‐General (Pensions and Benefits) Bill 2007"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220703140742/https://www.parliament.gov.sb/files/committees/bills%26legislationcommittee/BLCreport_22of2007.pdf) (PDF). *parliament.gov.sb*. Archived from [the original](https://www.parliament.gov.sb/files/committees/bills%26legislationcommittee/BLCreport_22of2007.pdf) (PDF) on 3 July 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2022. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-bill_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-bill_7-1) ["The Governors‐General (Pensions and Benefits) Bill 2007"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220703134346/https://www.parliament.gov.sb/files/committees/bills%26legislationcommittee/Governorgeneralbill2007.PDF) (PDF). *parliament.gov.sb*. Archived from [the original](https://www.parliament.gov.sb/files/committees/bills%26legislationcommittee/Governorgeneralbill2007.PDF) (PDF) on 3 July 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2022. v t e Solomon Islands articles History British Solomon Islands Colonial governors World War II Japanese occupation Solomon Islands campaign Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) Truth and Reconciliation Commission Geography Islands Mountains Populated places Protected areas Provinces Rain forests Rivers Volcanoes Wildlife Politics Cabinet Elections Foreign relations Governor-General Human rights LGBTQ Judiciary Monarchy Parliament (Building) Political parties Prime Minister Economy Central bank Currency Telecommunications Transport Society Demographics Ethnic groups Languages Religion Squatting Culture Anthem Big man (anthropology) Coat of arms Cuisine Dance Flag Literature Media Music Public holidays Sport Outline Category v t e Representatives of the monarch in Commonwealth realms and dominions National Counsellors of State (United Kingdom) Governors-general Antigua and Barbuda Australia Bahamas Belize Canada Grenada Jamaica New Zealand Papua New Guinea Saint Kitts and Nevis Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Solomon Islands Tuvalu Sub-national Australian state governors New South Wales Queensland South Australia Tasmania Victoria Western Australia Canadian lieutenant governors Alberta British Columbia Manitoba New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Ontario Prince Edward Island Quebec Saskatchewan Realm of New Zealand countries Cook Islands Niue Crown Dependencies Guernsey Jersey Isle of Man British Overseas Territories Anguilla Bermuda British Antarctic Territory British Indian Ocean Territory British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Falkland Islands Gibraltar Montserrat Pitcairn Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Turks and Caicos Islands Other viceregal representatives United Kingdom lieutenancy areas Former Barbados Ceylon Fiji The Gambia Ghana Guyana India Irish Free State Kenya Malawi Malta Mauritius Nigeria Pakistan Sierra Leone South Africa Tanganyika Trinidad and Tobago Uganda --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Governor-General of Solomon Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor-General_of_Solomon_Islands) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor-General_of_Solomon_Islands?action=history)). 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