AGP Executive Report

Pacific Islands Forum turmoil in Palau: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale has left Koror ahead of the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting after a no-confidence motion was filed against him by Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga, with Wale’s coalition reportedly shaken and other leaders also pulling out at the last minute. No-confidence details: Maelanga says the motion is about collective cabinet responsibility and good governance, while he denies claims he was offered the PM post if the motion succeeds. Geopolitics at PIF: Taiwan is back in Palau’s PIF events after being blocked last year, drawing China’s objections and partner pressure as leaders also plan to tackle drug crime, climate and development. Local governance fallout: Kongulai water supply was shut down temporarily after heavy rain caused high turbidity, with residents advised to boil water. Honiara land and safety issues: Homes were demolished in Lungga after a High Court order, leaving families homeless, and a pedestrian crossing sign at Ranadi was damaged, raising road safety concerns. Church and community: Diocese of Isabel completed a new hall for its synod and programs.

Water Safety: Solomon Water temporarily shut down the Kongulai water source after heavy rain caused high turbidity, warning customers to boil water and expect low pressure or outages until quality improves. Housing Crisis: Homes in Lungga, east of Honiara, were demolished under a High Court order over a disputed land parcel, leaving at least 10 households homeless and families calling for urgent government shelter support. Politics in Focus: Prime Minister Matthew Wale left Palau early ahead of the PIF Leaders Meeting after a no-confidence motion was filed against him by Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga, with the motion set to lapse on Sept. 6. Regional Diplomacy: Leaders head to the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau amid geopolitical pressure, including Taiwan’s return as the US backs its participation while China objects. Community & Faith: The Diocese of Isabel completed a new diocesan hall in Buala, with an official handover planned soon. Environment & Conservation: Consultations are complete for the proposed Kavachi Seascape National Park in Marovo Lagoon, with communities backing protection from overfishing and harmful activities. Media Freedom: IDS founder Ofani Eremae criticised RSIPF questioning of journalist Gina Maka’a over a confidential source.

No-Confidence Move: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale is facing his first no-confidence motion after Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga filed notice; the motion is set to lapse on Sept. 6 and could be moved when Parliament resumes Sept. 7. Loss and Damage Pressure: Solomon Islands is urging COP27 leaders to deliver a clear decision on establishing a Loss and Damage Fund, calling it a “red line” issue after it says progress has been unclear. Pacific Islands Forum Geopolitics: Leaders head to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum with a tougher agenda shaped by geopolitics, transnational crime, unity pressures, and ocean and energy priorities. Taiwan Returns, China Pushes Back: Taiwan is back at the Forum as a development partner, with the U.S. publicly backing its participation, while China objects and warns against handling it outside Beijing’s “one-China” position. Marovo Conservation Plan: The Kavachi Seascape National Park plan in Marovo Lagoon is gaining momentum after WCS completed community consultations, with strong local support for protecting the area from overfishing and harmful activities. Mining Law Warning: The Bills and Legislation Committee has warned Guadalcanal landowners that proposed Mineral Resources Bill amendments could significantly change state participation, licences, customary land and royalties. Press Freedom Concern: Transparency Solomon Islands condemns RSIPF questioning of journalist Gina Maka’a and says it raises serious concerns for journalists and whistleblowers after a raid linked to an Inland Revenue audit dispute. SME Credit Boost: Government has reopened the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme to help small businesses access loans, with CBSI pointing to collateral limits as a key barrier.

Pacific Islands Forum Geopolitics: Taiwan is returning to this year’s PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau after being barred last year in Solomon Islands, with Taipei sending Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung—while China warns against any move that challenges its “one-China principle.” Regional Diplomacy in Palau: Leaders are heading into a tougher-than-usual agenda at the 55th PIF, with climate resilience, ocean stewardship, energy security, transnational crime and regional unity all on the table. Marovo Conservation Push: The Kavachi Seascape National Park plan is gaining momentum after consultations with 34 communities around Marovo Lagoon, with support for protecting the area from overfishing, illegal harvesting and deep-sea mining. Press Freedom Concern: Transparency Solomon Islands and IDS founder Ofani Eremae are condemning police questioning of journalist Gina Maka’a and demands to reveal a confidential source. SME Finance Boost: Government has reopened the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme to help small businesses access loans, with a focus on rural, women and youth-led enterprises. Women’s Poultry Growth: SIART support is helping Gold Ridge women farmers expand broiler production, with 300 chicks delivered and sales expected in about six weeks. Sports—Local Coaching Moves: Former Solomon Islands captain Batram Suri is appointed head coach for Lautoka, while Jerry Sam joins Labasa as technical director ahead of the Extra Battle of the Giants.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale departs for the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting, where he will hand over the chairmanship to Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr and address future governance of the Blue Pacific. Geopolitics and crime on the agenda: Forum officials say leaders face a longer list of priorities, including economic pressure, resilience, transnational crime and regional integration. Taiwan returns to PIF: Taiwan is back at the forum after last year’s exclusion, with Palau’s president saying Taiwan is a development partner and expecting continued pushback. Mining law tensions: Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee has warned Guadalcanal landowners that proposed Mineral Resources Bill amendments could bring major changes, including state participation and impacts on existing interests; BLC has asked PM Wale to withdraw the bill. Press freedom and whistleblowers: Transparency Solomon Islands condemns a police raid and questioning of a journalist linked to an Inland Revenue audit involving alleged tax discrepancies. SME finance boost: Government has reopened the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, with CBSI noting collateral limits are a key barrier for small businesses. Women’s poultry support: SIART-backed Gold Ridge women farmers received broiler birds and are expanding production for local sales. Climate voices: Children from Makira, Malaita and Honiara will meet Government ahead of COP31 to feed lived experience into national loss and damage policy. Health: A TB prevention mission in Isabel screened contacts, started preventive treatment for eligible people, and detected new cases.

SME Finance Boost: Solomon Islands has officially reopened the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS), aiming to help micro, small and medium businesses get loans more easily by sharing lending risk with banks, with priority focus on rural businesses, women and youth. Women’s Agribusiness: In Guadalcanal, the Gold Ridge Women Farmers’ Poultry Project says SIART support has improved housing and raised capacity to up to 500 broiler birds per unit, with the first 300 chicks delivered on 27 August. Health Services Upgrade: The SBD250m Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre in Honiara has opened, bringing outpatient, dental, pharmacy, pathology and maternal/child services under one roof, with birthing services expected to start in September. TB Prevention Push: A targeted TB prevention mission in Isabel screened 220 contacts, started preventive treatment for 33 people with latent TB, and detected three new TB cases. Regional Politics: Prime Minister Matthew Wale departs for Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, where he will hand over the Forum chairmanship. Mining Bill Tensions: Gold Ridge landowners petitioned PM Wale asking for more time to consult on the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 amendments, including concerns over landowner rights and a proposed sovereign wealth fund. PALM Welfare Scrutiny: A policy brief says PALM welfare support is extensive on paper but poorly understood and not well connected in practice. Media Rights Concern: OCCRP condemns Solomon Islands police for questioning and searching an investigative journalist’s office linked to a whistleblower probe.

