SME Finance Boost: Solomon Islands has officially reopened the Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS), with government and CBSI saying the $18m-backed scheme should help MSMEs access loans by reducing bank risk—especially for businesses short on collateral. Women’s Poultry Growth: SIART support is helping Gold Ridge women farmers in Guadalcanal expand broiler production, with improved housing now able to hold up to 500 birds and first deliveries of 300 chicks expected to generate income in about six weeks. Renewable Energy for Honiara: China, via the Rural Sustainable Development Program, handed over 400 solar-powered street lights worth $1.5m to East Honiara communities, aiming to improve safety and daily life. Healthcare Upgrade: The $250m Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre has opened in Honiara, bringing expanded primary services under one roof for around 50,000 people. Agriculture Support on the Ground: World Bank officials visited SIART-supported agribusiness groups in Guadalcanal, including cocoa and poultry projects, highlighting rural impacts. Mining Law Tensions: Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee has asked PM Matthew Wale to withdraw the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 after Gold Ridge landowners raised concerns about major proposed changes affecting state participation, licences and landowner benefits. Conservation Push: In Western Province, consultations are complete for the proposed Kavachi Seascape National Park, with communities backing protection against overfishing and harmful activities. Pacific Forum Watch: Leaders are heading to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, with security, ocean resources, climate resilience and regional unity expected to dominate talks.