AGP Executive Report

Leadership: Prime Minister Matthew Wale has been flown to Australia for urgent medical treatment after doctors at the National Referral Hospital referred him. His condition has not been disclosed. Weather and Safety: Strong winds and rough seas are forecast for Temotu, Makira and Rennell-Bellona, with small-boat operators urged to take care. Dry El Niño conditions are also raising fire risks: a blaze on Banika Island threatened homes near unexploded wartime munitions. Drought Response: Western Province has warned businesses not to inflate bottled-water prices as drought strains supplies. Health: The National Referral Hospital has received a new TB isolation wing, donated by the Lee Kwok Kuen Family, as admissions rise. Regional Support: Australia has funded 74 community projects worth more than SBD18 million across the Solomon Islands, while Japan’s scholarship agreement will enable three more Solomon Islanders to study there next year. Disaster Alerts: A US$1.2 million regional grant will help bring mobile emergency alerts to nine Pacific nations, including Solomon Islands.

Drought Response: Western Province has warned shops that raising bottled-water prices or hoarding supplies could cost them their licences, as drought drives shortages. Health authorities are urging families to protect vulnerable people and use safe water, while Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare says the national response needs stronger action. Community Support: Australia has awarded 74 projects worth more than SBD18 million across all provinces, including cyclone-damaged communities; funding for 125 projects this year now exceeds SBD30 million. Economy: Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia says global shocks are hitting household budgets, with Honiara fuel prices rising from $9.54 to $14 a litre over the past year. Sport: The Bilikiki lost 7-4 to defending champions Tahiti, missing the beach soccer final. Energy and Agriculture: The Munda solar plant is now commissioned, while new agribusiness training is helping Guadalcanal farmers develop and market their products.

Drought and Health: Health authorities are urging families to protect water supplies, practise safe hygiene and check on vulnerable neighbours as prolonged dry weather threatens food and water security. Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare says shortages and illness are already affecting communities and wants a stronger government response. Beach Soccer: The Bilikiki lost 7–4 to defending champions Tahiti, missing a place in the OFC Nations Cup final. Infrastructure: Australia has committed another SBD$10 million to upgrade the Waita–Marou Bay road in Makira, with local firms and workers expected to benefit. Clean Energy: The ADB, government and Solomon Power commissioned the Munda solar plant, with battery storage to support more reliable electricity. Healthcare: A Chinese breast-surgery specialist is helping establish the National Referral Hospital’s first dedicated breast-care unit and train local clinicians. Public Safety: Police are clearing unexploded ordnance in Choiseul through October 30 and urge residents to avoid work sites.

Fisheries: WWF Solomon Islands has trained community leaders in marine resource management, covering governance, monitoring and enforcement to prepare them for community-led fisheries work. Child Health: Kilu’ufi health workers have begun nutrition checks and advice for children under five in West Kwaio, with outreach planned for more communities. Drought Response: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare says the government’s response is not adequately resourced as drought brings water, food and health risks across the provinces; forecasts suggest El Niño could persist into 2027. Infrastructure: Australia has provided SBD$10 million for road upgrades between Wango and Maro’u Bay in West Makira, supporting local contractors and improving access to services and markets. Renewable Energy: The Munda solar plant has been commissioned, adding about one megawatt of solar generation and battery storage to the country’s power supply. Sport: The Bilikiki Boys opened their beach soccer campaign with a 10–5 win over New Caledonia, with Erick Wanega and Adrian Mara scoring hat-tricks. Migration: Australia has allocated 300 permanent-residence places for Solomon Islanders under its Pacific Engagement Visa programme for 2026–27.

Drought Response: Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare says the government’s drought response is not adequately resourced as communities face water shortages, food insecurity and health risks. Pacific Engagement Visa: Australia has allocated 300 permanent-residence places for Solomon Islanders in 2026–27 under its ballot-based visa programme. Energy: The Munda solar plant, with about 1 megawatt of generation capacity and battery storage, has been commissioned to improve renewable power supply. Makira Roads: Australia is providing another SBD10 million for road upgrades from Waita to Marou Bay, with local companies and workers expected to benefit. Mining Records: A fire at the mines ministry destroyed valuable mineral core samples used to map the country’s geology, a major setback for the sector and prospective investors. Public Safety: Police will clear unexploded ordnance in Choiseul from 26 to 30 October and urge residents to stay clear of work sites. Tourism and Sport: Visitor numbers rose 13% to 28,458 in 2025, nearing pre-pandemic levels; meanwhile, the Bilikiki Boys opened their beach soccer campaign with a 10–5 win over New Caledonia.

Regional Forum: The Pacific Conference of Churches is urging a review of Israel’s new partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum, saying communities should be consulted and regional leaders should apply consistent standards. Beach Soccer: The Bilikiki Boys opened their Nations Cup campaign in Tahiti with a 10–5 win over New Caledonia. Erick Wanega and Adrian Mara each scored hat-tricks as Solomon Islands chase their first title in 13 years. Health Training: Six National Referral Hospital clinicians are training in China in surgery, anaesthesia, laboratory work and nursing, with the aim of building local minimally invasive urology services. Labour Mobility: The government is overhauling recruitment to reach a target of 5,000 Solomon Islanders working in Australia each year; PALM remittances brought an estimated SBD $500 million into the economy last year. Renewable Energy: A US$15.2 million solar hybrid plant has opened in Munda, adding 1,000 kilowatts of generation capacity and battery storage to reduce reliance on diesel. Football: Solomon Islands legend Batram Suri has been named Ba FC head coach for the 2027 season.

