Government Ministries

The political head of each of the Solomon Islands’ some 20 ministries is referred to as a minister. Ministers are supported in their duties by a permanent secretary — the highest ranking civil service position in each ministry. Ministers are appointed, in accordance with the advice of the prime minister, by the governor general from among elected members of the unicameral parliament. Ministers may also be selected by the prime minister to become members of the cabinet. The cabinet constitutes the executive arm of the government which is responsible for deciding the general direction the government is taking and advising the governor-general.