(Published May 6)
BY NED GAGAHE
All schools in Honiara will close today [Tuesday, May 6] as Parliament resumes to deliberate on the highly anticipated motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) made the decision in response to requests from Honiara-based Education Provider Officers.
The move is aimed at safeguarding the wellbeing of students and staff during what officials say is a period of political uncertainty.
Permanent Secretary Dr Franco Rodie told SIBC while the situation remains calm, the closure is a precautionary measure due to the unpredictable nature of such political events.
“We are giving education providers the final decision, so it looks like all the schools within Honiara will be closed,” Rodie stated.
“They can compensate for the day that they miss classes on another day or in the future.”
He reiterated that school management, in consultation with their respective education authorities, are permitted to suspend classes if they see fit.
Many schools had already issued notices of cancellation by Monday afternoon.
St Nicholas College was among the first to announce its closure, citing student safety as the priority.
However, the decision to close schools has sparked public concern and criticism, with some questioning the disruption caused by political processes.
Leader of the Independent Group, Peter Kenilorea Jnr, expressed disappointment, saying it was unfortunate that children were being affected by parliamentary proceedings.
“It’s sad that our children and students have to suffer because of a constitutional political process conducted in Parliament,” he said.
“I dream of a day when people and children, in particular, are not affected by these events.”
Despite the political tensions, Kenilorea and other leaders have urged the public to remain calm and go about their daily lives peacefully as Parliament debates the motion.
Today’s session is expected to draw national attention as the government faces a significant test of confidence in the House.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Mostyn Mangau, said that the MoNC is part of the democratic process and should not disrupt normal life.
“It will be business as usual, despite the Motion of No Confidence (MoNC) scheduled to be debated in Parliament against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.” He said
“This is a normal democratic process. Let our leaders deal with it,” Commissioner Mangau said.
He urged the public to go about their daily routines as usual—attending school, going to work, and running businesses.
“We have leaders elected to handle this matter. The Solomon Islands is mature enough to go through such processes. We’ve been through this before. Let our leaders deal with it,” he added.
Parliament received the notice of the MoNC last Monday. The motion was moved by the MP for Central Honiara, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo.
Mangau also assured the public that appropriate security measures are in place and that peace and order will be maintained throughout the proceedings.
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