AGP Executive Report

Gold Ridge Mine Disaster: Police say they’ve recovered the first body from Monday’s landslide at the Gold Ridge gold mine near Honiara, but it’s “too early” to confirm how many people remain buried; families report missing relatives and authorities warn the site is unstable and out of bounds. Maritime Security & Sovereignty Debate: The Solomon Islands signed the U.S. Shiprider maritime security agreement aboard the Coast Guard cutter Harriet Lane in Honiara, but the ceremony reportedly proceeded without media access, drawing renewed criticism from Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare over sovereignty and foreign influence. Infrastructure Resilience: Australia-backed workshops are pushing stronger safety and environmental safeguards for Solomon Islands infrastructure projects, citing Cyclone Maila as a reminder of what resilient design must deliver. Police Academy Clarification: The Ministry of Police says recent Rove Police Academy works were only geotechnical investigations, with no immediate evictions tied to the preliminary site activity. Environment & Waste: MECDM is validating a Draft National Hazardous Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan to tackle long-standing gaps in handling hazardous and chemical waste. Energy & Weather Safety: SIMS issued an Orange Alert for Solomon Islands waters due to strong winds and rough seas, warning small boats face capsize risk. Culture: Solomon Islands opened its second national museum, the Namba Wan Haus Museum in Tulagi, to preserve heritage and stories.

Gold Ridge Mine Disaster: Solomon Islands authorities and police are responding after a landslide at the Chinese-owned Gold Ridge gold mine near Honiara, with reports fearing at least 10 deaths as excavators clear Pit 1; Gold Ridge says it was a localized slope movement and that no injuries or fatalities are confirmed yet, while operations continue. Maritime Sovereignty Row: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare says the planned U.S. shiprider-style maritime law enforcement agreement would “sell” Solomon Islands’ sovereignty, urging the government to release the full text and table it in Parliament before signing. U.S. Coast Guard Arrival: The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Harriet Lane arrived in Honiara for Operation Blue Pacific and is set to host representatives for the bilateral maritime law enforcement agreement signing. U.S. UXO Funding Boost: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says the U.S. has added USD$6m (SBD$50m) for unexploded ordnance clearance, with a signed release meant to bypass regulatory delays and expand operations. Japan Partnership: Wale says talks in Tokyo with Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi strengthened cooperation, with Japan reaffirming support for Solomon Islands. Commonwealth Games (Glasgow): Solomon Islands athlete Jenly Tegu Wini finished fifth in women’s 53kg weightlifting, while the wider Pacific medal story continues as Samoa and Nauru also won medals. Local Economy & Jobs: Australia and Keto Seaweed Farm in Isabel Province signed a partnership to expand seaweed production over the next year, including equipment and storage support. Child Protection Push: Save the Children launched the second phase of its SIEVAP project in Western Province to strengthen protection systems and tackle violence against children.

Gold Ridge Mine Tragedy: Solomon Islands police and emergency teams are responding to a landslide/slope movement at the Chinese-owned Gold Ridge gold mine near Honiara, with local reports saying at least 10 people have been recovered and feared dead after a collapse in Pit 1 early Monday; Gold Ridge Mining says the incident happened around 00:45am, that no injuries or fatalities are confirmed yet, and that operations continue while teams inspect and stabilize the hazard zone. Sovereignty Row: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare says the government’s planned U.S. shiprider agreement would “sell” Solomon Islands’ sovereignty by giving a foreign navy legal authority in local waters, urging release of the full text and parliamentary tabling before signature. Education & Culture Support: UNESCO-Aschberg backing will help Solomon Islands strengthen copyright and intellectual property rules, including review of the 1987 Copyright Act and new regulations. Higher Education Boost: SINU secured KOICA funding to refurbish its fisheries training facilities at Ranadi. Child Protection Push: Save the Children launched the second phase of its SIEVAP child protection work in Western Province, targeting violence, forced/early marriage, and legal gaps. Sports: Solomon Islands qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 after a penalty shootout win over PNG. Weather Alert: SIMS issued an Orange Alert for strong winds and rough seas in parts of the country, warning small boats could capsize.

