AGP Executive Report

Health Diplomacy: Solomon Islands’ MHMS delegation met India’s health officials in New Delhi to advance MOUs on health cooperation and recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia. Heart Surgery Relief: Tokasa Seruvatu and other children returned home after free heart operations in Suva, following an outreach diagnosis in Sigatoka. Infrastructure & Safety: MID says road signs on the Henderson–Alligator corridor are being damaged and asks communities to protect public assets. Water Disruption: Solomon Water warned east Honiara customers of low/no supply from problems at the Panatina Tank borehole pumps, with repairs underway. Economy & Governance: The IMF warns weak public financial management is holding back growth, urging fiscal discipline and avoiding further delays to VAT reform. Mining Bill Consultation: The Bills and Legislation Committee rejects claims of a $1b revenue loss from more consultation, calling for the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 to be withdrawn for wider input. Elections Integrity: UNDP says it will use technology to reduce electoral malpractice ahead of the 2028 joint elections. Education & Skills: The first five students left for China under the “1,000 students per year” vocational initiative, while four Solomon Islanders received Chevening Scholarships for UK postgraduate study. Sports: Tahiti beat Solomon Islands to reach the OFC U-19 final and qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Road Safety & Public Assets: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development says road signs on the Henderson–Alligator corridor are being damaged, including a sign near the Neiko bus stop and another near the Bomb Disposal junction, with MID suspecting deliberate tampering. Weather & Climate Capacity: Solomon Islands is using the Pacific Meteorological Council meeting (PMC-8) to push for better equipment, sustainable funding, technology and regional partnerships for stronger weather and climate services. Transport Boost for West Makira: China-funded RSDP support delivered 17 fibreglass boats and 18 outboard motors worth $1.5m to West Makira, aiming to ease travel for remote communities and strengthen health, education, fisheries and agriculture. Climate Outlook: El Niño is now firmly established, with warnings of hotter, drier conditions that could affect rainfall, water supplies, agriculture, marine life and health. Democracy Beyond Elections: Transparency Solomon Islands marks International Democracy Day by urging people to look past voting and demand accountability, access to information and scrutiny of public power. Education & Skills: The first five students depart for China under the 1,000 Students Per Year initiative to gain vocational training, including for TVET and science teaching. Sports (OFC): Tahiti beat Solomon Islands 2-1 to reach the OFC U-20 final, while Cook Islands held Solomon Islands 0-0 in the OFC U-16 women’s tournament. Business & Recognition: SICCI launches the 9th Business Excellence Awards with expanded categories, including a new SME focus.

Education & Skills Boost: The first five students under Solomon Islands’ 1,000 Students Per Year to China initiative have departed for vocational studies, part of a push to build TVET and science teaching capacity. Prime Minister & Heritage: Matthew Wale marked Bloody Ridge as sacred war remembrance ground, calling for continued international partnership to protect and develop the site for future generations. Democracy Beyond Voting: Transparency Solomon Islands urged citizens to take responsibility for democracy on International Democracy Day, stressing accountability, access to information, and integrity institutions. Business & Awards: SICCI is inviting provincial businesses and SMEs to join the expanded 2026 Business Excellence Awards, adding more categories and a dedicated SME track. Transport for Remote Communities: West Makira received $1.5m for maritime transport—17 boats and engines—to support health referrals, school access, fisheries and agriculture. Health & Learning Facilities: A new WASH facility was handed over for Gifu Primary School in Guadalcanal, aiming to improve sanitation and safer learning. Sports (Local): Solomon Islands’ U-16 women were held 0-0 by Cook Islands, leaving semi-final hopes hanging into the final group match.

OFC Football: Solomon Islands’ U-16 Women’s side were held 0-0 by the Cook Islands in Honiara, leaving semi-final hopes on the line for the hosts. Youth Football (U-19): Solomon Islands face Tahiti in an OFC U-19 Men’s semi-final in Apia on Friday, with a win sending them to the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027. Trade & Jobs: The National Annual Trade Fair opened in Honiara with a push for innovation and local value-adding as Solomon Islands prepares for LDC graduation. Education: MEHRD is running professional development for teacher support facilitators, while Western Province continues awareness work ahead of the new Education Legislative Framework. WASH & Health: A new WASH facility has been handed over for Gifu Primary School in Guadalcanal. Governance & Voting: UNDP says legal work is underway to enable overseas voting for the 2028 Joint Elections. Security & Safety: RSIPF EODD removed and destroyed 467 WWII UXOs across Western and Choiseul after Cyclone Maila. Regional Security: Pacific leaders endorsed a five-year security roadmap at the PIF in Palau, amid concern over recent missile tests.

