AGP Executive Report

Governance: Dick Stanley Pirione has been sworn in as Solomon Islands’ new Ombudsman, taking charge of the independent office that investigates complaints and promotes accountability in public administration. Maritime Safety: All 73 passengers and crew from the MV Awka were brought safely ashore at Vanikoro after the ferry lost power and drifted for three days. The incident has renewed calls for urgent action on Temotu’s sea transport safety. Health: WHO says major gaps remain in essential care: only 15 per cent of pregnant women receive the recommended eight antenatal visits, and fewer than half of children get all recommended vaccines. A separate report has questioned overseas medical spending for MPs while ordinary patients face limited public funding. Labour Mobility: The government aims to grow the number of Solomon Islanders working under Australia’s PALM scheme to 5,000 a year; an employer expo in Honiara is planned for next week to build partnerships. Disaster Readiness: The new UmiRedi app brings weather alerts and preparedness information together, as authorities urge families to plan for emergencies. Education: Australia has provided SINU with more than SBD2 million in computers and learning resources.

Ferry Rescue: All 73 passengers and crew from the disabled MV Awka were brought ashore safely at Vanikoro after three days adrift, renewing calls for stronger maritime safety. Health Funding: Questions are mounting over overseas medical spending for MPs and their families: an ABC investigation found the Prime Minister’s Office spent about A$1.5 million on their care last year, more than the A$1.2 million set aside for ordinary patients. Jobs and Remittances: The Government is targeting 5,000 labour mobility workers a year; Solomon Islanders in the PALM scheme sent home an estimated SBD507 million in the year to June 2025. Education: Australia has provided SINU with more than SBD2 million in computers, ICT equipment and learning resources. Disaster Readiness: A new UmiRedi app brings alerts and preparedness information together, as officials urge families to make emergency plans. Public Services: Parliament is seeking submissions on C-section care at the National Referral Hospital, while Solomon Water’s new app lets customers check bills, report leaks and receive service updates. Diplomacy: Solomon Islands and Viet Nam have appointed an honorary consul in Honiara to help deepen ties.

Disaster Readiness: Solomon Islands has launched UmiRedi, a mobile app for climate information, disaster alerts and preparedness advice. The government is also urging families to make emergency plans and prepare supplies as strong winds bring rough seas and hazardous conditions across several provinces. Political Accountability: The Government has referred allegations linking Prime Minister Matthew Wale and his aide to the 2021 Honiara riots to police, and says it will not comment while the matter is being investigated. Local Elections: The Electoral Commission has proposed December 23 for a fresh Matangi Ward 7 by-election after two candidates tied, pending legal advice. Maritime Safety: All 73 people aboard the disabled MV Awka were rescued and brought ashore at Vanikoro. The incident has renewed calls for safer, more reliable transport and stronger emergency capacity in remote Temotu. Healthcare: Naha’s health centre has moved to round-the-clock services, while Bellona’s only clinic faces shortages of medicines and limited facilities. Business: A UK-backed chocolate-processing machine is set to help local cocoa company KOSI expand production and export opportunities.

Weather Alert: Strong Wind Warning No. 10 covers several provinces, with winds of 15–25 knots, rough seas and swells up to three metres. Authorities urge small boats to stay ashore. Maritime Safety: All 73 people aboard the stranded MV Awka were rescued and brought to Vanikoro. MP Peter Shanel Agovaka says the incident should prompt urgent investment in safer, more reliable transport for remote Temotu. Healthcare: An ABC report says the Prime Minister’s Office spent about AU$1.5 million on overseas medical care for MPs in 2025, compared with AU$1.2 million for ordinary citizens. Meanwhile, Honiara’s Naha centre has begun round-the-clock care, while Bellona’s only clinic faces shortages and limited facilities. Disaster Readiness: The new Umi Redi app brings climate, hazard and emergency information together for communities and response teams. Business and Finance: UK support has given Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands new chocolate-processing equipment to grow local cocoa production. Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia is in Bangkok for IMF and World Bank meetings, where he will promote the country’s development priorities.

Ferry Rescue: All 73 passengers and crew from the disabled MV Awka were brought ashore at Vanikoro after three days adrift. France, Australia, China and Vanuatu assisted; passengers are still awaiting transport to Lata. Maritime Safety: The stranding has prompted MP Peter Shanel Agovaka to call for urgent investment in Temotu’s transport and emergency response. A strong-wind warning also covers several provinces, with rough seas posing risks to small boats. Health Equity: An ABC investigation found the Prime Minister’s Office spent about AU$1.5 million on overseas medical care for MPs in 2025, compared with AU$1.2 million allocated for ordinary citizens. Disaster Readiness: Environment Minister Wayne Ghemu launched Umi Redi, a national app for hazard information, early warnings and emergency coordination. Public Services: Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre has moved to round-the-clock care, six weeks after opening. Local Business: UK support has delivered a new chocolate-processing machine to Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands, aiming to boost cocoa production and exports. Development: Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia is leading the Solomon Islands delegation to IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok, focusing on infrastructure, resilience and public services.