Volcanic Watch: VAAC reports ongoing ash activity across several volcanoes worldwide, including Sheveluch (Kamchatka) with plumes reaching about 35,000 ft and Krakatau with ash rising to around 4,000 ft, keeping aviation alerts in focus. Commonwealth Games (Boxing): Bangladesh’s Rakib Hossain advanced to the men’s 55kg quarterfinals in Glasgow after beating PNG’s Michael Inoino 5-0, with Solomon Islands’ Tetekana Clinton also noted earlier in the event. OFC U-16 Football (World Cup berth): Solomon Islands secured a FIFA U-17 World Cup spot by beating hosts Papua New Guinea 4-1 on penalties after a late equaliser in the third-place play-off at Port Moresby’s PNG Football Stadium. OFC U-16 Final: New Zealand beat Fiji 5-0 to retain the OFC title, while Fiji still qualified for the 2027 U-17 World Cup. Japan–Solomon Reforms Deal: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela signed a JICA Development Policy Loan in Tokyo to support fiscal stability and economic resilience, aligning with Solomon’s reform priorities. Maritime Safety: SIMS issued an Orange Alert for strong winds across parts of Western, Makira, Temotu, Rennell/Bellona and southern Guadalcanal/Russell waters, warning small boats could capsize. Aviation Milestone: Solomon Airlines says First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen has begun Airbus A320 line training, becoming the first local female pilot to transition to international jet operations.

U-17 World Cup Qualification: Solomon Islands booked a spot at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 after a dramatic third-place play-off win over Papua New Guinea, equalising late and then winning the penalty shootout in Port Moresby. Commonwealth Games (Pacific athletes): Pacific hopes for medals are alive in Glasgow, with Solomon Islands-linked attention on bowls and boxing as Pasifika fighters advance to the Round of 16. Commonwealth Games (Para powerlifting): India’s Jhandu Kumar won bronze in the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting, while Solomon Islands’ Moffet Tolomae finished in the standings in the lightweight event. Japan–Solomon Islands ties: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela signed a Japan JICA Development Policy Loan in Tokyo to support fiscal stability and reforms, as leaders also discussed Indo-Pacific cooperation ahead of PALM11. Governance reform: Consultations on Solomon Islands’ Auditor General Bill 2026 resumed with the Public Accounts Committee, aimed at strengthening public sector accountability and the OAG’s independence. Weather warning: SIMS issued an Orange Alert for strong winds and rough seas across parts of Western, Makira, Temotu, Rennell/Bellona and southern Guadalcanal/Russell waters, urging small-boat safety. Aviation milestone: Solomon Airlines says First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen has started Airbus A320 line training, becoming the first local female pilot to do so.

OFC U-16 Football: The Solomon Islands booked their place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027, beating Papua New Guinea on penalties in the third-place play-off after a late equaliser, while hosts PNG finished runners-up in the shootout. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Solomon Islands’ Moffet Tolomae featured in para powerlifting standings at Glasgow 2026, as India’s Jhandu Kumar won bronze in the men’s heavyweight event. Japan–Solomons Reforms: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela signed a JICA Development Policy Loan in Tokyo to back fiscal stability and economic resilience, as leaders also discussed deepening cooperation ahead of PALM11. Governance Watch: Consultations on the Auditor General Bill 2026 have resumed with the Public Accounts Committee, aiming to strengthen the Office of the Auditor General’s independence. Safety Alert: SIMS issued an Orange Alert for strong winds and rough seas across parts of Western, Makira, Temotu, Rennell/Bellona and southern Guadalcanal/Russell waters, warning small boats could capsize. Aviation Milestone: Solomon Airlines says First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen has started Airbus A320 line training, marking another first for local women in aviation.

