AGP Executive Report

Ocean Protection & Voyaging: Leaders and cultural practitioners from across the Pacific gathered on Rapa Nui to strengthen ancestral ties and push marine conservation, with Solomon Islands among the participants. Trade & Fisheries Policy: A new WTO fisheries subsidies deal is seen as a win for the marine environment, but warns that negotiations could be undermined if India, Indonesia and the United States stall the next phase. Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met Australian officials for high-level talks on development priorities and governance reform, while Solomon Islands’ Attorney General Gabriel Suri was sworn in to help drive the government’s reform agenda. Health & Development: Japan reaffirmed support for Solomon Islands’ health sector, including the Kilu’ufi Hospital improvement project in Malaita, and new WASH facilities at Vavalu Primary School in Guadalcanal are improving water, sanitation and attendance. Climate Risk Finance: TrigaCash microinsurance is rolling out an automated safety net for farmers and fishers, aiming for faster payouts after extreme weather triggers. Youth & Sports: MSG and SIFF signed an 18-month school football development programme, and two Solomon Islands women were selected for a regional basketball leadership pathway. Justice & Security: Honiara’s court heard ‘not guilty’ pleas in a beche-de-mer and cash theft case involving three accused.

Quad & Pacific Security: Foreign ministers from the U.S., India, Japan and Australia met in New Delhi and backed new Indo-Pacific moves, including a joint port infrastructure plan in Fiji, plus maritime surveillance and energy-security cooperation. Climate Microinsurance for Solomons: TrigaCash is rolling out an automated microinsurance safety net for farmers and fishers, using weather triggers to send payouts fast after climate shocks. Legal Leadership: Gabriel Suri was sworn in as Solomon Islands Attorney General, tasked with advising government as reforms move ahead. Japan Health Support: Japan reaffirmed support for Solomon Islands’ health sector, including the Kilu’ufi Hospital improvement and expansion in Malaita. WASH at Vavalu Primary: New Zealand and UNICEF delivered safe water, sanitation and handwashing facilities for over 200 students and teachers, with reported gains for girls’ attendance. Sports for Development: SIFF and MSG signed a school football legacy programme for ages 10–15, linking sport with education and youth empowerment. Tourism Update: New Culture & Tourism Minister James Bonuga met Tourism Solomons to review visitor numbers and strengthen sector collaboration. Roadworks Warning: Honiara’s Mendana Avenue CBD works continue until July, with lane closures and traffic delays expected.

Attorney-General Sworn In: Gabriel Suri was officially sworn in as Solomon Islands’ Attorney General at Government House, as the Wale government moves ahead with reforms including mining, forestry, anti-corruption and legislative review. Climate Microinsurance: TrigaCash is rolling out an automated microinsurance safety net for farmers and fishers, using weather triggers to send instant payouts after cyclone, extreme rain or drought impacts. Health Partnerships: Japan reaffirmed support for Solomon Islands’ health sector after a courtesy visit to new Health Minister Morris Toiraena, highlighting progress on the Kilu’ufi Hospital improvement and expansion in Malaita. Education WASH Upgrade: Vavalu Primary School in Guadalcanal received new WASH facilities—safe water, sanitation and handwashing—aimed at improving attendance and menstrual hygiene. Tourism Leadership: New Culture & Tourism Minister James Bonuga met tourism officials and was briefed on visitor numbers, with arrivals up over 13% last year. Youth & Sport Development: SIFF and MSG signed a school football legacy programme for ages 10–15, while SINYC launched new internal policy documents to strengthen accountability and youth safeguarding. Court Update: Three people pleaded not guilty in Honiara over alleged theft of about $2 million in beche-de-mer and cash. Roadworks: Drivers face CBD delays as Mendana Avenue works continue until July, with lane narrowing and traffic control in place.

Security & Diplomacy: Papua New Guinea’s PM James Marape says PNG won’t allow foreign military bases, even as Australia expands its presence at the Lombrum naval port—while Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale is set to visit Australia for talks, with security and economic ties expected high on the agenda. Regional Infrastructure: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) plans to jointly develop Fiji port infrastructure, a move analysts link to wider Pacific power competition. China Influence Watch: A New York Times report describes China’s surveillance-style policing in the Solomon Islands community of Fighter One after residents sought help—raising concerns about data collection and long-term control. Local Governance & Community: Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga was ordained an Anglican priest in East Malaita. Education & Health: Vavalu Primary in Guadalcanal received new WASH facilities via New Zealand and UNICEF support, improving water access and hygiene for students. Courts: Three people pleaded not guilty in Honiara over alleged theft of about $2 million in beche-de-mer and cash. Roads: Mendana Avenue CBD roadworks continue until July, with lane closures and traffic delays. Business & Development: Gold Ridge Mining welcomed PM Wale, pledging to strengthen the economy through the Gold Ridge project. Sports & Culture: Tickets are out for Honiara’s Aelan Riddim festival, featuring artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu.

