Prime Minister & Mining: Gold Ridge Mining Limited welcomed Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale, saying the Gold Ridge project will strengthen the economy and noting major 2025 contributions including about 23% of national GDP and over SBD 510m in taxes and royalties. Local Business & Procurement: Pacific firms say donor-funded infrastructure bidding is being skewed by strict “tick-box” qualification rules and high turnover/personnel requirements, with companies like Hatanga Ltd claiming they lose even when bids and pricing are stronger. US Investment Framework: The U.S. and Solomon Islands signed an Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara, enabling the U.S. DFC to mobilise private capital for jobs, infrastructure, connectivity and energy. Agriculture Research: Japan’s SATREPS sweet potato project officially starts in Honiara, with MALD and Solomon Islands National University partnering on a five-year seedling management system for national food security. Ports & Roads: Solomon Ports Authority marks 70 years with a June summit on trade and future upgrades, while Isabel Province road works progress and Honiara’s Hot Bread Roundabout drainage works begin with short-term traffic changes. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Solomons’ 50-year PATA membership was honoured in South Korea, and Aelan Riddim returns to Honiara this weekend with visiting artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu.