AGP Executive Report

Ports & Roads: Solomon Ports Authority is gearing up for its 70th Platinum Anniversary with a June 3 summit in East Honiara, spotlighting the past, the Ports Master Plan, and what comes next for trade and shipping. In the meantime, Honiara drivers get a short, sharp disruption: Hot Bread Roundabout drainage works start 25 May, with lane closures and temporary traffic plans. Energy Crisis Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela chaired a virtual Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers meeting in Honiara, endorsing a Regional Response Mechanism to coordinate responses to the looming fuel shock. Local Labour Support: High Commissioner Robert Sisilo met PALM workers in Bundaberg and Gympie, stressing contract compliance and welfare. Big Project Progress: Ahanga Wharf preparations are moving ahead—site facilities set, precast units made, and extra piling equipment now in place. Regional Context: Pacific leaders are also invoking Biketawa to push a coordinated fuel response as costs rise. What’s Next: With the week’s focus split between infrastructure and energy coordination, today’s standout is the fuel-response push—while local road works and port celebrations keep the spotlight on Honiara.

Ports Milestone: Solomon Ports Authority (SIPA) is gearing up for its 70th Platinum Anniversary on June 3–4, with a June 3 summit in East Honiara to look back at seven decades of trade and shipping—and to brief stakeholders on the Ports Master Plan, digital upgrades, and future service improvements. Road Disruption: Honiara drivers face short-term pain at Hot Bread Roundabout: MID says drainage and road works start Monday 25 May, lasting two days, with lane closures, temporary traffic routing, and expected CBD delays. Energy Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela chaired a virtual Special Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers meeting in Honiara, endorsing a Regional Response Mechanism to coordinate responses to the looming fuel shock. Worker Welfare: High Commissioner Robert Sisilo visited Solomon Islands PALM workers in Bundaberg and Gympie, meeting employers and workers to stress contract compliance and reintegration planning. Wharf Progress: Ahanga Wharf preparatory works in Renbel are moving ahead, with site facilities set up, precast units largely fabricated, and extra piling equipment now arrived for foundation work.

Pacific Energy Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela chaired a virtual Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers meeting in Honiara, triggering a Regional Response Mechanism to coordinate responses to the looming energy crisis—built around stronger information-sharing and a practical platform for members to assess shocks. Worker Welfare: High Commissioner Robert Sisilo spent two days engaging Solomon Islands PALM workers in Bundaberg and Gympie, meeting employers and stressing contract compliance and reintegration planning. Local Infrastructure: Ahanga Wharf preparations in Renbel/Bellona are moving fast, with site facilities set up, precast units largely fabricated, and extra piling equipment now arriving for foundation work. Fuel Pressure Watch: Forum leaders also pushed ahead with Biketawa-linked coordination as tankers and prices remain a worry across the region. Honiara Roads: Mendana Avenue sealing is open to the public, with remaining sections shifting to staged works that will bring congestion and traffic controls. Ports Milestone: Solomon Ports Authority will mark 70 years with a summit in early June.

Ahanga Wharf Push: Preparatory works for the Ahanga Wharf Project in Renbel Province are moving fast—site facilities are set up, most foundation pile materials and key equipment are already on the ground, and Honiara has finished most precast concrete units awaiting shipment; extra specialised piling gear was added after ground conditions differed from early expectations, and foundation pile installation is expected to start soon after the equipment is transferred this weekend. Pacific Fuel Shock Alarm: Pacific leaders have invoked the Biketawa Declaration to coordinate a regional response to looming fuel supply risks tied to Middle East instability, warning of inflation pressure and possible shortages if tankers stop arriving. Climate Meets Safety: New reporting highlights how back-to-back climate disasters are worsening violence against women across the Pacific, as damaged roads, overwhelmed clinics, and downed phone networks leave protection out of reach. Solomons Infrastructure & Trade: Road sealing works in Honiara’s Mendana Avenue corridor have opened to the public, while SIART’s Malaita market linkage workshops continue to tackle the biggest rural bottleneck—reliable buyers and transport.