New PM heads to Australia: Newly elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale will travel to Canberra for talks with Australian PM Anthony Albanese on 3 June, with economic development and security high on the agenda after Wale’s earlier criticism of a 2022 China policing and military deal. Local justice: Honiara’s Central Magistrate’s Court heard ‘not guilty’ pleas from three people accused over about $2 million in stolen beche-de-mer and cash, with the case adjourned to 5 June for pre-trial steps. Health at school: Vavalu Primary in Guadalcanal received new WASH facilities—water supply, ablution blocks and handwashing stations—through a New Zealand–UNICEF initiative, aimed at improving hygiene and attendance. Road disruption: Major works on Mendana Avenue in Honiara’s CBD will cause lane closures and traffic delays until end of July. Community safety: Malaita chiefs have approved a crocodile hunt after two fatal attacks on the Wairaha River, with police coordinating the response. Sports & culture: The Aelan Riddim festival returns to Honiara this weekend, while SINU released Semester One exam timetable details for June 22–July 3.

New Prime Minister’s Australia Trip: Newly elected PM Matthew Wale is set to visit Australia for talks with Anthony Albanese in Canberra on 3 June, with economic development and security high on the agenda, after Wale previously criticised Solomon Islands’ 2022 China deal but has since softened his stance. Cyclone Maila Reassurance Visit: Wale will travel to cyclone-hit communities in Western and Choiseul, with the Australian High Commission funding the trip, as the government seeks to reassure residents and keep recovery on track. Anglican Ordination in East Malaita: Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga was ordained an Anglican priest on Pentecost Sunday in Tabaakwaru Village, a week after being sworn in as minister. Honiara Music Spotlight (Aelan Riddim): Pacific Crown Hotel hosts the Aelan Riddim show on 30 May, with tickets on sale now and artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu joining Solomon Islands performers. Education Update (SINU Exams): Solomon Islands National University released Semester One 2026 exam information, with exams running 22 June–3 July across Panatina and Kukum campuses. Local Business & Procurement Pressure: Pacific firms say strict donor bidding “tick-box” qualification rules are blocking local contractors from major infrastructure work, even when technical bids and pricing are strong. US–Solomons Investment Deal: The U.S. and Solomon Islands signed an Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara on 23 May, paving the way for U.S. private capital via the DFC. Gold Ridge Economy Push: Gold Ridge Mining welcomed PM Wale, saying the project contributed about 23% of national GDP in 2025 and paid over SBD 510 million in taxes and royalties. Safety in Malaita: Chiefs in Wairaha (West Are’are) have approved a police-backed crocodile hunt after two fatal attacks in April.

WWII Remains Returned: Jackson native Lt. Thomas Arthur Ruth was laid to rest in Jackson with full military honours after being missing since his plane crash near Rendova in 1943; a crash site was found in 2013 and he was positively identified in 2025. New PM’s First Overseas Trip: Newly elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale will visit Australia for talks with Anthony Albanese on 3 June, with economic development and security high on the agenda. Cyclone Maila Recovery: Prime Minister Wale is also set for a reassurance visit to cyclone-hit communities in Western and Choiseul, with support funded by Australia. Local Education Updates: SINU released Semester One 2026 examination timetable and venue details, urging students to check requirements early and submit clash forms promptly. Business & Procurement Pressure: Pacific firms say strict donor bidding “tick-box” rules and high qualification thresholds are blocking local contractors from major infrastructure work. Community Safety: Chiefs in Malaita’s Wairaha have approved a police-backed crocodile hunt after two fatal attacks last month. Culture & Sports: Honiara is gearing up for the Aelan Riddim festival on 30 May, with tickets now on sale, while Rewa FC eyes a bounce-back in the Suva EPL campaign. Investment & Partnerships: The U.S. and Solomon Islands signed an Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara, aiming to unlock private capital for jobs, infrastructure and connectivity. Mining Watch: Sankamap reports encouraging early gold-copper signs at its Kuma project, including elevated surface gold and alteration zones. Regional Security Tech Concerns: A report says China-backed policing in the Solomon Islands used fingerprinting and personal data collection, raising questions about limits and privacy.

