Late Hon. David Lani Gina accorded lying-in-state ceremony in Parliament
HONIARA, Tuesday 21 October 2026 – The Late Honourable David Lani Gina, MP for South New Georgia, Rendova and Tetepari Constituency and Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament, will be accorded a solemn Lying-in-State ceremony at the National Parliament tomorrow.
The Late Hon. Gina (19 October 1959 – 15 October 2026) was given full parliamentary honours in recognition of his distinguished and dedicated service to the people of Solomon Islands as Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament, Member of Parliament, former Minister for Rural Development, and former Premier of Western Province.
The ceremony will be attended by His Excellency the Governor General Sir David Tiva Kapu, Hon. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Speaker of the National Parliament Hon. Patteson John Oti, the Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer, Leader of the Opposition, Leader of the Independent Group, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Diplomatic Corps, Government Officials, family members, and members of the public.
The late Hon. Gina represents a profound and irrevocable loss to his bereaved family, his constituents, the people of Western Province, and the entire nation.
The Late Hon. Gina devoted his life to public service, evolving from technical public service and land administration to provincial and national leadership.
Born on 19 October 1959 in Honiara, he was a devout member of the Christian Fellowship Church, which guided his private and public life.
He pursued specialised education in land management, including secondary education at Goldie College (1976-1980), studies in Land Management at the University of Papua New Guinea (1987), participation in the Land Conference in Taiwan (1991), and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Land Management and Development from the University of the South Pacific (1993-1997).
Before politics, he served with distinction as a Lands Administrator, gaining a deep understanding of customary land, community needs and public administration.
In July 2018, he was elected Premier of Western Province, serving until November 2021. As Premier, he prioritised fiscal management, revenue collection and administrative reforms, advocating for efficiency and qualified public service.
In April 2024, he was elected to the 12th National Parliament as MP for South New Georgia, Rendova and Tetepari, securing 1,942 votes.
On 26 April 2026, Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele appointed him Minister for Rural Development, where he oversaw policies to empower rural communities.
On 4 August 2026, Parliament elevated him to high legislative office as Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, where he served as senior presiding officer, ensuring business was conducted in accordance with the Constitution and Standing Orders.
The Late Hon. Gina passed away on 15 October 2026 at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara.
The Government and National Parliament extend deepest condolences to his bereaved family
Late Hon. David Gina-Deputy Speaker
ENDS///