AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security Tensions: China’s July 6 nuclear-capable missile test into the Pacific has deepened divisions among Pacific leaders, with foreign ministers in Suva unable to agree on a joint condemnation and Papua New Guinea calling it “totally inappropriate.” One-China Pressure: China also urged the Pacific Islands Forum secretariat to stick to the one-China principle after Taiwan was confirmed to attend the Palau summit, a move that previously led to Taiwan being barred when Solomon Islands hosted. Sovereignty & Secrecy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says the government is reviewing its 2022 security agreement with China and promises “no more secrecy,” with Parliament fully informed before any treaty binds the country. Rural Governance & Jobs: The Ministry of Rural Development is reviewing the Constituency Development Fund Act 2023, rolling out constituency economic growth centres, and pushing audits across all 50 constituencies. Rural Power & Telecoms: PM Wale met Satsol as it plans rural expansion, while Polar Power secured orders for 15 more solar hybrid systems to support Solomon Islands broadband growth. Health & Oversight: PAC says essential medical supplies are at about 83% and wants it closer to 90%, while lawmakers scrutinised supplementary funding for SIBC and Honiara Senior High School. Sports: PNGFA threatens to sit out the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup over unpaid obligations, and Home Affairs seeks extra funding for Oceania Rugby Sevens.

Security & Sovereignty: PM Matthew Wale has started a review of Solomon Islands’ 2022 security agreement with China, saying there will be “no more secrecy” and that no treaty should stand without Parliament’s informed consent. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s recent nuclear-capable missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters criticising “appeasement.” Parliament Watch (PAC): The Ministry of Communication and Aviation seeks $532,455 for SolCERT cyber security, while the Home Affairs Ministry asks for $5m more to support the Oceania Rugby Sevens. Health Supply: Essential medical supplies availability is at about 83%, with PAC pushing to lift it toward 90%. Courts & Environment: The High Court ordered two logging companies to pay $62m to Isabel communities over unlawful logging and damage to water, gardens and culturally important sites. Sports & Youth: RSIPF supported a women police leadership gathering; in football, Rewa targets a comeback in the OFC Champions League after an opening loss. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Guadalcanal will pilot mobile revenue collection using M-SELEN, and a High Court ruling plus ongoing audits keep pressure on public finance delivery.

China-Solomon Islands Security: Prime Minister Matthew Wale has started a review of the 2022 security agreement with China, saying there will be “no more secrecy” and that Parliament must be fully informed before any deal binds the country. Parliament Watch: The Public Accounts Committee questioned a proposed $2.5m SIBC allocation, with officials saying it will fund implementation of SIBC’s strategic plan. Free Education Debate: Opposition MPs and the Government are trading blows over the 2027 fee-free education plan—critics want full costing and readiness checks, while ministers say preparations and a taskforce are already underway. Local Revenue & Digital Services: Guadalcanal will pilot a mobile revenue collection system using the M-SELEN platform to reduce cash handling and modernise business licence and property tax payments. Audit & Infrastructure Scrutiny: The Auditor-General is seeking $6.7m to upgrade audit methods and clear provincial audit backlogs, while PAC paused MID’s supplementary review after figure discrepancies. Economy & Resources: CBSI projects a better 2026-27 outlook, and the Government is moving on a sliding-scale gold royalty system plus new labs to verify mineral exports. Sports & Community: Auckland City edged Central Coast in the OFC Champions League, and Japan donated 50 footballs to boost SIFF grassroots football.

Treaty Transparency: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says a review of the country’s 2022 security agreement with China has started, after he was only allowed to read it one day before a Canberra meeting—promising “no more secrecy” and urging opposition support so no treaty stands without Parliament’s informed consent. Foreign Policy & Regional Ties: The debate comes as Solomon Islands continues balancing partners, with China stressing it has trained 1,200 Solomon Islanders in programs there and that 200+ students study on scholarships, while Pacific leaders’ diplomacy remains split over issues like China’s missile test and Taiwan’s participation. Free Education Push: Wale defends the “Free Education” plan for 2027, saying the classroom gate won’t close due to poverty, but MPs including Tozen Leokana and the Opposition demand full costings, funding sources, and readiness on teachers and infrastructure. Budget Scrutiny: PAC paused MID’s supplementary review after figure discrepancies, while MEHRD faced detailed questioning over a $76.89m supplementary request. Police Reform: Police Minister John Tuhaika Jr reports progress toward a modern RSIPF, including workforce planning and moves to modernise and accredit the Police Academy. Sovereign Wealth Fund: Central Bank Governor Luke Forau backs the concept, saying it should draw from all extractable resources and be used for shocks, while MPs warn benefits must be legally enforceable for landowners and provinces. Local Development: A Malaita community received a $190,000 CDF-funded 2-ton tipper truck to improve emergency access and services; in football, Japan donated 50 balls to SIFF for grassroots youth.

