AGP Executive Report

New PM–Australia Talks: Newly elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale heads to Canberra for talks with Australia’s Anthony Albanese on 3 June, with economic development and security high on the agenda. Cyclone Maila Recovery: Wale will lead a reassurance visit to Western and Choiseul communities hit by Tropical Cyclone Maila, with support funded by Australia and coordinated through the National Disaster Council. U.S. Investment Deal: The Solomon Islands and the United States signed an Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara, paving the way for U.S. DFC-backed private investment in jobs, infrastructure, connectivity and energy. Mining Update: Sankamap Metals reports encouraging early gold-copper signs at its Kuma project, including elevated surface gold and strong alteration and sulphide mineralisation. Community Policing: RSIPF Commissioner Ian Vaevaso met Karaena leaders to strengthen local policing by-laws and tackle youth crime linked to kwaso and marijuana. Sports & Culture: Aelan Riddim returns in Honiara with regional artists, while Solomon Islands floorball names its final Spain-bound squad. Economy Watch: A new analysis says finance and insurance were the only industries to record negative real GDP growth in 2023–2024.

Pacific Power Shift: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale is set to meet Australia’s Anthony Albanese in Canberra on June 3, with talks expected to focus on development and security after Wale’s earlier hard line on a China deal. Cyclone Recovery: Wale is also heading to cyclone-hit communities in Western and Choiseul to reassure residents and push recovery support, with Australia funding the trip. 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, connectivity and energy. Regional Security & Fisheries: Australia’s ADF is backing Pacific partners in the fight against illegal fishing, while Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up with dozens of vessel checks and follow-up investigations. Local Accountability: A Karaena community meeting with RSIPF focused on community policing by-laws as youth crime concerns grow. Animal Welfare Watch: Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa says it will stop sourcing and breeding dolphins—after it previously took dolphins from the Solomon Islands.

US–Solomon Islands Deal: The United States and Solomon Islands signed an Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara on May 23, with the U.S. DFC set to help mobilise private capital for jobs, infrastructure, connectivity and energy. Pacific Security & Fisheries: Australia’s ADF joined regional efforts to deter illegal fishing under Operation SOLANIA, supporting the Cook Islands and Tonga as part of the wider Pacific push linked to Operation Tui Moana. Maritime Focus from the UK: British officials say the Royal Navy’s HMS Tamar visit highlights growing maritime security challenges, including IUU fishing and narcotics. Local Policing: In Karaena, RSIPF and community leaders are strengthening crime-fighting through local policing by-laws and youth-focused awareness campaigns. Disaster Recovery: PM Wale is set to visit cyclone-affected communities in Western and Choiseul to reassure people and track recovery. Regional Diplomacy: Solomon Islands also backed the Pacific’s renewed call against nuclear weapons at the UN. Dolphins Watch: Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa says it will halt sourcing and captive breeding of wild dolphins, raising questions about the future of animals already held.

Maritime Security & Fisheries: Pacific nations wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, a three-week push across 10 countries’ waters and nearby high seas, with 61 vessel checks, 200+ detections and four “vessels of interest,” plus follow-up actions for suspected offences. UK–Solomon Islands Ties: A Royal Navy visit to Tulagi is being framed as deeper cooperation on maritime security and fisheries, with UK officials pointing to shared history and ongoing support. Regional Diplomacy: Solomon Islands backed a Pacific call against nuclear weapons at the UN, while Korea–Pacific senior officials in Nadi focused on climate, maritime issues, fisheries and economic resilience under the Blue Pacific 2050 plan. Economy Watch: Solomon Islands finance and insurance services were the only sectors to shrink in real GDP from 2023 to 2024. Disaster Recovery: PM Wale is set for a reassurance visit to cyclone Maila-affected communities in Western and Choiseul. Sports & Culture: Air Niugini backed regional artists for the Aelan Riddim festival; Tourism Solomons received a PATA membership honour.