Pacific Games fallout: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare says he accepts “political responsibility” for serious financial and procurement weaknesses flagged in the 2023 Pacific Games special audit, while Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) and others push for public answers on unlawful spending and missing records. SME finance push: The government and CBSI relaunch the Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS) after a 2025 suspension, with CBSI warning youth- and women-owned businesses are still not accessing the scheme enough. Health upgrade in Honiara: The $250m Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre opens, bringing more primary care services under one roof and setting up systems like nurse call and digital records. Mini solar expansion: China and Solomon Islands sign the second phase of the mini solar power project, aiming to extend clean energy to the remaining constituencies, alongside a handover of 400 solar streetlights to East Honiara communities. Climate and weather watch: El Niño conditions remain active, and a strong wind warning is in effect for Temotu, Makira, Malaita and Rennell & Bellona. Regional cooperation: Pacific partners meet in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami and geohazard resilience and early warning systems. Education and scholarships: Government prepares a fully funded China study initiative for up to 1,000 students, and more Chinese scholarships are awarded for 2026. Sports and youth: Solomon Islands U-19 squad arrives in Samoa for the OFC U-19 Championship, with qualification spots for the FIFA U-20 World Cup on the line. Media freedom concern: OCCRP condemns RSIPF for questioning and searching an investigative journalist’s office in a bid to identify a whistleblower.

Forest Carbon & Community Rights: The RISE forest carbon policy project has launched in Solomon Islands to strengthen safeguards, local leadership and fair benefit-sharing for community-owned forest carbon projects. Public Finance Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) is demanding the Government publicly account for serious procurement and financial management failures tied to the 2023 Pacific Games, after a High Court ruling found unlawful spending and procurement waivers. Regional Disaster Resilience: Pacific nations met in Honiara to push coordinated earthquake, tsunami and geohazard monitoring, agreeing priority actions for 2026–2030, including better data sharing and investment in monitoring infrastructure. Pacific Islands Forum Diplomacy: Taiwan is set to return to Pacific Islands Forum events in Palau after being barred in 2025, with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung attending dialogue and related activities. Weather & Safety: A strong wind warning is in effect for Temotu, Makira, Malaita and Rennell & Bellona, with hazardous seas expected for small craft. Energy & Health Services: China and Solomon Islands signed the second phase of a mini solar power project to extend clean energy to remaining constituencies, while the new Naha Urban Health Centre begins services in Honiara. Sports Governance: The Pacific Games Council says it will seek legal advice after the High Court ruling on breaches of public finance rules by the National Hosting Authority. Opposition Scrutiny: The Parliamentary Opposition has formed a shadow ministerial team to track ministries, laws and public spending more closely.

Pacific Disaster Preparedness: ORSNET and the Pacific Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System working group met in Honiara to boost earthquake, tsunami and landslide monitoring, early warning and resilience for 2026–2030. Energy & Climate: China and Solomon Islands signed the second phase of a mini solar project to extend clean power to the remaining 25 constituencies. Health Services: Naha Urban Health Centre (with a birthing centre) begins services in Honiara as a new Level Two primary care hub. Education & Scholarships: More than 40 students received Chinese scholarships for 2026. Sports & Governance: The Pacific Games Council says it will seek legal advice after the High Court ruled the 2023 Pacific Games spending breached public finance rules. Mining Accountability: Opposition calls for thorough investigation into missing records tied to 33 West Rennell bauxite shipments. Public Sector Oversight: The Opposition announced a Shadow Ministerial Team to scrutinise ministries and spending. Community & Safety: Honiara City Council begins induction for school leaders ahead of the 2027 Free Education rollout. Justice & Corrections: Police minister urges stronger leadership, accountability and rehabilitation in the correctional services.

Fisheries Security: PM Matthew Wale toured the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre, backing regional vessel monitoring and intelligence work ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting in Palau. High Court Watch: Solomon Islands’ High Court ruled the National Hosting Authority acted unlawfully when it spent public money for the 2023 Pacific Games, finding procurement safeguards were improperly bypassed. Opposition Scrutiny: The Parliamentary Opposition launched a Shadow Ministerial Team, assigning MPs portfolio roles to track ministries, spending and policy and push for stronger parliamentary oversight. Justice for Workers: A nine-year unfair dismissal fight ended for 24 former Supreme Casino security guards, with the Trade Disputes Panel ordering compensation. Correctional Reform: Police and Correctional Services Minister John Tuhaika Jr. urged stronger leadership, accountability and rehabilitation as the Correctional Service plans for 2026–2030. Infrastructure Safety: MID condemned deliberate damage to newly installed road signs on the Henderson to Alligator Road. Finance & Payments: CBSI launched Instant Funds Transfer (IFT) via SOLATS, and reported a July provisional operating deficit after a big jump in spending. Tourism Leadership: Tourism Solomons named Andrew Nihopara as CEO after a long vacancy. Sports & Youth: Pacific Games Council says it will seek legal advice after the court ruling on Pacific Games spending rules.