Transparency & Sovereignty: PM Matthew Wale told Parliament “no more secrecy” on agreements binding Solomon Islands, saying he was only allowed to read the 2022 China security deal a day before a Canberra meeting, and calling for a review supported by Opposition. Free Education Push: Wale defended the GREAT free education plan as a poverty-proofing promise, but Opposition MPs pressed for full costings; Wale says the detailed costing will come to Parliament in December and the appropriation bill will carry the numbers. Education Planning Moves: MEHRD says groundwork for fee-free education in 2027 is underway, with a Free Education Taskforce and curriculum reforms nearing completion. Land & Housing Reform: Government will table five land and housing bills, including customary land governance, land dispute resolution, a national housing bill, land information systems, and coastal and marine governance. Mining Rules Update: A sliding-scale royalty system will link gold royalties to global prices, alongside new labs to verify mineral exports and a 25% state equity stake. Public Finance Scrutiny: PAC halted MID’s supplementary budget review after figure discrepancies, ordering reconciliation with the Ministry of Finance. Regional Diplomacy: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji, ministers failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s missile test; Taiwan will attend the Palau leaders meeting as a development partner under an “open invitation” arrangement. Local Impact: Seghe Market construction is 75% complete; Bloody Ridge’s stolen WWII plaque has been replaced; and Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu accepted Wale’s apology for missing the province’s Second Appointed Day.

Free Education Debate: Opposition MP Tozen Leokana questioned whether the government has the money, teachers and school capacity to deliver nationwide free education from 2027, warning fee removal without system strengthening could disrupt rural schools. Opposition Pushes Costings: Another opposition MP challenged the Wale Government to provide clear financing, timelines and funding sources for its wide-ranging promises, including salary changes, a sovereign wealth fund, health and major infrastructure. Land Reform Bills: Government plans five land and coastal reforms, including a Customary Land Governance Bill, Land Dispute Resolution Bill, National Housing Bill, Land Information System Bill, and Coastal and Marine Governance Bill. Mining Rules Tighten: New mineral royalty rates will track global gold prices via a sliding scale, alongside new laboratories to verify mineral exports and royalty payments. Honiara Transport: Work moves ahead on a second road corridor feasibility study and detailed design, with ADB support, plus rehabilitation planning for the White River–Lambi road. Guadalcanal Apology: PM Matthew Wale apologised to Guadalcanal for missing the province’s Second Appointed Day celebrations; Premier Willie Atu accepted. PIF Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s missile test, while Taiwan is set to attend the Palau leaders meeting as a development partner. Markets & Heritage: Seghe Market construction hit 75% completion, and a stolen Bloody Ridge WWII plaque was replaced.

Pacific Diplomacy: Taiwan will attend the 55th Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Palau as a development partner, after being blocked last year when Solomon Islands hosted; PIF officials say the summit will keep an “open invitation” for invited participants. Regional Security: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters accusing some members of appeasing “outsiders,” and Reuters reporting the holdouts as Nauru and Kiribati. Education Policy: PM Matthew Wale says “Free Education” is a principle both sides back—no child should be kept out of the classroom due to parents’ poverty—while the policy design and costing are being finalised for Parliament. Local Governance & Respect: Wale apologised to Guadalcanal for missing the province’s Second Appointed Day; Premier Willie Atu accepted the apology and backed the statehood push. Economy & Indigenous Focus: Government reaffirms placing Indigenous Solomon Islanders at the centre of economic development, including reviewing reserved business activities and strengthening procurement pathways for local firms. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Australia says all PIF members are now connected by undersea cables, including Solomon Islands, boosting access for governments and businesses. Public Finance: Wale says reforms are plugging revenue “leakages,” including ending resource-sector tax exemption MOUs and restoring a single lawful exemptions committee. Heritage & Community: A stolen Bloody Ridge WWII plaque has been replaced, restoring a key Guadalcanal landmark.