Beach Soccer: The Bilikiki Boys opened the OFC Nations Cup in Tahiti with a 10–5 win over New Caledonia. Erick Wanega and Adrian Mara scored hat-tricks as Solomon Islands began its bid for a first title in 13 years. Labour Mobility: The Government is overhauling recruitment to target 5,000 Solomon Islanders in Australia’s PALM scheme each year, which brought an estimated SBD $500 million into the economy in 2025. SINU Ruling: The university plans to appeal a High Court order to pay former librarian Don Karunanayake more than $1.47 million over his wrongful dismissal. Regional Forum: Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa urged leaders meeting in Honiara to stand united on decisions affecting regional peace and solidarity. Tourism and Energy: A new report says 47% of Pacific tourism operators saw revenue rise, but poor air links remain the biggest barrier. In Munda, a newly commissioned solar hybrid plant is expected to cut diesel use and improve power reliability.

Earthquake Watch: A magnitude-7 quake struck Vanuatu about 377 kilometres south of Lata on Saturday. The reports gave no indication of damage or tsunami risk to Solomon Islands. Health Services: A Chinese breast-surgery specialist is helping establish a dedicated breast-care unit at the National Referral Hospital and train local doctors. The Health Minister also urged stronger action on tuberculosis, rising HIV cases and access to essential medicines. Power and Resilience: Solomon Power has commissioned a US$15.2 million solar hybrid plant in Munda, with about one megawatt of generation capacity and battery storage to improve supply and cut fuel dependence. A new Solomon Islands–Australia partnership will also expand earthquake monitoring and mining checks, with sensors planned for Honiara. Community Care: Indonesia’s hospital ship treated more than 600 people during its three-day Honiara visit, providing free medical services and community outreach. Regional Affairs: Pacific churches are calling for a review of Israel’s new partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum, saying the decision needs public scrutiny and consultation.

Earthquake Watch: A magnitude-7.0 quake struck Vanuatu at a depth of 10 kilometres, about 377 kilometres south of Lata. No assessment of impact in Solomon Islands was reported. Health Care: A Chinese breast-surgery specialist is helping establish a dedicated unit at the National Referral Hospital and train local doctors. The Health Ministry says breast cancer is the country’s leading cancer among women, with about 128 diagnoses each year. Health Priorities: Health Minister Toiraena urged stronger access to essential medicines and faster action on tuberculosis, while warning that rising HIV cases require better prevention, testing and care. Energy and Safety: Solomon Power has commissioned a US$15.2 million solar hybrid plant in Munda, designed to provide cleaner, more reliable electricity. A new Solomon Islands–Australia partnership will also strengthen earthquake monitoring and mining oversight, with sensors planned for Honiara.

Clean Energy: Munda has commissioned a US$15.2 million solar hybrid plant, capable of generating about one megawatt and storing power in batteries. It is the second of five planned provincial solar facilities, aimed at cutting fuel dependence and improving electricity reliability. Safety and Mining: A new Solomon Islands–Australia partnership will install earthquake sensors around Honiara, train local officers and strengthen checks on mineral exports. Health: Indonesia’s hospital ship treated more than 600 people during its Honiara visit. Separately, Solomon Islands is calling for stronger action on high blood pressure, which remains difficult to detect and treat in remote communities. Drought and Costs: El Niño-driven dry conditions are affecting the region, with a Gizo water source reported dry; rising fuel prices are also adding pressure to transport, businesses and household budgets. Jobs: More than 25 Australian employers attended Honiara’s first PALM expo, with one company planning to lift its recruitment of Solomon Islanders by up to 15 per cent.

Clean Energy: Solomon Power has commissioned a US$5.1 million solar hybrid plant in Munda, expected to generate about one megawatt with battery storage and reduce reliance on imported fuel. It is the second solar plant launched under the programme, after Tulagi. Rural Health: Five clinics in Western Province have trained staff and community members to maintain rainwater systems and improve hygiene, helping protect water supplies for essential services. Drought Risk: El Niño is strengthening across the Pacific, with dry conditions already affecting parts of Solomon Islands; Gizo has reported a dried-up water source. Education: Waimapuru National Secondary School is slated for 14 infrastructure projects in the 2027 budget, including water supply and repairs to dormitories, classrooms and staff housing. Skills and Study: Indonesia says 26 Solomon Islanders secured scholarships in 2026, studying fields including agriculture, engineering, economics and health sciences.

