Solomon Islands appoints first woman DPP

3:00 pm on 2 August 2019

Solomon Islands has appointed its first woman Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Solomon Islands flag

The Solomon Islands flag Photo: RNZI

Rachel Subusola Olutimayin, a Fijian citizen of Nigerian origin, takes over from long-serving DPP Ronald Bei Talasasa who retired in June.

The Solomon Star reported Mrs Subusola was sworn in this week by Governor General David Vunagi.

The permanent secretary of the ministry of justice Ethel Sigimanu said the appointment is a significant one as it shows it is not impossible for women to take up high ranking positions.

Mrs Subusola came to the country through the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands and has served in a multitude of roles across the justice sector including the public solicitor's office and the office of the director of public prosecution.

She said she is looking forward to the role.

"I have served in Solomon Islands for 13 years now and I feel like l am part and parcel of this country."