Infrastructure Progress: Construction of the Australia-funded Seghe Market in Marovo is at 75% completion, with roofing, pathways, and the kiosk done, and work now moving into internal walls, ramps, and fire tank base—aimed at serving 120 vendors later this year. Roads & Transport: Honiara’s second road corridor is moving from talk to planning, with a feasibility study and detailed design being procured under an ADB-backed alternative corridor linking Lungga to White River, plus White River–Lambi rehab work. Public Finance: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says the government is plugging public finance leakages by ending resource-sector tax exemption MOUs and restoring a single lawful exemption committee. Housing & Urban Pressure: The government is advancing a National Housing Bill to tackle Honiara’s growing housing shortage and improve access to secure land, water, sanitation, and services. Energy Costs: Work has started on a 22km transmission line to bring up to 15MW of renewable power from Tina River to Honiara via Lungga, targeting early 2028 completion. Health Policy: The Health Ministry says primary health care will be the front line, with clinic rehabilitation and upgrades to support maternal health, immunisation, mental health, and early referral. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July missile test, with New Zealand saying divisions—reportedly involving Kiribati and Nauru—blocked consensus; the issue now heads to leaders in Palau. China One-China: China has praised Solomon Islands’ new government for reaffirming the one-China principle. Guadalcanal Relations: Guadalcanal Province accepted PM Wale’s unreserved apology for missing Second Appointed Day, while statehood and a provincial hospital remain on the agenda. Agriculture Jobs: Government plans new cocoa and coconut plantations, targeting 10,000 hectares, alongside nurseries, drying, and storage support.

Guadalcanal Commemoration: The 84th anniversary of the 7 August 1942 Guadalcanal landings was marked at the Guadalcanal American Memorial in Honiara, with U.S. officials stressing the enduring ties and ongoing POW/MIA recovery efforts. One China Diplomacy: China praised Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s government for reaffirming the one-China principle, saying it strengthens the political base for deeper cooperation. Pacific Missile Row: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July nuclear-capable missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying two members blocked consensus—reportedly Kiribati and Nauru—leaving the issue for leaders in Palau. Regional Security Push: Australia’s Penny Wong backed Pacific-led security talks, pointing to Solomon Islands’ proposal for a regional security framework. Cheaper Power for Honiara: Construction has started on a 22-kilometre transmission line linking the Tina River hydropower facility to Honiara’s grid, aiming to cut reliance on diesel and improve reliability by early 2028. Housing and Health Reforms: Government moves include a National Housing Bill to tackle urban pressures and a push to make primary health care the frontline focus, plus a Mental Health Bill to replace the 1970 law. Agriculture Jobs Drive: The GREAT Coalition says it will support new cocoa and coconut plantations, targeting 10,000 hectares, alongside expanded agricultural officer deployment. Women’s Leadership: Women completing the Senior Executive Women in Leadership Programme were recognised, while EmpowerHER is rolling out to tackle gender-based violence in Western and Temotu provinces.

Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers in Fiji are split over whether to issue a joint statement condemning China’s nuclear-capable missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters warning the debate may be blocked by “predetermined” positions. Prime Minister Wale in Parliament: Matthew Wale urged MPs to rise above division and deliver reforms, saying scrutiny must be matched with courage and leaders are “here to deliver, not be praised.” Education Push: The government says fee-free education will roll out nationwide by 2027, and MEHRD has announced national exam dates for primary and secondary levels. Local Economy & Jobs: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma outlined plans to strengthen local business access to finance and employment, while SINBIP says it has created 10,000 jobs and trained 170 technicians. Governance & Services: Transparency Solomon Islands reacts to an Auditor General report on public service absenteeism, while the government moves to review the Provincial Government Act 1997 and modernise legal offices. Infrastructure & Provinces: Kirakira Wharf construction is at 90%, Ahanga Wharf work resumes with new piling equipment, and agriculture reforms include deploying 50 agricultural officers to all constituencies. Community & Safety: Temotu backs the EmpowerHER Project, Honiara faces calls for urgent fixes, and two New Zealand climbers were rescued after eight days trapped on Mount Popomanaseu.