Ferry Rescue: All 73 passengers and crew from the disabled MV Awka are safe ashore on Vanikoro after a multinational rescue involving Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, France, Australia and a diverted cargo ship. 2027 Budget: The Finance Minister has launched the Budget Strategy Framework, with consultations on priorities and costs planned over the coming weeks. Rising Costs: Fuel price increases are squeezing shipping, manufacturers and electricity supply. Solomon Power says fuel now accounts for 67% of its operating costs, while shipping operators warn higher freight costs could reach consumers. El Niño Pressure: Gizo’s worsening water shortage has disrupted schools, with some closing temporarily or cutting class hours as the dry spell continues. Local Business: A UK-funded chocolate-processing machine is expected to help Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands increase cocoa production and expand export opportunities.

Earthquake: A 6.1-magnitude quake struck Solomon Islands on Sunday, according to the GFZ German Research Centre; no further details were immediately available. Ferry Rescue: More than 70 passengers remain stranded aboard the MV Awka after engine failure left it drifting off Temotu. Aircraft and vessels are delivering food, water and medical supplies as rescue efforts continue. Public Service: Ulawa-Ugi MP and former minister William Marau has died aged 48 after a prolonged illness. He served three terms in Parliament and held several ministerial portfolios. Rising Fuel Costs: Diesel now accounts for 67 per cent of Solomon Power’s operating costs, while tuna processor SolTuna uses about 430,000 litres monthly—pressures that are squeezing power supply and business operations. Local Industry: The UK has handed Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands new chocolate-processing equipment to boost cocoa production and exports, supporting a network of more than 1,000 farmers. Healthcare: Honiara’s Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre has begun round-the-clock birthing and primary care, six weeks after opening.

Ferry Rescue: Rescue teams are assisting 73 passengers stranded aboard the MV Awka after engine failure left it drifting in rough seas between Anuta and Vanikoro. Aircraft and vessels have delivered or are carrying food, water and medical supplies. Energy Costs: Diesel now makes up 67% of Solomon Power’s operating costs, while SolTuna burns about 430,000 litres of fuel monthly—pressures highlighting the country’s dependence on costly fuel. Public Service: The Government has mourned Ulawa-Ugi MP and former minister William Marau, who died after a prolonged illness. Health Equity: Questions are being raised about publicly funded overseas treatment for MPs, as ordinary patients struggle to afford referrals; one woman needing heart surgery has raised only $5,000 of the nearly $35,000 required. Local Business: The UK has handed Kokonut Pacific a chocolate-processing machine to help add value to local cocoa and grow export opportunities.

Rescue at Sea: Efforts are under way to assist 73 passengers aboard the drifting MV Awka in rough seas. France has sent supplies by aircraft, Australia has prepared support, and RSIPV Gizo and other vessels are heading to the ship. Solomon Islands Film: BigEye’s short film Our Culture Matters has won a place in a filmmaking masterclass in Hawai‘i after taking the top prize in the Pacific’s 48-hour film challenge. Vaccination Warning: WHO warns that vaccine gaps are raising outbreak risks across the Western Pacific, where nearly 1.7 million babies missed a routine first dose in 2025. Honiara Health: Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre has begun 24-hour birthing and primary care, six weeks after opening; more than 8,400 people have already received care. Market Safety: Honiara City Council says ready-to-eat food vendors must complete safety training and obtain permits by October 12 or risk having their food removed. Climate Finance: Solomon Islands has pledged US$1.1 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility, which remains US$320 million short of its minimum funding target.

Rescue at Sea: A coordinated operation is underway for 73 passengers aboard drifting MV Awka, with rough seas raising concern. France has sent supplies by aircraft, Australia has prepared support, and RSIPV Gizo and other vessels are heading to assist. Healthcare: Honiara’s Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre has begun round-the-clock birthing and primary care, six weeks after opening. More than 8,400 people have visited so far. Culture: Solomon Islands team BigEye won the POP48 film challenge with Our Culture Matters, earning a place in a filmmaking masterclass in Hawai‘i. Climate Finance: Solomon Islands has pledged $1.1 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility, which remains $320 million short of its minimum funding target. Border Services: Immigration has briefed diplomats on its electronic border system, e-visas and online payments, with 34 visa categories being introduced.

Healthcare: Honiara’s Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre has begun round-the-clock birthing and primary care just six weeks after opening. More than 8,400 people have used the facility, which is expected to ease pressure on the National Referral Hospital. Renewable Energy: Solar systems are installed at schools in Central and Temotu, with work continuing in other provinces. The wider project aims to reach 263,000 people across six provinces with power and internet access. Women in Construction: Three SINU trainees completed a six-week placement at the Seghe Market site, gaining practical skills through an Australian-supported programme. Climate Finance: Solomon Islands pledged US$1.1 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility, which remains US$320 million short of its minimum funding target. Prime Minister Matthew Wale says climate impacts are already harming coastal communities. Community Safety: Bloody Ridge residents received self-defence, first-aid and crime-prevention training through a partnership between the China Police Liaison Team and RSIPF. Market Rules: Honiara City Council says cooked-food vendors must complete safety training and obtain permits by October 12 or risk having their goods confiscated.