Quake-and-fire safety failures: New Zealand’s MFAT says it was warned twice to check structural safety at its Port Vila high commission after the 2024 earthquake, but didn’t act in time; a wider review found “significant shortcomings,” including delays over known fire risk in Suva and seismic risk in Port Vila, with fixes planned by mid-2027. Pacific visa squeeze: New Zealand is cutting Pacific visa fees and extending default multi-entry visas, but officials warn it could cost $1–2 million a year and add pressure to immigration funding. Regional fisheries clampdown: Pacific nations wrapped Operation Tui Moana 2026, with Solomon Islands among participants, to deter illegal fishing across 10 EEZs. Local governance on the move: Road works begin at Honiara’s Hot Bread Roundabout with short-term lane changes. Health outreach: Pediatric cardiology screening reached Malaita at Kilu’ufi Hospital. Sports trials: The final U-17 futsal Solympic trial is set for today at SIFF Hall.

Connectivity & Access: A new Pacific-focused report argues the internet problem isn’t just cables or satellites—it’s mostly institutional rules and affordability, pushing communities toward shared connectivity models that keep access within reach. Coral Triangle: In Malaysia’s Sabah, UMS’s Coral Triangle role has been formally locked in through a signed collaboration agreement, strengthening marine-protection planning. Culture: A free reconciliation art exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery in Honiara this week, bringing Warlpiri door artworks for 27 May–3 June. Roads: Isabel Province says road works are moving—Koge to Koregu is ready for a groundbreaking, Tholana to Haevo is nearing Haevo, and Garaga is laying gravel. Regional diplomacy: The Pacific Islands Forum backs a coordinated response to the Middle East crisis, linking it to fuel and energy security across the region. Health: Dead bonito fish washed ashore at SINU’s Marine School, with authorities urged to investigate.

Leadership Watch: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale is drawing intense Pacific attention after his 15 May win, with regional experts saying any China policy shift is likely to be careful, not sudden. Regional Security & Fisheries: Australia’s ADF joined Pacific-led surveillance under Operation Tui Moana, while Cook Islands’ Te Kukupa II intercepted 13 fishing vessels in a major push against illegal fishing. Fuel Crisis Coordination: Pacific foreign ministers backed a regional response mechanism under the Biketawa Declaration as leaders warn tankers stopping could quickly hit prices and stability. Local Governance & Works: Honiara’s Hot Bread Roundabout gets short drainage works starting Monday, with temporary lane changes and delays expected. Health & Community: SIPPA delivered mobile sexual and reproductive health outreach in Titiana, and a pediatric cardiology team screened children in Malaita. Sports Buzz: Chess registrations surged ahead of Sunday’s tournament, and the Solomon Games countdown is on with “Rise Together” unveiled.

Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Australia’s ADF has joined a Pacific push against illegal fishing, supporting Operation Tui Moana with patrols and inspections across Cook Islands and Tonga waters, as part of wider regional surveillance. Port Milestone: Solomon Ports Authority is set to mark 70 years of service with a summit on June 3, looking back at trade and shipping gains and ahead to upgrades under its master plan. Sports Buzz: The 2026 Solomon Games countdown is on after the “Rise Together” logo and theme launch, while chess and high school basketball action ramps up this weekend. Road & Health Updates: Drainage works begin Monday at Hot Bread Roundabout, with temporary traffic changes, and SIPPA continues community health outreach in Titiana plus pediatric cardiology screening reached Malaita. Community & Safety: RSIPF maritime clarified a cyclone-related vessel incident, and EODD plans a render-safe operation today in North West Guadalcanal.