UN Climate Momentum: The UN General Assembly backed a landmark climate crisis ruling, with Vanuatu’s PM calling it a “new chapter” as states move from legal clarity toward real fossil-fuel cuts and “just” transitions. Pacific Fuel Shock: Pacific leaders invoked the Biketawa Declaration to coordinate a regional response to fuel supply risks, as experts warn imported oil dependence is turning global instability into local cost pain. Solomons Leadership & Policy: New PM Matthew Wale has moved fast—reinstating the dolphin export ban and completing a full Cabinet—while the private sector presses for reforms that cut costs and back local business. Infrastructure Push: Work is advancing on multiple projects: Ahanga Wharf preparatory works, Mendana Avenue sealing in Honiara, and Honiara/Munda air traffic control towers, alongside a Santa Cruz terminal nearing 70% completion. Agriculture & Jobs: SIART market linkage workshops continue in Malaita, and livestock outreach on Ugi strengthened farmer capacity. Maritime & Trade: Solomon Ports marks 70 years with a June summit, as the port sector looks to its master plan and service upgrades.

Pacific Power Play: Australia scored fresh wins in the “Great Game” for influence as Vanuatu moved toward an Australia cooperation deal and Solomon Islands chose new PM Matthew Wale, a former critic of Beijing. Fuel Shock & Regional Response: Pacific leaders invoked the Biketawa Declaration to coordinate against looming fuel supply risks, while Fiji and other islands feel the oil crisis through faster pump prices and rising costs. Solomons Politics Moves Fast: Wale has now fully formed a 24-member Cabinet and immediately reinstated the dolphin export ban, reversing a brief lift that raised alarm for the tuna sector. Local Economy & Jobs: SIART’s livestock outreach on Ugi strengthened farmer skills, and a Malaita market linkage workshop pushed farmers toward more reliable buyers. Infrastructure On the Ground: Hot Bread Corridor sealing opened to the public, while Honiara and Munda air traffic control towers and the Santa Cruz terminal are progressing. Security & Crime: A US report highlights CCP-linked scam compounds across Southeast Asia, and Australia/NZ police plan a Colombia strike force to hit the Pacific drug trade. Health & Environment: World Bee Day spotlights Solomon Islands beekeeping gains and pest-training gaps.

Transnational Crime Crackdown: A new US House report says “pig-butchering” scam networks have evolved into fortified, cross-border operations in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, where victims are allegedly forced to defraud Americans—Americans losing $10B+ a year, with 150,000+ people trafficked in Cambodia alone. Fuel Security Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders invoked the Biketawa Declaration to coordinate a regional response to rising fuel risks tied to Middle East instability. Women, Climate, and Disaster Safety: Coverage highlights how cyclone shelters can become dangerous for women facing violence when police, clinics, and phone networks fail. Solomons Aviation & Marine Policy: Work continues on Honiara and Munda air traffic control towers, while PM Matthew Wale reinstated the dolphin export ban after a brief lift. Local Livelihoods: SIART’s Malaita market linkage workshops wrapped, with another round set for Malu’u. Health & Drugs: A Pacific Security College report urges a Forum-led summit to tackle the meth surge and its HIV fallout.

Regional Energy Security: Pacific Islands Forum leaders have invoked the Biketawa Declaration to coordinate a response to looming fuel supply risks tied to Middle East instability, activating the region’s crisis mechanism as prices rise and shortages loom. Women, Climate, and Safety: A new report frames violence against women as a climate crisis, pointing to how cyclones and damaged services push survivors into more dangerous, less reachable situations. Drug Pressure: The Pacific Security College is calling for a regional strategy to tackle a growing methamphetamine crisis, warning it’s driving HIV risks and broader security harm. Honiara Air Infrastructure: Work is advancing on Honiara and Munda air traffic control towers, moving from substructure to superstructure with masonry, reinforcement and MEP coordination underway. Solomons Politics and Policy: New PM Matthew Wale has reinstated the dolphin export ban after a brief lift, while fuel prices for 16–30 May were adjusted under the Price Advisory Committee’s schedule. Local Livelihoods: SIART’s Malaita market linkage workshops wrapped in Auki, with a second round set for Malu’u as farmers push for better buyers, transport and storage.