Road Works in Malaita: Community consultations are now complete for major North Road upgrades in Malaita under SIRAP2, with contractors finalising environmental and social plans before mobilisation and bituminous sealing on about 12km. LDC Graduation Push: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma says Solomon Islands must speed up innovation and local processing ahead of LDC graduation in 2027, to reduce reliance on raw commodity exports. Health Education Link-Up: SINU is exploring a nursing education partnership with the Philippines through PhilPac, aiming to strengthen curriculum, clinical teaching and professional development. Marine Disaster Cooperation: SINU is also looking at marine and island science collaboration with a Chinese research delegation, including disaster preparedness and climate resilience work. Parliament for Students: Grade 5 students from St Nicholas School visited Parliament, meeting officials including Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare. UXOs Cleared After Cyclone Maila: RSIPF EODD removed and destroyed 467 WWII UXOs across Western and Choiseul, after communities reported exposed ordnance following Tropical Cyclone Maila. Biosecurity Strategy Launched: Government launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036 to protect agriculture, food security and trade from pests and diseases. Seaweed Farming Consultations: A three-day consultation in Honiara is underway to share seaweed extension experiences and identify practical ways to grow the industry. Regional Security Agenda: Pacific leaders endorsed a five-year security roadmap at the PIF in Koror, raising alarm over unannounced ICBM tests and agreeing steps for disaster readiness and maritime cooperation. Australia Treaty Tensions: Solomon Islands Opposition alleges leaked messages show Australia may be tying treaty talks and funding to domestic political outcomes, while Australia and officials deny interference.

Australia–Solomon Islands Treaty Talk: Australia and Honiara are reportedly close to an “in-principle” comprehensive treaty, with leaked messages pointing to nearly A$980m (about US$700m) in extra support including free education, visa improvements and security-related funding—sparking fresh political heat. Foreign Interference Row: Solomon Islands Opposition leaders accuse Australia of using treaty negotiations and funding to influence the outcome of a no-confidence motion; Deputy PM Francis Sade calls it routine updates, while analysts warn Honiara’s instability could undermine wider security plans. Democratic Governance Boost: Japan signed a JPY 430m (US$3m) contribution to UNDP’s SIDGEAP, backing electoral institutions and preparations for inclusive, credible elections. Biosecurity Push: Solomon Islands launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to strengthen prevention, detection and response to pests and diseases, supporting agriculture and food security. Community Services: WASH upgrades reached Gifu Primary School, and China delivered 22 water tanks to West Makira schools and communities. Sports—OFC U-16 Women: Fiji thrashed Cook Islands 11-0; Mini Kulas face New Zealand today in a key pool match in Honiara.

Pacific Politics & Sovereignty: Solomon Islands Opposition says leaked messages appear to link Australian treaty talks and new funding to influencing domestic political outcomes, raising fresh questions about foreign involvement in sovereign affairs. Australia–Solomons Treaty Push: Australia and Solomon Islands are reported to be close to a comprehensive security treaty, with leaked figures pointing to nearly AU$980m (about US$700m) including free education support, visa improvements and constituency-linked grants. Local Governance & Unity: Central Guadalcanal MP Peter Shanel Agovaka warns online regionalism could reignite division, urging national unity through official channels. Water & Community Support: China delivered 22 water tanks to West Makira schools and communities, while Australia-backed infrastructure progress continues with the Malu’u seawall completed and moving to the next construction phase. Health, Safety & Democracy: Japan provides JPY430m for electoral and governance support via UNDP, and the US announces four airport rescue and firefighting vehicles for Honiara International Airport; the US also signs to restore Peace Corps after 26 years. Sports & Youth: Makira-Ulawa begins its first OSEP/PE training for 60 school and sports representatives, and inclusive “Play for Equity” sport activities draw 180+ participants at SINIS.

Australia–Solomons Treaty Push: Australia is finalising an “in-principle” security treaty with Solomon Islands, with leaked messages saying Canberra could add about $980m in funding, including free education and electorate-linked grants, as PM Matthew Wale stays in power after a no-confidence motion was withdrawn. Politics & Governance: Parliament was adjourned indefinitely after the motion was pulled, while Wale says the break will help pass major reforms like mining changes and free education before Christmas. US Partnership: Solomon Islands and the United States signed an agreement to restore the Peace Corps programme, with US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau in Honiara for talks. Mining Law Reform: Mines Minister Derrick Manu’ari says the current “first come, first serve” mining approach is flawed and wants amendments to strengthen customary landowners’ say. Border Services: A new electronic visa system went live under a Solomon Islands Border Management System to speed up processing and improve security. Public Safety: Police confirmed a real pistol was used in a threatening shop incident in east Honiara involving an Australian national. Business & Events: Honiara will host the 2026 National Trade Fair from Sept 9–16, with a focus on local innovation and culture. Sports: Solomon Islands U-19 men topped Group A after a 2-0 win over Samoa, setting up semi-finals.