New PM’s Australia push: Newly elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale will travel to Canberra for talks with Australian PM Anthony Albanese on 3 June, with economic development and security high on the agenda, after Wale previously criticised the 2022 China policing and military deal but later softened his stance. Cyclone Maila recovery: Wale will lead a reassurance visit to Western and Choiseul provinces from 27–29 May, meeting provincial leaders and affected communities, with Australian funding via the High Commission and support from the National Disaster Council. US investment framework: In Honiara, the Solomon Islands and the United States signed an Investment Incentive Agreement, enabling US DFC support for private capital in areas like infrastructure, ICT connectivity and energy. Maritime security focus: The Pacific’s Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after 61 vessel inspections and four vessels of interest, with support from Australia, New Zealand, France and the US, as enforcement tightens against illegal fishing. Local policing partnership: RSIPF Commissioner Ian Vaevaso met Karaena community leaders to strengthen community policing by-laws and target youth crime linked to kwaso and marijuana. Mining update: Sankamap reports encouraging early signs at its Kuma gold-copper project, including elevated surface gold and alteration/sulphide mineralisation in ongoing drilling. Tourism milestone: Tourism Solomons received a PATA honour for 50+ years of continuous membership, recognised at PATA’s 2026 summit in South Korea. Sports & culture: Air Niugini backed the Aelan Riddim festival in Honiara with travel support for regional artists, while Solomon Islands floorball named its final Spain squad for the 3v3 World Floorball Championship.

Pacific Power Shift: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale is heading to Australia for talks with Anthony Albanese in Canberra on June 3, with security and development high on the agenda after Wale’s earlier China-leaning stance softened. Cyclone Recovery: Wale is also set to visit cyclone-hit communities in Western and Choiseul affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila, with the trip funded by Australia and coordinated through the National Disaster Council. US Investment Push: The US and Solomon Islands signed an Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara on May 23, aiming to unlock private capital for jobs, infrastructure, connectivity and energy. Health in the Spotlight: Chinese medical teams are expanding care capacity in remote Solomon Islands communities, bringing treatment closer to patients. Animal Welfare: Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa says it will stop sourcing wild dolphins and suspend captive breeding, after past dolphin links to the Solomon Islands. Maritime Security: ADF support continues across the region to deter illegal fishing alongside Pacific partners.

US–Solomon Islands Investment Push: The U.S. and Solomon Islands signed an Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara on May 23, with the deal aimed at unlocking private capital for jobs, infrastructure, ICT connectivity and energy. Community Policing: In Karaena, RSIPF and local leaders agreed on stronger community policing by-laws, targeting youth harm linked to kwaso and marijuana. Disaster Response: PM Wale is set for a reassurance visit to Tropical Cyclone Maila-affected communities in Western and Choiseul from 27–29 May, focusing on recovery needs in homes, schools, health centres and livelihoods. Regional Security & Fisheries: The UK’s HMS Tamar visit underlined growing maritime security pressures, while Pacific partners continue coordinated action against illegal fishing under Operation Tui Moana. Trade & Skills: A Solomon Islands capacity-building seminar on sustainable special economic zones opened in Haikou, as Solomon Islands also keeps building regional ties through tourism and diplomacy.

Regional Security & Fisheries: Pacific nations wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, running May 4–22, with 61 vessel inspections and four vessels of interest flagged as enforcement gets more intelligence-led. UK–Solomon Islands Ties: HMS Tamar’s visit continues to spotlight maritime security and fisheries cooperation, with UK leaders stressing ongoing partnership beyond symbolism. Diplomacy & Investment: The U.S. and Solomon Islands signed an Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara on May 23, aiming to unlock private capital for jobs, infrastructure, connectivity and energy. Disaster Recovery: PM Wale is set for a reassurance visit to cyclone Maila-affected communities in Western and Choiseul from April 27–29, focusing on recovery and provincial coordination. Economy Watch: A new analysis says Solomon Islands’ finance and insurance sectors were the only industries to post negative real GDP growth from 2023 to 2024. Sports: Manusina 7s’ Olympic hopes stay alive after a 43-0 loss to Fiji, with a fifth-place playoff next.

