The position of Ombudsman has been vacant since the 1st of September 2006, whilst the Government has challenged in both the High Court and the Court of Appeal the appointment of the candidate recommended by the committee responsible for making such a decision under the Solomon Islands Constitution.

Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) has, in the past, expressed its concern regarding the lengthy delay in the appointment of the Ombudsman.

While this Ombudsman office has been empty, the Solomon Islands public have been deprived of their right to have complaints regarding maladministration within the state or agents of the state heard with and dealt with appropriately.

With the appointment of the Ombudsman, Transparency Solomon Islands looks forward to the Office of the Ombudsman again undertaking its role as watch-dog as well as to review and seek to improve public sector decision making processes and practices to ensure accountability and transparency throughout the Solomon Islands public sector.

Transparency Solomon Islands, congratulates the Ombudsman on his appointment and wishes Mr Poraiwai all the best in this very important role.