Football: Solomon Islands’ U-16 side came from behind to beat Papua New Guinea on penalties in the OFC Men’s Championship third-place play-off, booking a spot at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027. Japan–Solomons Ties: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela signed a JICA Development Policy Loan in Tokyo to support fiscal stability and economic resilience, as leaders also discussed deeper Indo-Pacific cooperation. Public Finance Oversight: Consultations on the Auditor General Bill 2026 resumed with the new Public Accounts Committee, pushing for stronger legal protections to safeguard the OAG’s independence. Climate & Health: MECDM continues fast-tracking environment and climate law reforms, while Makira-Ulawa health workers trained to improve disaster preparedness and response. Infrastructure: Malaita road upgrades were approved for DBST sealing and drainage improvements under SIRAP2. Aviation Milestone: Solomon Airlines’ first local female Airbus A320 pilot, First Officer Lyndah Tito Owen, has begun line training. Politics & Cost of Living: PM Matthew Wale says he will forego a recent MPs’ salary increase and replace the PEC with a new commission.

Indo-Pacific Diplomacy: Japan and Solomon Islands leaders met in Tokyo, agreeing to deepen cooperation ahead of PALM11 and announcing ¥3 billion (about US$18.3m) in low-interest Japanese loans. Security & China-US Ties: Solomon Islands’ pivot continues as China urges “openness” and says cooperation shouldn’t target any third party after Honiara’s planned US Coast Guard ship-rider patrol deal. Climate Law Reform: MECDM is pushing fast-track environment and climate legislative reforms, with consultations focused on stronger enforcement, disaster readiness and sustainable development. Public Finance Oversight: The Auditor General and the Public Accounts Committee are calling for legal protections to safeguard the Auditor General’s independence as the Auditor General Bill 2026 moves forward. Cost of Living Politics: PM Matthew Wale says he will forego MPs’ salary rise and replace the PEC with a new Higher Salaries Commission, while civil society is calling for the pay increase to be revoked. Roads & Resilience: Malaita road upgrades are advancing with DBST sealing and drainage improvements under SIRAP2, alongside community consultations in West Kwara’ae and East Malaita. Sports: Solomon Islands’ U-16s face PNG in a third-place playoff for the final FIFA U-17 World Cup spot, while the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow are underway with Pacific teams competing.

Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026: Pacific athletes marched into action as the Games officially opened, with Solomon Islands among the Pacific nations chasing medals over the next 10 days. OFC U-16 World Cup race: Solomon Islands’ Junior Bula Boys face Papua New Guinea in the third-place playoff for the final FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 spot, after missing the final on penalties against Fiji. Japan–Solomon Islands reset: PM Matthew Wale met Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, agreeing to deepen cooperation ahead of PALM11, with Japan also offering low-interest loans. Indo-Pacific security pressure: Australia’s Penny Wong warned Pacific leaders that Beijing-linked security and trade deals could threaten independence and drive debt, as China urged openness after Solomon Islands’ US Coast Guard ship-rider plans. Accountability and pay politics: Consultations continue on an Auditor General Bill to protect the office’s independence, while PM Wale says he’ll forego MPs’ pay rise and replace PEC with a new commission—amid calls to revoke the increase. Climate and resilience: Solomon Islands is fast-tracking environment and climate law reforms, and health workers in Makira-Ulawa are trained for climate-linked disaster response. Roads and skills: Malaita road sealing and drainage upgrades are moving ahead with community consultations, and Ela Motors donated tools to SINU’s automotive training.

Commonwealth Games: Solomon Islands is among 11 Pacific nations sending teams to Glasgow 2026, with athletes now shifting from preparation to competition. Climate & COP31: Pacific climate ministers, co-chaired by Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu, agreed to push a united Pacific position ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. Japan ties: In Tokyo, PM Matthew Wale met Japan’s Sanae Takaichi, with both sides backing stronger cooperation under Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision and Japan announcing low-interest loans of ¥3 billion. US Peace Corps return: Wale and US officials signed a letter of intent to restart the Peace Corps in Solomon Islands, with education and community development expected to benefit. Security & China-US friction: China urged respect for Pacific independence after Solomon Islands moved toward a US Coast Guard “ship rider” patrol deal, while regional debate continues over how far Pacific bodies should go in condemning China’s missile tests. Sports (OFC U-16): Solomon Islands’ Katukatu boys missed the final after a penalty loss to Fiji, but still have a third-place playoff chance to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Local governance: Transparency Solomon Islands renewed calls to revoke MPs’ pay rise amid cost-of-living pressure, while the PEC defended the 6% adjustment as constitutionally required. Infrastructure (Malaita): MID has begun community consultations for North and East road upgrades under the World Bank-funded SIRAP2.

