BY CHRIS ALEX

Snyder Rini, the 8th prime minister of Solomon Islands and five-term member of parliament for Marovo constituency, Western province, has died at the age of 77.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele yesterday officially announced in parliament the passing of Mr Rini.

Rini passed away on Monday morning, August 4, 2025. He had a distinguished political career that spanned more than two decades.

Prime Minister Manele expressed profound sorrow over the loss, describing Late Rini as a dedicated statesman whose contributions to the nation were immeasurable.

“On behalf of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) and the people of Solomon Islands, I extend our deepest sympathy to his family, the people of Marovo, and all who had the privilege of working with him,” Manele said.

Rini’s tenure as Prime Minister was brief but came at a critical juncture in the country’s history.

Elected to the highest office in 2006, he led the nation during a time when the foundations of democracy were being tested.

“His election as Prime Minister in 2006 was a historic moment. The challenges of that time demonstrated the resilience of our democracy and the commitment of our people to peace and stability,” Manele reflected.

The National Parliament today stood in solemn unity, observing a minute of silence to honour the late Honourable Snyder Rini. His career, which began in 1997, included multiple key ministerial roles, such as Finance and Treasury, Education and Human Resources Development, and National Planning.

His leadership and unwavering commitment to national development earned him respect across party lines.

Rini was instrumental in shaping national policies and programmes that aim to improve the lives of Solomon Islanders.

His service was marked by dedication to public service and a focus on the nation’s economic and social development.

The National Parliament of Solomon Islands extended heartfelt condolences to the family of late Rini, his constituents in Marovo, and all his former colleagues.

In their tribute, they recognised the lasting impact of his leadership and the valuable role he played in the country’s history.

Rini was a dedicated public servant. Before entering politics, Rini was the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources. He later became the Chairman of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (NPF) from 1990-96.

During that time, he was Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Planning and Development, 1994-95. He took the top admin job again for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries from January-June, 1997.

He was elected MP for Marovo in the August 1997 elections. Under Manasseh Sogavare’s first tenure as Prime Minister, Rini served as Finance Minister from July 2000 – December 2001.

Retaining his seat in the December 2001 elections, Rini served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Planning and Development. Later, while remaining as deputy PM, Rini became Minister for Finance and Treasury in December 2002. Mid-2003 he became Education Minister while being deputy PM; posts he held until the April 2006 elections.

On April 18, 2006, Rini was elected as Prime Minister. However, rumours that the PM election was rigged triggered riots across Honiara. His swearing-in was delayed from April 19 but never eventuated. In response to the public unrest and a looming motion of no confidence, Rini resigned on April 26. Sogavare succeeded him.

Rini joined Opposition thereafter, but returned as Finance Minister under Prime Minister Derek Sikua in December 2007. Sikua had ousted Sogavare via a motion of no-confidence that December. Rini also held the finance and treasury portfolio under Prime Minister Danny Philip, 2010-11.

Rini was born on July 27, 1949 at Telina village in Marovo Lagoon of what was known then as the Western District (now Western province).

He attended Kukudu Primary School from 1964-66 and the Seventh Day Adventist’s Betikama Secondary School from 1967-69. In 1970 he attended the Kambubu High School in Papua New Guinea. He attained his degree in Accounting from two institutions, the University of Papua New Guinea (1971) and the University of Technology in Lae (1972-74).

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