Energy Deal: SIEA and the Asian Development Bank have signed on to prepare Honiara’s first large-scale grid-connected solar project, with private investment in the driver’s seat and battery storage needs to be assessed. Political Stability Watch: Solomon Islands remains in caretaker mode after PM Jeremiah Manele was toppled in a no-confidence vote, with a new prime minister vote set for May 15. Ocean Governance: PNG is moving ahead with a huge “no-take” marine protected area under the Melanesian Ocean Corridor, while Solomon Islands says it still plans to sign the Melanesian Ocean Reserve Declaration once domestic processes are finished. Jobs & Growth Pressure: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is likely to slip to about 2.8% in 2026 as fuel costs, debt, and weaker tourism bite—youth jobs are the key battleground. Honiara Business Moves: SICCI welcomed the relocation of east Honiara buses away from the Central Market to ease traffic and keep commerce flowing. Local Climate Action: A CAUSE II cleanup pilot is already removing 14 truckloads of waste from a Honiara stream in three weeks.