During the ceremony shell money were given to the Governor General, the Chief Justice, the Prime Minister and the Leader of Opposition.
Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua, and former Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, exchanged shell money to show that they have reconciled. The people of Guadalcanal were also presented shell money as a sign of respect.
Meanwhile, the National Parliament elected Hon. Clement Kengava, Member of Parliament for North West Choiseul, as the new Deputy Speaker in a secret ballot.
Hon Kengava received 33 votes defeating his colleague Hon Japheth Waipora who received 12 votes.
His election to the post of deputy speaker came when Sir Allan Kemakeza, took a Ministerial position as the Minister of Forestry in the new Sikua-led government. Sir Allan's decision to accept a ministerial portfolio left the position of deputy speaker vacant.
Traditional State Opening at Parliament House
The State opening at the Parliament house was today led by the people of Guadalcanal Province, who welcomed the Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena.
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