Power and Services: The 1-megawatt Munda Solar Hybrid Power Plant has opened, promising cheaper, more reliable electricity for residents and businesses in Munda and Noro. Policing: Australia’s Federal Police donated more than SBD430,000 in training and medical equipment to the RSIPF, for recruit training and officer recertification. Schools: Ngalibiu Community High School opened a new assembly hall funded with SBD257,965 from Australia; Waimapuru National Secondary School is also slated for 14 infrastructure projects in the 2027 budget. Labour Mobility: More than 25 Australian employers attended Honiara’s first PALM Expo. Prime Minister Wale says workers’ skills should benefit Solomon Islands when they return, while Opposition Leader Sogavare warns the scheme must not weaken local capacity. Culture: Smithsonian Folkways says it wants to contact the family of Malaitan singer Afunakwa about royalties from her recording behind “Sweet Lullaby.” Sport: The Bilikiki begin their bid for a first OFC beach soccer title in 13 years in Tahiti, with the winner qualifying for the 2027 World Cup.

Community Projects: Australia has funded SBD 250,000 in solar streetlights for 18 West Guadalcanal villages. A new water tank at Sinamauri Clinic will also ease water access for patients and staff. Beach Soccer: The Bilikiki chase their first OFC title in 13 years in Tahiti from 24 October, with a place at the 2027 World Cup at stake. Regional Ties: Prime Minister Wale met an Indonesian delegation and backed stronger people-to-people links, including with West Papuan students. Labour Mobility: Opposition Leader Sogavare says overseas work must not weaken Solomon Islands’ workforce and wants an annual report on the scheme’s costs and benefits. Education: Waimapuru National Secondary School is set for 14 infrastructure projects in 2027, including water, dormitory and classroom upgrades. Maritime Security: The government has taken ownership of MV Wealth after finding it entered illegally and was involved in illicit trading; Solomon Islands also joined a regional fisheries surveillance operation monitoring 30.5 million square kilometres of ocean. Conservation: Leatherback nests at Isabel’s Haevo beach have risen by 10.6 per cent a year since harvesting stopped in 2013.

Bilikiki Back in Action: Seven players from Solomon Islands’ 2024 runners-up squad are back for the beach soccer Nations Cup in Tahiti, where the winners qualify for the 2027 World Cup. Turtle Recovery: Leatherback nesting at Isabel’s Haevo beach has risen 10.6% a year since harvesting stopped in 2013. Rangers counted 941 nests across four protected beaches in 2024–25. Fisheries Watch: Solomon Islands joined Operation KURUKURU, coordinated from Honiara, which monitored 30.5 million square kilometres of Pacific waters and led to one vessel’s apprehension. MV Wealth Forfeited: The government has taken ownership of the cargo ship after investigators found it entered illegally and carried cigarettes and unlawful crew. Drought Emergency: More than 100 people in Moe village face shortages of food, water and medicine; residents are making costly, hazardous boat trips for drinking water. The government has also sent drought relief to Rennell and Bellona. PALM Jobs: Solomon Islanders sent home about SBD $507 million through the labour mobility scheme in 2025. Prime Minister Matthew Wale wants annual placements to reach 5,000 and called for pathways to higher-skilled work. Tourism Cooperation: Honiara is hosting Pacific tourism leaders, with Wale urging better regional air links and tourism that benefits local communities.

National Mourning: Parliament has accorded late MP David Lani Gina a lying-in-state ceremony. Gina, a former Western Province premier and Minister for Rural Development, is remembered for a life in public service. Drought Emergency: A relief mission is delivering water to drought-hit Rennell and Bellona, with a vessel able to produce about 14,000 litres a day. Moe Village residents also face severe shortages, while officials report water problems in several provinces. Labour Mobility: Prime Minister Matthew Wale is urging Australia’s PALM employers to help recruit 5,000 Solomon Islanders a year. More than 13,000 have joined since 2018, sending home about SBD 507 million in 2025. Tourism: Honiara is hosting Pacific tourism leaders, with Wale calling for better regional air links and tourism that benefits communities and protects the environment. Community Services: Fifty-three water tanks are improving access to clean water for more than 100 West Kwaio communities. Sport: Bilikiki are chasing the Oceania beach soccer title in Tahiti, with the winner qualifying for the 2027 World Cup.

Labour Mobility: Prime Minister Matthew Wale is urging Australian employers to recruit more Solomon Islanders, with a target of 5,000 workers a year. More than 13,000 have joined the PALM scheme since 2018, sending home about SBD$507 million in 2025. Drought Response: An emergency mission is delivering drinking water to drought-hit Rennell and Bellona, where shortages have disrupted services and temporarily closed some schools. Water shortages are also reported in other provinces. Tourism: Opening a regional ministers’ meeting in Honiara, Wale called for better Pacific air links and climate-resilient tourism, and announced the relaunch of the “Happy Isles” brand. Community Support: Fifty-three water tanks are improving access to safe water in more than 100 West Kwaio communities; a new hall at Foubaba Community High School will also serve as a gathering place. Marine Conditions: Sea levels are about 30 centimetres below predicted levels at Tarekukure Wharf, with the Met Service linking the drop to El Niño and warning of risks to lagoon ecosystems. Emergency Services: Police have received four thermal-imaging drones to support searches, rescues and disaster response.