High Court & Pacific Games: Solomon Islands’ High Court ruled the National Hosting Authority acted without lawful authority when it spent public money on the 2023 Pacific Games, finding an unlawful “Blanket Waiver” that bypassed competitive procurement safeguards and breached the Public Financial Management Act. Government Appointments: Acting Governor-General Sir Albert Rocky Palmer swore in three new Permanent Secretaries—David Teika Dennis (Finance and Treasury), Trevor Unusu (Police, National Security and Correctional Services), and Bunyan Sivoro (Culture and Tourism). Payments Upgrade: The Central Bank launched Instant Funds Transfer (IFT) via SOLATS, enabling faster transfers between participating banks with an initial SBD5,000 transaction limit. Tourism Leadership: Tourism Solomons ended its long CEO vacancy by appointing Andrew Nihopara as Chief Executive Officer. Energy for Rural Areas: China-backed support will extend a mini solar programme to the remaining constituencies, building on the first phase that installed 25 small systems across nine provinces. Fisheries Security: PM Wale visited the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre, highlighting how satellite and vessel monitoring helps verify licences and support enforcement. Disaster Preparedness: Solomon Islands Red Cross held a lesson-learned workshop on its TC Maila response to strengthen future preparedness. Water & Justice Planning: Solomon Water and ADB wrapped an ESMS workshop with Fiji, while the Justice sector began 2027 work planning and budgeting.

Tourism Leadership: Tourism Solomons has finally named Andrew Nihopara as its new CEO, ending a five-year vacancy and tasking him with lifting the destination’s international profile. Land & Climate Finance: Agriculture Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi pushed at UNCCD COP17 for stronger, simpler, more predictable financing to restore land and build drought resilience in Small Island States like Solomon Islands. Youth & Safety: A China Police Liaison Team-backed speech contest in Honiara promoted crime prevention and positive values among students. Regional Earthquake Watch: A Tonga-based researcher says Pacific seismic activity is rising, with more major quakes possible before year-end. Pacific Games Fallout: Solomon Islands’ 2023 Pacific Games spending is under fresh scrutiny after audits flagged serious waste, weak procurement controls, missing records, and unlawful spending authority—now headed for police investigation. Labour Mobility Milestone: Solomon Islands has passed 13,000 PALM deployments to Australia, highlighting growing demand for Solomon Islanders’ work-ready skills. Health Planning: The Ministry of Health and Medical Services completed its 2027 operational planning and budget workshop, centring primary health care. Sports: Auckland City beat Central Coast FC 2-0 to win a fifth straight OFC Men’s Champions League title, with Solomon Islands’ Rafa Lea’i a standout for Central Coast.

Pacific Games fallout: The Auditor General says the National Hosting Authority’s 2023 Pacific Games spending was unlawful and marked by “serious” waste, weak procurement controls, bypassed competition, poor due diligence, conflict-of-interest gaps, and missing records—findings now headed to police for investigation. Parliament & public services: MPs grilled government on stray dogs killed on roads and who should clean up the remains, with answers pointing to the Road Transport Board and MHMS public health responsibilities. Health planning: MHMS has wrapped its 2027 operational planning and budget workshop, putting primary health care at the centre and pushing tighter links between national programmes and provincial priorities. Labour mobility milestone: Solomon Islands has passed 13,000 PALM deployments to Australia, with the Labour Mobility Unit stressing demand-driven recruitment. Education & skills: A new $4m dining hall was opened for Aligegeo Provincial Secondary School, while Gold Ridge Mining welcomed 15 SINU apprentices for six months of practical training. Regional unity test: PM Matthew Wale warns Pacific leaders will struggle to agree on a joint response to China’s missile test ahead of the Forum summit in Palau. Sports (Solomons in the spotlight): Central Coast FC’s historic OFC Men’s Champions League final run continues after Auckland City’s latest title win over them in Ba.