Visa Shock for Pacific Travellers: New Zealand is cutting Pacific visa fees and extending default visa timeframes, but officials warn it could cost about $1–2 million a year as immigration funding gets stretched. Regional Security at Sea: Solomon Islands is part of Operation Tui Moana 2026, a Pacific-led push that has already seen 13 fishing vessels boarded and more patrols across multiple EEZs to deter illegal fishing. Diplomacy in Focus: Solomon Islands took part in the 8th ROK–PIF Senior Officials Meeting in Nadi, urging stronger Korea–Pacific cooperation on climate resilience and the Blue Pacific. Local Infrastructure: Isabel Province road works are moving ahead after heavy machinery was procured, while Honiara’s Hot Bread Roundabout gets short drainage works starting Monday. Sports & Youth: The final U-17 futsal Solympic trial is set for today, and the 2026 Solomon Games countdown is on with the “Rise Together” theme.

Pacific Fuel Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers have backed a regional response to the Middle East crisis under the Biketawa Declaration, aiming to keep fuel and energy security from spiralling—coordination and information-sharing are now the focus. Regional Fisheries Clampdown: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up with Pacific partners inspecting vessels and deterring illegal fishing across multiple EEZs, with Solomon Islands among the key participants. Local Infrastructure: Isabel road works are moving ahead after heavy machinery was procured, while in Honiara the Hot Bread Roundabout drainage project starts today with short-term traffic changes. Health & Community Services: SIPPA delivered mobile sexual and reproductive health outreach in Titiana, and a pediatric cardiology team held heart screening at Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita. Culture & Sports: A free reconciliation art exhibition opens at the National Art Gallery in Honiara this week, and Solomon Games momentum builds with the “Rise Together” theme as schools and clubs gear up for league fixtures.

Leadership Watch: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale is drawing close regional attention after his 15 May win following Jeremiah Manele’s no-confidence loss, with Pacific experts saying any foreign-policy shift is likely to be careful and “measured,” not sudden. Fisheries Enforcement: Australia’s ADF has joined Pacific-led surveillance under Operation Tui Moana, while Te Kukupa II intercepted 13 fishing vessels in a wider push to deter illegal fishing across multiple EEZs. Energy Pressure: Pacific foreign ministers backed a regional response mechanism under the Biketawa Declaration as leaders warn a fuel tanker slowdown could hit prices and stability. Community & Health: SIPPA delivered mobile sexual and reproductive health outreach in Titiana, and a pediatric cardiology team screened children at Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita. Road & Sport: Hot Bread Roundabout drainage works start Monday with temporary traffic changes, while Solomon Games countdown is on and chess registrations surged ahead of Sunday’s tournament.

Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Australia’s ADF has joined a multinational push to detect and deter illegal fishing across the South-West Pacific, supporting the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s Operation Tui Moana with patrols covering 113,220 square kilometres. Maritime Enforcement: Operation Tui Moana continues to intercept and inspect vessels, including Te Kukupa II boarding 13 fishing vessels in the Cook Islands EEZ. Ports & Sport Buzz: Solomon Ports is set to mark 70 years of service with a June 3–4 summit, while the 2026 Solomon Games countdown is on with the “Rise Together” theme and a packed week of school sports—chess registrations surged ahead of Sunday, and Honiara’s high school basketball and netball leagues move into key fixtures. Road & Community Updates: Hot Bread Roundabout drainage works start Monday with temporary traffic changes, and SIPPA’s Titiana outreach brought mobile clinic services and sexual health education. Health on the Ground: Pediatric cardiology outreach reached Malaita’s Kilu’ufi Hospital, aiming to reduce families’ travel burden to Honiara.

Fisheries Crackdown: Operation Tui Moana 2026 is in full swing as the Cook Islands’ Te Kukupa II crew boarded and inspected 13 fishing vessels, also encountering three yachts transiting through the Cook Islands EEZ—part of a nearly three-week push across 10 Pacific EEZs to deter illegal fishing. Regional Energy Diplomacy: Foreign Ministers backed a Regional Response Mechanism under the Biketawa Declaration, aiming to coordinate Pacific action and share information as the fuel crisis risk grows. Labour Mobility Watch: High Commissioner Robert Sisilo met Solomon Islands workers under the PALM scheme in Bundaberg and Gympie, stressing contract compliance and welfare. Infrastructure Progress: Ahanga Wharf preparations in Renbel are moving ahead, with site facilities set up and key precast and piling equipment delivered. Security & Safety: RSIPF EODD is set to run a render-safe procedure on a live unexploded bomb in North West Guadalcanal today, with temporary restrictions in the area. Sports: Yankee Vulita is close to the national 400m hurdles record after a personal best at the Oceania Championships in Darwin.