Education & Cost of Living: At the USP in Fiji, students and lecturers say SDG4 progress is slipping as rising living costs force some to skip meals and struggle with fees and transport, leaving Solomon Islands students anxious about graduating. Road Upgrades in Malaita: MID has started community consultations for World Bank-funded SIRAP2 works on Malaita’s north and east roads, with contractors introduced and talks covering timelines, safeguards, traffic plans and local jobs. MP Pay Rise Backlash: Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) is calling for the revocation of a 6% MP salary adjustment, arguing it’s unfair during cost-of-living pressure, while the PEC says the increase followed constitutional process after delays. US-SoIomon Ties: Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s Washington push included a letter of intent to bring Peace Corps back after 25 years and $6m for WWII ordnance removal. China Missile Row: China says it will deepen cooperation with Solomon Islands while urging openness and respect for independence after the U.S ship-rider patrol deal. Climate Unity for COP31: Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu urges Pacific unity ahead of COP31, saying regionalism is now a strategic necessity. Sport: Solomon Islands’ Katukatu boys miss the OFC U-16 final on penalties to Fiji, but still have a World Cup qualification route via the third-place playoff; New Zealand beat PNG 3-0 to reach the final. Community Recovery: The National Disaster Council updates on Tropical Cyclone Maila recovery, saying damage assessments are completed and recovery is being fast-tracked.

OFC U-16 Football: Fiji beat Solomon Islands on penalties after a goalless semi-final in Port Moresby, booking a spot in the OFC U-16 final and a place at the 2027 FIFA U-17 World Cup. OFC U-16 Football: New Zealand also advanced, crushing Papua New Guinea 3-0 with three second-half goals, setting up a final against Fiji. US–Solomon Islands Ties: The US is bringing back the Peace Corps to Solomon Islands after 25 years, with a new $6m pledge for clearing WWII unexploded ordnance. Pacific Security: Australia condemned China’s nuclear-capable missile test as “destabilising,” saying the rocket appeared to land in waters between Solomon Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific climate ministers met in Sydney to push a united position ahead of COP31, with Solomon Islands urging regional unity as “strategic necessity.” Local Governance: Solomon Islands MPs have voted themselves another pay rise, with amended 2026 entitlements taking effect from 1 April amid cost-of-living pressure. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Honiara’s Riffle Range Roundabout upgrade is complete, improving traffic flow and stormwater drainage.

OFC U-16 Football: Fiji’s Junior Bula Boys booked the final and a 2027 FIFA U-17 World Cup berth after beating Solomon Islands 4-2 on penalties following a goalless semi-final, with captain Jone Loga named Player of the Match; Fiji will face the winner of New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea in the final. U.S.-Solomon Islands Ties: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met U.S. officials in Washington and signed a letter of intent to return the Peace Corps, while the U.S. also pledged US$6m to expand clearance of unexploded World War II ordnance. Maritime Security Deal: Wale says Honiara will sign a “ship rider” agreement next week for U.S. Coast Guard patrols with local police aboard, targeting threats including illegal fishing and trafficking. Pacific Climate Unity: Solomon Islands’ environment minister Wayne Ghemu co-chaired Pacific Climate Ministers’ Talanoa in Sydney, urging a united front ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Nuclear Missile Row: Australia’s Penny Wong told China’s Wang Yi the submarine-launched nuclear-capable missile test was “destabilising,” with monitors saying it landed near the Solomon Islands–Tuvalu–Nauru area. Governance & Services: The Auditor General Bill 2026 is under consultation to strengthen the watchdog’s independence, and MID congratulated acting Permanent Secretary Mike Qaqara on his appointment. Disaster Relief: Fourteen Gizo communities received cyclone relief supplies after Cyclone Maila, including shelter and hygiene kits.