Climate: Prime Minister Matthew Wale told Pacific leaders that rising seas and extreme weather are already hurting Solomon Islands communities, including coastal areas in his electorate; Cyclone Malia caused more than US$30 million in damage. He urged COP31 to deliver real action. School Power: Solar systems are now installed at schools in Central and Temotu, with work progressing in Guadalcanal and due to begin in Malaita. The project will bring power and internet to schools across six provinces. Honiara Market: Cooked-food vendors must complete safety training and obtain permits by 12 October or risk having their food removed. Climate Finance: The Pacific Resilience Facility remains US$320 million short of its US$500 million target; Solomon Islands has pledged US$1.1 million. Sea Travel: Pelican 1 passengers say overnight generator shutdowns at Gizo leave them without lights or ventilation, though the vessel remains a vital link to Choiseul. Rural Development: Guadalcanal’s premier says a proposed Longu–Marau road is estimated to cost SBD$19 million and could provide a land route when sea travel is unsafe.

Climate Finance: Solomon Islands has pledged US$1.1 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility, but the new regional fund remains US$320 million short of its US$500 million target. At Pre-COP31, Prime Minister Matthew Wale urged major emitters to cut emissions and deliver climate finance, saying rising seas have displaced members of his own family. Border Services: Immigration has briefed diplomats on the shift to electronic border management, e-visas and online payments, with 34 visa categories planned. Infrastructure: Guadalcanal’s premier says a proposed Longu–Marau road has an initial cost estimate of $19 million; piling is also underway to expand Honiara’s international wharf. Community Safety: World Vision has provided disaster-response equipment to Makira’s provincial disaster office and council of women, while Western Province police report a rise in reported rape and indecent assault cases. Rural Economy: Cocoa farmers from Malaita, Guadalcanal and Western Province are being urged to plant more trees and improve production.

Agriculture: Cocoa farmers are being urged to plant more trees to lift production and rural incomes. A rice trial at Dodo Creek has also reached its first harvest, testing the potential for local production. Roads and Disaster Readiness: Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu says a proposed $19 million Longu–Marau road could offer a safer land route when seas are rough. World Vision has provided equipment to Makira’s disaster office and women’s council to improve emergency coordination. Community Safety: Western Province police report a rise in reported rape and indecent-assault cases over six months. A Bellona ward by-election ended in a 51–51 tie, with no winner declared. Climate: Prime Minister Matthew Wale urged COP31 to deliver emissions cuts and climate finance, saying sea-level rise has displaced members of his family and threatens much of his electorate. Recovery and Infrastructure: The Government has allocated $75 million to rebuild about 1,300 homes damaged by Cyclone Maila in Western and Choiseul, pending final funding approval. Piling is also advancing on the Honiara Port upgrade.

Climate: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says COP31 must deliver real emissions cuts and climate finance, warning that rising seas have displaced his family and could leave three-quarters of his electorate underwater within 30 years. Sport: Honiara will host the 2027 OFC Pro League finals, from 25 May to 6 June, after packed crowds at Lawson Tama. Food Security: The Dodo Creek rice trial has reached its first harvest, testing whether rice can be grown locally. Finance: CBSI says banks may upload existing customer credit records without consent to establish the new credit database; consent will be needed for later uploads. Health: SIPPA plans to begin free, confidential HIV and syphilis testing in Honiara at a mobile clinic operating three nights a week. Economy: A development economist’s analysis found remittances reached 43% of people in Solomon Islands’ poorest households in 2005, compared with 2% receiving state assistance. Disaster Recovery: Government has allocated SB$75 million to help rebuild about 1,300 homes damaged by Cyclone Maila in Western and Choiseul provinces.

MSG Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale met Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders in Nadi, Fiji, discussing West Papua and how to strengthen MSG cooperation ahead of Pre-COP31. Education & Communities: Construction has started on a new hall for Namoia Community High School in Malaita, easing long-running space problems for graduations and events. Public Safety & Law: Police and Honiara City Council carried out weekend raids on illegal gambling sites, arresting 18 people and warning organisers could face charges. Environment Enforcement: ECD is running single-use plastic ban Regulation 2023 enforcement training in Kirakira, with law enforcement and provincial officers. Digital Skills: A two-week advanced digital content creation training in Honiara is building commercial-ready skills in photography, video, and social media production. Health Access: SIPPA will launch a nightly mobile clinic offering free, confidential HIV and syphilis testing three nights a week across Honiara. Climate Pressure: Tuvalu’s minister warned COP31 can’t be “another talk shop” as Pacific leaders push for faster, fairer climate finance and real action. Sports: Solomon Islands will host the 2027 OFC Pro League finals in Honiara, with a new all-eight-club finals format.