Agriculture Reform Push: Minister Franklyn Wasi says the GREAT Coalition will prioritise implementing the National Agriculture Development Plan 2026–2030, including new agriculture and livestock legislation, a revived research centre, advisory council reforms, and biosecurity updates, plus posting agriculture officers to all 50 constituencies. Cocoa & Coconut Expansion: Government targets 10,000 hectares of new cocoa and coconut plantations to boost rural jobs, exports, and farm productivity. Legal Overhaul: Justice Minister Clezy Rore says three major bills—Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions, and Public Solicitor—will modernise key legal offices, the biggest changes since 1978. National ID Rollout: Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga says every Solomon Islander will get a national ID card under a new Civil Registration Bill covering births, deaths and vital events. Honiara Under Pressure: Maelanga calls for urgent reforms to tackle sanitation, waste, infrastructure decline, traffic, drainage, municipal services, and public order issues in the capital. Education & Corruption: PM Matthew Wale declares nationwide fee-free education by 2027 and reiterates zero tolerance on corruption, promising constitutional and sector reforms. One China Reaffirmed: Wale again confirms Solomon Islands’ commitment to the One China policy. HIV Support Expanded: Australia-backed funding will expand HIV prevention, testing and treatment across all provinces. Cemetery Laws: Government plans new cemetery laws as burial pressure grows. Racism Spotlight: Indigenous media leaders, including Brooke Boney, tell a racism inquiry about “menacing” threats and doxxing. Tourism & Business: Mendana Hotel (Kitano Mendana) announces a major renovation closure starting 1 September. Rescue Update: Kiwi climbers rescued from a ravine after eight days say they stayed safe and warm enough to reassure family during the ordeal.

Broadband & China ties: China’s Ambassador Cai Weiming attended the handover of the China concessional loan-funded Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project, with PM Matthew Wale’s government again stressing the One China policy. Parliament & reforms: Wale told MPs his GREAT Coalition will push reforms aimed at ending elite capture, backing zero tolerance on corruption, and delivering planned constitutional and economic changes. Agriculture push: Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi announced a historic deployment of 50 agricultural officers to all 50 constituencies to bring extension services closer to rural farmers. Maritime sovereignty debate: The US shiprider agreement remains a flashpoint, with opposition figures and legal experts focusing on parliamentary oversight and how treaties are approved, while government says sovereignty is protected. Telecom infrastructure contract: DXN won an AU$1.2m contract to build a modular cable landing station for the Adamasia Cable System, linking the country to wider Pacific networks. Sports & community: Central Coast FC strengthened for the OFC Men’s Champions League; meanwhile, communities in North Malaita planted 2,000 mangroves to protect the Malu’u Market coastline. Rescue story: Two Kiwi climbers rescued from a ravine on Mount Popomanaseu after eight days are recovering in Honiara.

Guadalcanal–PM Rift: Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu says Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s decision not to attend the province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day celebrations in Honiara was “disrespectful,” even as Deputy PM Francis Sade reiterated federal reform momentum without promising a statehood date. One China Policy: Wale told Parliament the government will stick to the One China principle, saying the foreign-policy reset is already delivering tangible outcomes. U.S. Partnership & WWII Legacy: At America’s 250th anniversary events in Honiara, leaders highlighted renewed ties, including the return of the U.S. Peace Corps and continued UXO clearance support linked to WWII recovery. Shiprider Agreement Debate: The Independent Group says its concerns are about parliamentary oversight and governance, while opposition figures warn the U.S. maritime deal could raise sovereignty risks—prompting calls for full details to be tabled. Public Service Attendance Crackdown: The Auditor General urges urgent enforcement of the Attendance Management Policy after an audit found nearly $1 billion wasted from absenteeism between 2023 and 2025. RSIPF Drone Unit: Two RSIPF officers selected to deploy with the Pacific Police Support Group for security support at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau. Coast Protection in Malaita: North Malaita communities plant 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, backed by Australia alongside a seawall project. Safety Alert: RSIPF warns the public to keep clear of a UXO disposal operation at Hells Point in Central Guadalcanal from 8am–1pm Aug 5. Sports: SIFF Super League and Solrais Women’s Premier League rounds continue midweek, with key unbeaten clashes and free-admission women’s fixtures.

