If you are detained by local authorities, you should request to speak with the Consular Agent in Honiara or the Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby.

The Consular Agent and Consular Officer have the authority under international law to visit prisoners to determine their condition and to assist them in obtaining legal and medical attention. They have the right and duty to use their best efforts to protect the legal and human rights of all United States citizens, without interfering in the legal system of the host country. The Consular Agent or Consular Officer will be in regular contact, as permitted, with any detained American citizen. They do not have the authority to participate in the legal process by which the prisoner's case is handled or to request that host country laws not be observed.

The American Embassy cannot recommend any one lawyer, however, the Consular Agent in Honiara and the Consular Officer in Port Moresby have a list of lawyers who have international law experience and who are willing to help U.S. citizens. That list is reproduced below. For a more complete listing of local attorneys, please consult the telephone directory. The Consular Agent and the Embassy cannot assist with payment of legal fees.

Local Lawyers

Sol-Law
John Sullivan
Phone: 23886
Fax: 20356
sollaw@solomon.com.sb
www.sol-law.com.sb

Andrew Radclyffe
Phone: 24095
Fax: 24096
arad@solomon.com.sb

List of Solomon Islands Lawyers (March 21, 2006)