Manasseh Sogavare pays tribute to late MP David Gina, recognising his service to Parliament, Western Province and Solomon Islands.
It is with deep sorrow that I convey my heartfelt condolences, on behalf of the Official Opposition Group in Parliament, its staff, and my family, on the passing of the late David Gina, Member of Parliament for South New Georgia, Rendova and Tetepari Constituency.
The passing of Gina is a great loss to his family, his constituents, the people of Western Province, the National Parliament, and Solomon Islands as a whole. His years of public service and contribution to provincial leadership, parliamentary democracy, and national development will be remembered with respect.
The late David Gina served our country in several important public capacities. As the elected representative for South New Georgia, Rendova and Tetepari Constituency, he carried the responsibility of representing the interests and aspirations of his constituents in the National Parliament. He also served as Minister for Rural Development, contributing to the Government’s work in an important area of national development.
In August 2026, he assumed the additional responsibility of Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament. This important parliamentary office carries the responsibility of supporting the Speaker and ensuring the orderly conduct of parliamentary proceedings. His commitment to upholding the dignity and integrity of the office reflected the significance of this responsibility within our parliamentary democracy.
Prior to his service at the national level, the late Gina served as Premier of Western Province from 2018 to 2021. His leadership at the provincial level formed an important chapter in his public life, before he continued his service through national parliamentary and ministerial responsibilities. His years of service at both provincial and national levels remain an important part of his public legacy and reflect his involvement in the governance and development of Western Province and Solomon Islands.
His passing is therefore deeply felt not only by his immediate family and constituents but also by his parliamentary colleagues and the wider national community. As we mourn his passing, we acknowledge his contribution to public life and recognise the responsibilities he undertook in service to our people and country.
As the Leader of the Official Opposition, I wish to express that, despite our differences in political views and responsibilities, the passing of a fellow Member of Parliament reminds us of our shared humanity and our common commitment to serving the people of Solomon Islands. At this time of grief, we stand together in recognising his service and extending our respect to his family and loved ones.
On behalf of the Official Opposition Group, its staff, and my family, I extend our deepest sympathies to his immediate family, relatives, friends, parliamentary colleagues, and the people of South New Georgia, Rendova and Tetepari Constituency. We stand in solidarity with all those mourning his loss and pray that they will find strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time.
May we all draw strength and comfort from the memories of his life, his years of public service, and his contribution to our nation. May his family and loved ones find solace in the support of their communities and in the enduring memories of the life he lived.
May the late David Gina rest in eternal peace.
May God grant comfort and strength to his family and all those grieving his passing.
MANASSEH DAMUKANA SOGAVARE, MP
Leader of the Official Opposition
National Parliament of Solomon Islands