Ship Rider Agreements: Honiara is split over the Solomon Islands–US maritime deal, with opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare warning it raises “serious concerns” and could compromise sovereignty, while legal/policy voices like Dr Transform Aqorau say the real debate should separate international law from national interest. Public Service Accountability: The Auditor General says absenteeism is costing nearly $1 billion (2023–2025) and urges urgent enforcement of the Attendance Management Policy after weak rollout, monitoring gaps and wasted payroll linked to unauthorised absences. Health & Clinics: The Speech from the Throne pledges stronger healthcare access, reliable medicine supply, reopened clinics, upgraded area health centres, and mental health support, while a Chinese medical team delivered free specialist services in Malaita and donated oxygen concentrators. Economy & Finance: Government outlines a 2026 recovery plan with fiscal discipline, VAT and income tax reforms, a planned Sovereign Wealth Fund, and moves to re-establish the National Bank. Infrastructure & Safety: Mendana Avenue upgrade hits another milestone with lanes reopening; RSIPF warns of UXO demolition at Alligator Creek/Hells Point. Sports & Community: Deputy Speaker David Gina vows integrity; Guadalcanal statehood push continues as Deputy PM Francis Sade stresses momentum without promising a date. Rescue & Travel: Two New Zealand hikers were airlifted from Mount Popomanaseu after days trapped in a ravine.

Guadalcanal Statehood Push: Deputy PM Francis Sade told Guadalcanal leaders the GREAT Coalition will keep advancing constitutional reforms toward federalism, but he won’t promise a 2028 statehood date. Maritime Sovereignty Row: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare says the US shiprider agreement could tilt too much authority to foreign forces and urges full details and parliamentary debate before any move forward. Parliament Watch: Newly elected Deputy Speaker David Gina vowed to uphold the integrity and impartiality of the Deputy Speaker’s Office, promising responsible administration of parliamentary business. Economy Reset: The Governor-General’s Speech from the Throne outlined a moderate 2026 recovery plan, with VAT and income tax reforms, a sovereign wealth fund, and moves to re-establish the National Bank. Public Safety: RSIPF warned communities to stay clear of an unexploded ordnance disposal operation at Hells Point in Alligator Creek on Aug 5. Health & Aid: A Chinese medical team provided free specialist care in Malaita, while the Government pledged better healthcare and education through stronger clinics, medicine supply, and upgrades to hospitals and labs. Infrastructure & Environment: Mendana Avenue reopened in stages as the upgrade hits a milestone; in North Malaita, communities planted 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline. Crime Update: RSIPF arrested lifetime murder convict Hency Bosalia after nearly three years on the run, returning him to custody. Rescue Story: Two New Zealand hikers, Keanu Isaksson and Luca Zylstra-Law, were airlifted to safety after days trapped on Mount Popomanaseu. Business & Trade: Datec plans to expand its retail network across PNG and the Pacific, including new outlets in Honiara; Solomon Islands tuna brand SolTuna is set to feature at Australia’s Fine Food Australia via PTI’s Pacific Showcase.

Marine Protection Push: Solomon Islands has joined Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji in planning the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, linking protected areas to safeguard migration routes and spawning grounds across the Coral Triangle. Mountain Rescue: Two New Zealand hikers, Keanu Isaksson (25) and Luca Zylstra-Law (19), were airlifted to safety from Mt Popomanaseu after being trapped in a ravine for about six days due to torrential rain and landslides; weather and rescue coordination were key, with consular support from New Zealand and assistance from Australia. Parliament Integrity: David Gina, newly elected Deputy Speaker, vowed to uphold the integrity and impartial administration of Parliament, with PM Matthew Wale and the GREAT Coalition congratulating him. Fisheries Funding: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency says the US-Pacific Tuna Treaty remains vital, with a 2026 distribution of about US$50.42 million to member countries. Governance & Accountability: Guadalcanal Province wrapped up its 42nd Appointed Day celebrations, while Deputy PM Francis Sade backed clearing the national audit backlog and pushing annual provincial audits. Digital Access: A new report says mobile, internet and social media use rose in 2025, but more than half of Solomon Islanders still lack internet access. Weather Watch: SIMS says there’s no heavy rain warning in force, but a strong wind warning remains, with rough seas and hazards for sea travellers.