More Constitutional Post Holders Sworn in

HONIARA, Solomon Islands – More Constitutional Post Holders were sworn in today by the Acting Governor General, Hon. Patterson Oti, to formalise their appointments by the Government to various constitutional offices.

Mr Milner Tozaka was sworn in as the Chairman of the Public Service Commission. In contrast, Mr Donald Papaku Malasa and Mrs. Elsie Mary Wickham were sworn in as Commissioners of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC). Also sworn in was Mr Joseph Manelugu as a Commissioner of the Police and Correctional Service Commission.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is an independent, constitutionally established body responsible for appointments, promotions, transfers, terminations, and disciplinary control of public officers.

The PSC operates independently as mandated by the Solomon Islands Constitution. The Ministry of Public Service (MPS) provides the secretariat and general administrative support to the Commission, enabling it to discharge its responsibilities.

The operations of the PSC are governed by the Public Service Act and the Public Service Commission Regulations 1998. The government is actively working on modernizing the public service, with the Public Service Bill 2025 recently introduced in Parliament.

The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) is an independent body that manages and regulates the teaching service. Its administrative functions are carried out by the Teaching Service Division within the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD).

The work of the Commission is primarily governed by the Education Act 2023, which replaced the previous Act. The Act defines the TSC’s role and powers, including handling referrals and reviews concerning teacher conduct and capacity.

The Police and Correctional Service Commission is responsible for the appointment and discipline of officers within the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Correctional Service Solomon Islands (CSSI). Its work is supported by the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS), which coordinates the two organisations.

[ENDS]

– GCU