Politics & Governance: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale survived an attempt to oust his government as the no-confidence motion was withdrawn and parliament adjourned indefinitely, buying time for mining reforms and a push to return before Christmas to pass the budget. Diplomacy & Security: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau arrived in Honiara, with the US signing an agreement to renew the Peace Corps programme and talks also tied to Solomon Islands’ shifting security partnerships. Australia Funding Leaks: Leaked messages say Australia is moving to fast-track a sweeping new $1 billion treaty, including constituency funding and support linked to free education and visa/security upgrades. Free Education Debate: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare questioned whether the government is ready to fund and implement free education nationwide in 2027, warning it needs new appropriations, costing and clear arrangements. Economy & Minerals: The government delayed mineral bill amendments, with Wale warning it could mean about $1 billion in revenue forgone this year. Border Services: A new electronic visa system has been launched to speed up online applications while strengthening immigration security. Public Safety: Police confirmed a real pistol was used in a Honiara shop threat involving an Australian national, who was remanded after court proceedings. Trade & Community: Honiara will host the 2026 National Trade Fair from Sept 9–16, aiming to turn the capital into a hub for business, innovation and culture. Sports: Solomon Islands U-19 men reached OFC semi-finals after a 2-0 win over Samoa, while New Zealand’s Young Football Ferns opened the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship with a 5-0 win over hosts Solomon Islands; Fiji also thrashed the Cook Islands 11-0. Health: A Solomon Islands delegation explored healthcare cooperation with Yashoda Medicity, and Fiji’s heart hospital expansion is set to extend specialised cardiac care to adults and adolescents.

No-confidence drama defused: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale has survived a no-confidence vote after East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga withdrew the motion ahead of Monday’s debate, easing political pressure just as US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau arrived in Honiara for talks. US Peace Corps returns: Landau and Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela signed an agreement to renew the US Peace Corps programme in Solomon Islands after more than 20 years, with volunteers set to support schools, health and community capacity. Maritime security crackdown: The government ordered the immediate closure of sufferance wharves that are not ISPS-compliant, directing customs to halt imports until facilities meet Solomon Islands Maritime Authority requirements. Police confirm real pistol incident: RSIPF says an Australian national used a real pistol during a threatening shop incident in east Honiara on 4 September; the suspect was arrested after refusing police instructions and was subdued with less lethal force. Malu’u Market resilience build: A 120-metre seawall for the new Malu’u Market in North Malaita is complete, with 44 local workers employed and mangroves planted for added coastal protection. Football focus: New Zealand opened the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship with a 5-0 win over hosts Solomon Islands, while Fiji’s Mini Kulas and Junior Kulas both thrashed the Cook Islands 11-0 in Honiara.

No-Confidence Drama Ends: East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga has withdrawn his no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Matthew Wale, averting a Monday parliamentary showdown and leaving Wale to focus on stability. Bilateral Push with Washington: Wale met US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Honiara, with talks including the planned return of the Peace Corps to Solomon Islands. Border Security Crackdown: Government has ordered the immediate closure of sufferance wharves that don’t meet ISPS standards, aiming to plug security gaps and protect revenue. GREAT Coalition Numbers Rise: Two MPs crossed to the GREAT Coalition, taking its strength to 31 ahead of the political vote period. Sports—OFC U16 Women’s Start: Fiji’s Adi Reva fired five as they thrashed the Cook Islands 11-0, while Solomon Islands hosts face New Zealand in their opener. Earthquake Report: A 5.9 quake struck Solomon Islands, according to GFZ. Regional Diplomacy Tensions: Coverage continues on China-Taiwan pressure spilling into Pacific Islands Forum politics, with Solomon Islands among those sending lower-level representation.

Diplomacy & Security: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau arrived in Honiara for official talks, with meetings expected with government and business leaders to push shared economic and security priorities. Politics: A no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Matthew Wale is set for Monday, Sept 7, with Parliament also scheduled to consider a finance-related resolution. Public Safety: RSIPF arrested an Australian national after a threatening incident involving an alleged firearm at a shop in east Honiara; police used less-lethal force after the suspect refused orders. Earthquake Watch: A 5.9-magnitude quake hit Solomon Islands, reported by GFZ. Sports: Solomon Islands’ OFC U-16 Women’s Championship kicks off in Honiara this week, with New Zealand the defending champions and an opening test for hosts; meanwhile, Suva booked BOG semi-finals despite a 2-1 loss to Nasinu, and Solomon Islands’ U-19 captain Jayroll Patty scored a hat-trick to reach the U-19 semi-finals. Business & Community: SIART trained young agriculture extension officers in Malaita on financial literacy and feed formulation to help ABPO farmers run more profitable agribusinesses. Energy Costs: New fuel prices took effect in Honiara from Sept 1.