Fisheries crackdown: Operation Tui Moana 2026 is in full swing, with Cook Islands’ Te Kukupa II boarding and inspecting 13 fishing vessels and encountering three yachts while patrolling the region’s waters. The mission—run across 10 Pacific EEZs over nearly three weeks—aims to deter illegal fishing and other maritime crimes, with Forum Fisheries Agency leadership and support from partners including the RNZN. Regional energy diplomacy: In Honiara, Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela chaired a special Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers meeting under the Biketawa Declaration, backing a Regional Response Mechanism to coordinate responses to the looming fuel/energy shock. Local governance in motion: Work is progressing on the Ahanga Wharf project in Renbel, with site facilities set up, key equipment delivered, and extra piling gear arriving after ground conditions differed from early expectations. Workforce welfare: Solomon Islands’ High Commissioner Robert Sisilo visited PALM workers in Bundaberg and Gympie, meeting employers and workers to reinforce contract compliance and welfare. Security training: RSIPF EOD divers have completed a U.S.-supported underwater diver training program to better respond to maritime explosive threats.

Ahanga Wharf Push: Preparatory work for the Ahanga Wharf Project in Renbel is moving fast—site facilities are set up, most foundation pile materials and key equipment are already on the ground, and precast concrete units are finished in Honiara, with extra specialised piling gear now in-country and pile installation expected to start soon after it’s transferred to site. Maritime Security: RSIPF says youths unlawfully boarded a Chinese-donated RSIPF fast craft during Cyclone Maila safety arrangements, took photos and posted them online; the youths have apologised and RSIPF says internal action was taken with SolFish. Fuel Worries Across the Pacific: Pacific leaders are bracing for possible fuel supply shocks as foreign ministers meet under the Biketawa Declaration, with PIF warning the region will “suffer” if tankers stop arriving. Biodiversity Under Pressure: Experts warn dugongs are among Solomon Islands’ most at-risk marine mammals as hunting and habitat loss drive them toward local extinction. Sports: Yankee Vulita is close to the national 400m hurdles record after a personal best in Darwin, while Solomon Islands athletes also marked progress at the Oceania Championships.

Fuel Crisis Watch: Pacific leaders have invoked the Biketawa Declaration to coordinate a regional response to looming fuel supply shocks tied to Middle East instability, warning that if tankers stop, prices and shortages could hit hard. Regional Security & Trade: Pacific nations also just wrapped Operation Tui Moana, a three-week joint fisheries surveillance push that carried out 61 vessel inspections and targeted illegal fishing across multiple Pacific zones. Environment & Wildlife: Solomon Islands is sounding the alarm on dugongs, warning opportunistic hunting and habitat loss are pushing the species toward local extinction. Local Governance: In Solomon Islands, Prime Minister Matthew Wale has reinstated the dolphin export ban after a brief reversal. Justice & Services: A Women in Justice workshop in Honiara and a new Public Solicitor’s Office HQ upgrade are boosting access to legal help, including for family violence victims. Skills & Work: Fiji reports labour shortages across 95 job categories, pointing to gaps between training and what employers need.

Weather & Energy: A record-dry April in Australia boosted sunshine across much of the country, but northern areas still saw cloud and rain from ex-Tropical Cyclone Maila—showing how fast conditions can swing across the region. Pacific Diplomacy: Vanuatu secured a “historic” UN climate win, while Pacific leaders invoked the Biketawa Declaration to coordinate against looming fuel-supply risks. Solomon Islands Politics: Matthew Wale is now PM, and the dolphin export ban is back in force after a quick reversal—while Manasseh Sogavare was named Leader of the Official Opposition. Regional Conservation: Vanuatu, Fiji and PNG signed on to a Melanesian Ocean Corridor plan for a massive transboundary marine protected area. Local Life & Services: Australia-backed community projects are funding 51 rural upgrades in Solomon Islands; meanwhile, Honiara road sealing and relief works continue to ease traffic after heavy rain. Health & Safety: A PHC checklist workshop is pushing stronger frontline care coordination. Sports & Culture: Kakamora Games kicked off in Makira, and the chess tournament venue has shifted to Outback Holiday Resort.