World Bee Day: Solomon Islands marked May 20 with a push to strengthen beekeeping for rural income, pollination and biodiversity—while tackling training gaps and threats like Varroa mite. Aviation Build-Out: Work is advancing on Honiara and Munda air traffic control towers, with both sites moving from substructure to superstructure—masonry, reinforcement and MEP coordination underway. Marine Policy Reversal: Prime Minister Matthew Wale has reinstated the dolphin export ban, overturning a brief lift under the previous administration and warning of fallout for the tuna industry. Agriculture to Markets: A two-day SIART Market Linkage Workshop wrapped in Auki, Malaita, with a second round set for Malu’u—aimed at fixing the biggest rural bottleneck: reliable buyers, transport and post-harvest handling. Security Cooperation: Australia and New Zealand police announced a Colombia-based strike force to target the Pacific drug surge. Energy Watch: Fuel prices were adjusted for 16–30 May, and the government continues reviewing options to cut diesel dependence.

Agriculture Market Push: SIART’s two-day Market Linkage Workshop wrapped up in Auki, Malaita, with Agriculture Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi urging farmers to overcome the biggest bottlenecks—buyers, transport, storage and market information—while a second session is set for Malu’u (May 21–22). Stakeholder Praise: Malaita PS George Eric said agriculture remains the provinces’ economic backbone, but SIART’s commercial potential still isn’t fully realised. Pacific Drug Crackdown: Australia and New Zealand police announced a Colombia-based strike force to disrupt the Pacific drug trade, including a liaison officer in Bogota and an International Joint Investigations Team as chiefs meet in Suva. Connectivity Drive: Energy and transport ministers ended PRETMM6 with the Manubada Call to Action, pushing faster delivery on energy security and maritime links across the Blue Pacific. Wellness in the Air: Fiji Airways launched FlyWell, adding red light therapy to its Premier Lounge and select long-haul flights.

Wellness in the skies: Fiji Airways is rolling out its FlyWell program, adding red light therapy to the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge at Nadi and select long-haul flights from Jun 1, with a free trial for eligible Business Class guests for two months before onboard sales begin Aug 1. Connectivity push: Pacific Energy and Transport Ministers wrapped up PRETMM6 with the Manubada Call to Action, urging faster delivery on energy security and maritime links across the Blue Pacific, including a push toward a 100% renewable future. Solomons politics: Matthew Wale has locked in a full 24-member Cabinet after winning PM support, promising “change” while navigating a tight two-year mandate and shifting loyalties. Fuel costs: Solomon Islands fuel maximum prices were adjusted for 16–30 May, with the next change due 1 June. Farmers get market links: SIART’s Market Linkage Workshop is underway in Malaita to help farmers connect to buyers and improve value chains. Sports spotlight: The Pacific sports scene is in full swing, with major moments from athletics to rugby union.

STEM Push: UNESCO’s new STEM education institute in Shanghai is officially up and running, with a mandate to boost inclusive, equitable science and tech learning from early years to adulthood. Solomons Politics: In the biggest local shake-up, Matthew Wale was sworn in as Solomon Islands PM after a tight parliamentary vote, quickly forming a full 24-member Cabinet and promising “discipline and prudent management” as reforms may be painful. Geopolitics Watch: The Pacific Islands Forum is set to meet in Palau in late August, a venue that raises the stakes as China and the US compete for influence across the Indo-Pacific. Fuel Costs: Honiara’s maximum fuel prices have been adjusted for 16–30 May, with the government warning that without fiscal support prices would be higher. Energy & Jobs: ADB and SIEA have signed on for the Solomons’ first large-scale grid solar project, aiming to cut heavy diesel dependence. Fisheries Drama: The live dolphin export ban was lifted quietly, then reinstated—prompting fresh debate over how fast policy changes should move.