Earthquake Alert: A 5.9-magnitude quake struck Solomon Islands at 1412 GMT Saturday, with the epicentre about 10 km deep, according to GFZ. No-Confidence Countdown: Parliament is set to move a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Matthew Wale on Monday, Sept. 7, with RSIPF and CSSI officers sworn in to support the planned operation. Security Incident in Honiara: RSIPF arrested an Australian national after a threatening weapon incident near the SDA-Vura main road in east Honiara; police say no firearm was found and less-lethal force was used to control the suspect. Political Shake-up: Trevor Manemahaga has joined the GREAT Coalition, boosting the government’s numbers ahead of the motion, while opposition critics say the cabinet “revolving door” is deepening instability. Sports (Local Focus): Solomon Islands hosts the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, starting Sunday, with New Zealand the defending champions and immediate Group A test for the home side. Agriculture & Fisheries: SIART trained Malaita farmers and young extension officers in financial literacy and feed formulation, while MFMR launched a GEDSI strategy to make fisheries more inclusive.

No-Confidence Security Prep: The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry met RSIPF ahead of Monday’s Motion of No Confidence, urging calm, protecting critical infrastructure, and keeping businesses informed. Police Reinforcements: More than 35 Correctional Services officers were sworn in to support RSIPF during the planned operation. Coalition Moves: GREAT Coalition welcomed Gao-Bugotu MP Trevor Manemahaga after he resigned from Our Party to join SIDP, while opposition slammed Cabinet reshuffles and Harry Kuma’s reappointment as “revolving door” politics. Regional Security Funding: Australia and Pacific leaders backed Waqa Moana, a Pacific-led maritime security push against illicit trafficking, with a $600m Australian package announced. Health Milestone: Solomon Islands reached a regional target for Early Essential Newborn Care, with over 80% of birth facilities providing life-saving care in the first hours. Fisheries Inclusion: MFMR launched its GEDSI Strategy 2026–2030 to expand women, youth and disability inclusion across fisheries. Sports: Solomon Islands U-19 captain Jayroll Patty scored a hat-trick to reach the OFC semi-finals, and the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship kicks off in Honiara this week. Fuel Prices: New fuel rates took effect in Honiara from Sept 1.

Pacific Islands Forum fallout: China’s envoy at the Palau summit hit back over Taiwan’s presence, warning of “consequences,” while Taiwan alleged China used plain-clothes operatives to spy on meetings—leaders also missile-test diplomacy concerns, calling for at least 24 hours’ notice for future ICBM tests (with Nauru dissenting). Solomon Islands politics: Ahead of Monday’s Motion of No Confidence, the Official Opposition slammed GREAT Coalition’s “revolving door” as Harry Kuma was reappointed to Cabinet days after resigning, and noted Gordon Darcy Lilo’s removal as a “serious leadership error,” while coalition moves continued with MP Trevor Manemahaga joining GREAT. Security readiness: SICCI met police to keep businesses informed, and no-confidence policing steps up with CSSI officers sworn in to support RSIPF operations. Economy & services: New fuel prices took effect in Honiara, and finance inclusion advanced as CBSI’s governor was appointed vice chair of PIRI. Fisheries & health: MFMR launched a new GEDSI strategy for fisheries, and Solomon Islands hit a regional target for early newborn care. Community & youth: SIART trained rural farmers in Malaita, children delivered climate solutions at COP31, and the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship kicks off in Honiara on Sunday.

West Papua Human Rights: Pacific Islands Forum leaders say Indonesia’s UN human rights commissioner visit to West Papua is “on the right path,” but MSG countries want it facilitated fast or Indonesia’s MSG associate status could be reviewed. Health: Solomon Islands has hit a regional target for Early Essential Newborn Care, with 80%+ of birth facilities providing life-saving care in the first hours. Infrastructure (Auki): A new agriculture building in Auki has passed the halfway mark and is meeting environmental and social safeguards under the World Bank-backed SIART project. Politics (Cabinet): PM Matthew Wale keeps reshuffling, swearing in Harry Kuma, Nestor Ghiro and Isikeli Vave Jnr as the coalition tightens—while opposition calls the finance minister removal a serious leadership error. Regional security (missile tests): PIF leaders “registered concern” over China’s July missile test and want at least 24 hours’ notice for future ICBM tests, with Nauru dissenting. Business & economy: SICCI warns political instability is still denting business confidence and delaying decisions. Maritime: A marine inquiry has started into the MV Anjeanette fire, sinking and presumed loss of life.