ICJ Climate Ruling Boost: The UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly backed a landmark International Court of Justice advisory opinion on climate duties, with 141 countries voting in favour—strengthening the idea that states must act with due diligence and urgency to prevent major climate harm. Australia–Solomons Projects: Australia has approved 51 new community partnerships for 2026, worth over SBD 11 million, targeting remote areas with solar streetlights, classrooms, halls and water tanks. Honiara Roads: Hot Bread Corridor sealing is now open, with crews moving to the next busy sections—expect congestion as works continue. Health on the Frontline: The Ministry of Health and WHO ran a Primary Health Care checklist workshop with Honiara facility heads to improve access and coordination. Ports Milestone: Solomon Ports will celebrate 70 years of service on 3–4 June. Crime Fight: A US report details CCP-linked scam networks and “fortified” trafficking compounds across Southeast Asia. Sports & Culture: Kakamora Games kick off in Kirakira; chess tournament venue shifts to Outback Holiday Resort; NATPAN 2026 spotlights panpipe heritage.

Fuel Crisis Coordination: Pacific leaders have invoked the Biketawa Declaration to trigger a coordinated regional response to looming fuel supply risks, after Middle East instability raised fears of shortages and higher prices. Church & Migration: Oceania bishops meeting on Guam put migration and digital ministry on the agenda. Labour Pressure: Fiji’s new skills gap survey flags employers struggling to fill 95 job categories, blaming fragmented training and weak labour-market coordination. Solomons Politics: Matthew Wale was sworn in as Prime Minister after a tight vote, with Manasseh Sogavare named Leader of the Official Opposition. Dolphin Export Reversal: Wale moved fast to reinstate the dolphin export ban, reversing a short-lived lift days earlier. Security & Drugs: Police chiefs in Fiji launched a Pacific transnational crime summit as a Colombia joint investigations team is planned to target traffickers. Women & Work: A regional push calls for workplaces free from violence and harassment, urging stronger enforcement of ILO Convention 190. Infrastructure & Recovery: Road relief works in Honiara continue after heavy rain, while Central Province begins an initial damage assessment after Cyclone Maila.

Prime Minister Switch: Matthew Wale has moved fast after winning the PM role, completing a full 24-member Cabinet and immediately reinstating Solomon Islands’ dolphin export ban—reversing a short-lived lift by the outgoing fisheries minister. Opposition Line-Up: Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has been appointed Leader of the Official Opposition, setting up a new parliamentary push for scrutiny and accountability. Infrastructure Push: Work is progressing on air traffic control towers for Honiara and Munda, while MID intensifies road relief across 20 Honiara routes after heavy rain. Disaster Response: Central Province has started a five-day initial damage assessment linked to Cyclone Maila, with teams heading to Savo and the Russells. Food & Jobs: SIART’s market linkage workshops in Malaita are helping farmers find buyers and improve value chains. Regional Security: Pacific police leaders in Fiji are tackling the drug trade, with a new Colombia-based investigations team planned. Culture & Community: World Bee Day spotlights beekeeping’s role in rural income, and NATPAN 2026 will celebrate panpipe heritage.

Drug crackdown in motion: Fiji Police and the AFP have kicked off a Pacific Transnational Crime Summit in Fiji, with leaders pushing new tactics against illicit drugs and announcing an International Joint Investigations Team to target traffickers in Colombia as 17 tonnes of drugs have been seized in the region since January. New Attorney-General: Solomon Islands lawyer Gabriel Suri has accepted Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s offer to become Attorney-General, pending formal approval. Roads hit by rain: MID has intensified road relief works on 20 key routes in Honiara after heavy rainfall, while traffic teams manage Mendana Avenue during peak hours. Agriculture to markets: SIART’s Market Linkage Workshop has wrapped in Auki, Malaita, as farmers press for better buyers, transport and storage. Culture spotlight: NATPAN 2026’s theme, “Echoes of the Past, Sounds of the Hapi Isles,” puts panpipe heritage and wider traditions in the spotlight. Sports and community: Belaga communities are gearing up for an Independence Day soccer knockout, and chess tournament 2026 has shifted to Outback Holiday Resort in Rove. Health mission ends: A Chinese medical team has completed its Western Province deployment after outreach in Gizo and surrounding communities. Business and travel: Fiji’s Bula Flights marks six months since launching its digital booking platform and says it’s expanding into Solomon Islands.