Pacific Games Accountability: Solomon Islands Police will investigate 2023 Pacific Games audit findings after the Auditor-General said the National Hosting Authority failed to follow the Public Financial Management Act 2013, with court rulings also questioning the legal basis for spending from special funds and pointing to weak procurement and financial controls. Procurement Fallout: A special audit flagged poor budget control on Games procurement samples worth SBD$222.4m, missing approved budgets for major items, and concerns that competition and due process were bypassed. High Court Ruling: The High Court declared the NHA’s “modified procurement system” unlawful, saying it exceeded its powers by effectively overriding safeguards that require competitive procurement. Political Transparency Row: Opposition is challenging Prime Minister Matthew Wale over a SBD$100,000-a-month Forestry rental tied to land registered to him, while the Ministry says the tenancy began before he took office. Regional Health Lens: A Pacific-wide “global syndemic” discussion links climate change with undernutrition and obesity as health leaders meet in the region. Sports: Auckland City won a fifth straight OFC Men’s Champions League title, beating Solomon Islands’ Central Coast FC 2-0 in Fiji. Labour Mobility: More than 13,000 Solomon Islanders are now working in Australia under the PALM scheme.

High Court on Pacific Games spending: The High Court ruled the National Hosting Authority (NHA) acted unlawfully and without legal authority in how it spent public money for the 2023 Pacific Games, after an audit found serious procurement and financial-control failures, including a “Blanket Waiver” that bypassed competitive tendering. Procurement red flags: The Auditor-General’s special audit flagged poor budget control across 16 procurement samples worth SBD$222.4m, missing approved budgets, weak record-keeping, and gaps in legal authority to spend from the special fund. Malaria push: Solomon Islands launched a National Roadmap for Malaria Elimination 2026–2040, aiming to eliminate malaria by 2038 and seek WHO certification by 2040, with leaders urging action at every level. PM Wale rent controversy: Opposition renewed scrutiny of a SBD$1.5m-a-year Forestry rental linked to a house on PM Matthew Wale’s registered land, questioning transparency and value for money. Sports: Auckland City beat Central Coast FC 2-0 to win the OFC Men’s Champions League final in Ba, while Malaita praised GREAT government support for education. Health outreach: U.S. Army medical teams ran a hearing clinic in Honiara, assessing 40+ community members and donating hearing protection.

Sports & Community: Auckland City made it five straight OFC Men’s Champions League titles, beating Central Coast FC 2-0 in Ba, with goals from Ryan De Vries and Matt Ellis. Accountability in Public Spending: A High Court ruling says the National Hosting Authority acted unlawfully in 2023 Pacific Games spending, while a special audit flags poor budget control, weak procurement and missing records. Mining & Records: The Attorney General’s update on 33 Rennell Island bauxite shipments points to missing or incomplete consignment permits (2019-2021), no payment trail with the Central Bank, and no refinery certificates or assay reports. Politics & Transparency: Opposition is challenging a SBD$1.5m Forestry rental tied to Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s land, questioning value for money and proper process. Health: Solomon Islands launched a malaria elimination roadmap targeting elimination by 2038 and WHO certification by 2040. Regional Links: Japan’s ruling party policy chief says there’s room for closer economic cooperation with Pacific islands, including discussions with Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale. Labour Mobility: More than 13,000 Solomon Islanders are now working in Australia under the PALM scheme.