US–Solomons Maritime Security: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands will sign a “ship rider” deal next week in Honiara letting the US Coast Guard patrol local waters with Solomon Islands police aboard, as the government cites rising threats from drug trafficking, human trafficking and illegal fishing. Peace Corps Return: During the same Washington visit, Wale signed a Letter of Intent with the US to re-establish Peace Corps volunteers in Solomon Islands. MP Pay Rise: Solomon Islands MPs have voted themselves another salary increase, with amended 2026 Parliamentary Entitlements Regulations taking effect from 1 April and boosting pay again amid cost-of-living pressure. Climate Focus: Pacific climate ministers meet in Solomon Islands’ Minister Wayne Ghemu’s lead-up to major regional and global talks, including Pre-COP31 and COP31. Road Works in Honiara: Mendana Avenue asphalt surfacing continues, while the Riffle Range Roundabout upgrade is completed under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project. Football (OFC U-16): Katukatu booked a semi-final spot with a 3-1 win over Tahiti, setting up a last-four clash with Fiji. Public Safety: Honiara City Council school bus staff completed first aid training to improve student safety.

Parliament & Cost of Living: Solomon Islands MPs have voted themselves a second pay rise in two years, with the amended 2026 Parliamentary Entitlements Regulations taking effect from 1 April and lifting PM Matthew Wale’s salary to SBD454,659.43. Opposition Accountability: The Official Opposition is demanding PM Wale disclose how many political appointees the GREAT Coalition has and the total cost to taxpayers. US Partnership & Maritime Security: In Washington, PM Wale met U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and signed a Letter of Intent to re-establish the Peace Corps; he also backed a ship-rider agreement for U.S. Coast Guard patrols with local police aboard. Climate & Urban Pressure: Climate ministers meet in the Pacific ahead of major talks, while Solomon Islands told the UN that rapid urban growth and climate change are driving unplanned expansion and more coastal flooding. Infrastructure Updates: Honiara’s Riffle Range Roundabout upgrade is completed, and Mendana Avenue asphalt works continue; in Malaita, Auki road works are moving into bitumen spraying and prime coat stages. Sports (OFC U-16): Katukatu booked a semi-final spot with a 3-1 win over Tahiti and will face Fiji, while the Junior Bula Boys are preparing for their own semi-final. Public Safety: RSIPF EOD specialists hosted an Australian Navy visit to Hells Point, highlighting ongoing UXO disposal expertise. Crime: A couple has been arrested over a stabbing in Lau Valley; both suspects remain at large.

Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale has arrived in Washington for high-level talks with US officials, including the State Department, Development Finance Corporation, Millennium Challenge Corporation and Peace Corps, with a focus on development cooperation and economic opportunities before moving on to Tokyo for talks with Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi. Climate & energy: MECDM says Phase 1 of the Mini Solar Power Project is complete, with solar systems installed and verified across 25 constituencies nationwide, funded through cooperation with China’s Embassy and Ever Exceed SI. Infrastructure & services: MP Rick Hou handed over a $300,000+ Niu Ples community water supply project in Small Malaita, urging residents to take ownership and maintain standpipes; meanwhile, Mendana Avenue asphalt works in Honiara are progressing toward completion in early August. Governance: Three Acting Permanent Secretaries were sworn in, including new acting heads for Police/National Security, Infrastructure Development and Health. Sports: Solomon Islands booked OFC U-16 semi-final spots after a 3-1 win over Tahiti, setting up a last-four clash with Fiji, while Team Solomon unveiled its 13 athletes for Glasgow 2026 and named a new Chef de Mission. Health: WHO marks World No Tobacco Day with calls for stronger action against tobacco marketing targeting young people, echoed by Solomon Islands’ Health Minister.