SOPE extended after Sir David’s declaration on advice of government

His Excellency the Governor General Sir David Vunagi today proclaimed a State of Public Emergency (SOPE) exist for Solomon Islands.

The Governor General declared the new State of Public Emergency as the existing SOPE expires midnight tonight.

The SOPE is in accordance with Section 16(2) of the Constitution and in light of an assessment conducted by the Government of the continued threat posed by COVID-19. The declaration is made following recommendations from Cabinet.

The Cabinet having received advice from the relevant authorities recommended to His Excellency, that a state of public emergency still exists in Solomon Islands as risks associated with COVID 19 Community transmission is a matter of national security.

The period of public emergency is the duration where the state of public emergency exists in Solomon Islands by way of a Proclamation and as Parliament is not sitting, the declaration shall cease to have effect on the expiration of a period of 14 days commencing with the day on which the declaration was made.

However, if Parliament by way of a resolution with the support of two thirds of Members thereof decided to extend that period, then it will be extended for a period of 4 months as provided for by the Constitution.

His Excellency today signed into effect and was gazetted the Proclamation and Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations 2022

It is understood that the Bills and Legislation Committee is yet to present its report on the Public Health Emergency Bill.

ENDS///.