Solomon Islands Power Shift: Matthew Wale was sworn in as PM and moved fast to complete a full 24-member Cabinet, promising “discipline and prudent management” as the country navigates tough economic and political conditions. Geopolitics in the Spotlight: The new leadership follows a no-confidence shake-up of the previous government and comes as the Pacific Islands Forum prepares to meet in Palau—an arena where China-US competition is increasingly hard to ignore. Fisheries Shockwave: In the middle of the political churn, the live dolphin export ban was lifted then reinstated—Wale says the ban is back to protect standards and the tuna industry’s reputation. Infrastructure Momentum: Santa Cruz’s new terminal building is about 70% complete, while in Honiara the SIEA-ADB deal aims to cut diesel dependence with the country’s first large-scale grid solar project. Business & Jobs Pressure: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is slipping toward under 3% in 2026 as fuel and shipping costs bite—making local job creation and water infrastructure even more urgent.

Solomon Islands Power Shift: Matthew Wale was sworn in as prime minister after a tight 26–22 win in parliament, promising “discipline and prudent management” and warning some reforms may be “painful,” with Francis Sade named deputy PM and a full 24-member Cabinet quickly put in place. Fisheries Flashpoint: In the same political churn, the Solomon Islands reinstated a ban on live dolphin exports just days after it was quietly lifted—an incoming move Wale says protects fisheries standards and the tuna industry’s reputation. Clean-Up and Health: A major clean-up is planned after concerns raised about carcinogens linked to drug-making, with attention turning to safer manufacturing and public health. Energy Transition Push: Honiara’s grid is set for its first large-scale solar push, with the ADB backing SIEA on project prep and tendering as diesel still dominates power generation. Pacific Economic Pressure: The World Bank warns growth across Pacific island states will slow in 2026 as fuel and shipping costs bite, with youth jobs now a central focus.

Solomon Islands leadership shake-up: Matthew Wale has been elected prime minister in a secret ballot, beating Peter Shanel Agovaka 26–22 after Jeremiah Manele was ousted in a no-confidence vote—an outcome Western diplomats are watching closely as Wale has long questioned China’s security footprint, even if he now says he will “look at” the 2022 pact before deciding what to do. Energy and power push: In parallel, the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority and the Asian Development Bank have signed on for the country’s first large-scale grid solar project for Honiara, aiming to cut diesel’s grip (currently 98% of generation) and assess battery storage. Pacific economic pressure: The World Bank warns growth across 11 Pacific states is set to slow further in 2026 (to about 2.8%) as Middle East-linked fuel and shipping costs bite, with Solomon Islands logging also flagged. Marine science spotlight: A new satellite-tracking study finds whale sharks travel much farther across the Indo-Pacific than previously thought, underlining the need for wider protection. Regional context: Press freedom concerns continue to surface across the Pacific, even as some countries show small gains.

Solomon Islands leadership shake-up: Matthew Wale has been elected prime minister in a secret ballot, winning 26 votes to 22 after Jeremiah Manele was ousted in a no-confidence move—an outcome being watched closely for what it means for ties with China and for Australia’s influence. Wale says “change is coming,” and while he previously criticised the 2022 China security pact, he now says he will review it before deciding next steps. Energy and jobs pressure: The World Bank warns Pacific growth will slow further in 2026 (forecast 2.8%) as Middle East-linked fuel and shipping costs bite, with diesel still powering most electricity. Honiara power plan: In parallel, the ADB and Solomon Islands Electricity Authority have signed up for the country’s first large-scale grid solar project for Honiara, aiming to cut heavy diesel dependence. Business on the move: SICCI welcomed a decision to relocate east Honiara buses away from the Central Market to ease congestion. Marine science: A new satellite study finds whale sharks travel much farther across the Indo-Pacific than previously thought, underlining the need for wider protection.