AGP Executive Report

Futsal & Youth Sport: A five-day FIFA futsal referees course in Papua New Guinea wrapped up with 20 match officials (including four women) trained by Solomon Islands instructor Neil Poloso, aiming to lift futsal standards across island associations. Indigenous Culture in the Region: A landmark Moana Oceania Indigenous-led exhibition, “Our Ocean of Islands,” will open 15 August 2026 at New Zealand’s Maritime Museum, featuring Solomon Islands items like Malaita dolphin-teeth currency and community-chosen stories, languages and artefacts. Free Education Debate in Parliament: PM Matthew Wale defended the 2027 fee-free/“Free Education” push, saying the classroom gate won’t close due to poverty, while Opposition MPs pressed for full costings and financing details. Cultural Heritage Protection: MP Choilyn Yim Douglas called for stronger laws to protect customary and sacred sites, including World War II heritage around Ngella waters. Land & Housing Reforms: Government outlined five land-sector bills covering customary land governance, land disputes, housing, land information, and coastal/marine management. Women’s Safety & Leadership: Western and Temotu provinces backed the EmpowerHER Project to tackle gender-based violence, while a leadership programme recognised senior executive women graduates. Energy for Honiara: Construction has begun on a 22km transmission line to bring cleaner Tina River hydropower into Honiara’s grid, targeting completion in early 2028. World War II Memory: A stolen Bloody Ridge plaque at Guadalcanal was replaced, restoring a key heritage landmark for visitors and descendants.

Free Education Debate: PM Matthew Wale says “Free Education” means no child is shut out of the classroom due to poverty, and promises full costing to Parliament in December as the 2027 rollout is prepared. Opposition Scrutiny: MPs including Manasseh Sogavare and Tozen Leokana demand clear funding, staffing and infrastructure plans before fees are removed nationwide. Cultural Heritage Protection: MP Choilyn Yim Douglas calls for stronger laws to protect customary and sacred sites, pointing to gaps in current heritage protection and the need for a national cultural policy. Land & Coastal Reform: Government moves five land-sector bills—customary land governance, land dispute resolution, housing, land information, and coastal/marine governance—framing land as identity and culture. Women & Community Safety: Western and Temotu provinces back the EmpowerHER Project to tackle gender-based violence, focusing on prevention and access to protection services. Health & Education Systems: MEHRD sets national exam dates, while the Health Ministry puts primary health care at the front, including clinic upgrades and frontline staffing. Energy for Honiara: Construction starts on a Tina River to Honiara transmission line to bring cleaner, cheaper power by early 2028. Heritage Restored: A stolen Bloody Ridge WWII plaque is replaced, restoring a key historical landmark for visitors.

Faith & Community: Tubiana Parish in Kieta, Bougainville, marked 125 years of Jubilee Catholic worship with a pilgrim walk and calls from Archbishop Rochus Tatamai to renew personal conviction and make time for prayer. Education Reform: PM Matthew Wale says free education will roll out nationwide in 2027, stressing it’s about keeping “the gate of the classroom” open for every child, while Opposition MPs push for clarity on cost and resourcing. Indigenous-Led Development: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma reaffirmed plans to put Indigenous Solomon Islanders at the centre of economic development, including reforms to reserved business activities and pathways for local SMEs. Women’s Leadership & Safety: Graduates from the Senior Executive Women in Leadership Programme were recognised, while Western and Temotu provinces backed the EmpowerHER Project to tackle gender-based violence. Heritage & Memory: A stolen Bloody Ridge World War II plaque has been replaced, restoring a key Guadalcanal landmark. Energy & Daily Life: Construction has begun on a 22-kilometre transmission line to bring cleaner, renewable power closer to Honiara. Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands renewed calls for “No Work, No Pay” after an Auditor General report flagged major public service absenteeism. Diplomacy & Oversight: Opposition MP Jeremiah Manele urged stronger parliamentary scrutiny of foreign policy, treaties and international agreements.

Indigenous Business Push: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma says “First Bite, Better Bite” and reforms to reserved business activities, MSMEs, Company Haus and procurement are meant to put Indigenous Solomon Islanders at the centre of economic development. China-Education Link: China says it has trained 1,200 Solomon Islanders in programs since 2019, with 200+ students now studying in Chinese universities on full scholarships. Heritage Restored: A stolen Bloody Ridge World War II plaque has been replaced at Bloody Ridge National Historical Park, funded by Valor Tours supporters. Pacific Security Debate: Australia’s new Fiji security treaties are criticised as advancing “neocolonial” influence, with Solomon Islands treaty talks still ongoing. Women in Leadership: Cohort 8 of the Solomon Islands Senior Executive Women in Leadership Programme received certificates after training for executive and board roles. Health Focus: Health Minister Morris Toiraena says primary health care will be the frontline priority, including upgrades to clinics and better staffing and supplies. Cleaner Power for Honiara: Construction starts on a 22km Tina River transmission line to cut reliance on diesel, with completion expected in early 2028. Free Education 2027: PM Wale declares nationwide fee-free education will roll out by 2027. Gender-Based Violence Action: Western and Temotu provinces back the EmpowerHER Project to strengthen prevention and tackle violence against women and girls. Public Service Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands calls for “No Work, No Pay” to be enforced after an audit found over $1 billion wasted on absenteeism. Culture & Learning: The British High Commission and National Art Gallery launch a new nature photography exhibition for schools and youth. Sports Governance: Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga outlines plans to reform sports administration and invest in provincial facilities. Exam Dates Announced: MEHRD sets national exam timetables for primary SISTA and Forms 3, 5 and 6.

Guadalcanal Heritage: A stolen Bloody Ridge National Historical Park plaque has been replaced and unveiled during Guadalcanal landings anniversary events, with donors’ names set to be displayed at the park office. Pacific Security Diplomacy: Australia’s new treaties with Fiji deepen joint responses to security threats and signal hostility to outside military presence, while Solomon Islands treaty talks with Australia continue. Health & Services: The Health Minister says primary health care will be the frontline focus—rehabbing clinics, upgrading Area Health Centres, and backing maternal/child health, immunisation, family planning, and early referral. Energy for Honiara: Construction has started on a 22-kilometre transmission line linking Tina River Hydropower to Honiara’s grid, aiming for up to 15MW of cleaner power by early 2028. Women’s Leadership & Safety: Women complete a leadership programme for executive roles, while Western and Temotu provinces back the EmpowerHER Project to prevent gender-based violence. Education Push: PM Wale confirms nationwide fee-free education by 2027, as exam dates are announced for primary and secondary students. Governance & Accountability: Transparency SI and opposition MPs press for stronger oversight, while the Auditor General’s attendance findings fuel calls for “No Work, No Pay” to be enforced.

Guadalcanal Remembered: Honiara marked the 84th anniversary of the 7 August 1942 Guadalcanal and Tulagi landings, with U.S. officials stressing the sacrifice of Marines and Solomon Islander partners and ongoing efforts to account for missing remains. Women in Leadership: Solomon Islands Senior Executive Women in Leadership Programme (Cohort 8) graduates received certificates, with speakers urging integrity, issue-focused leadership, and stronger professional networks. Primary Health Push: The Health Minister says primary health care will be the “foundation” of the system, with plans to reopen and upgrade clinics and strengthen maternal, child, mental health, and early referral services. Climate & Environment Plan: MECDM outlined a roadmap for environmental stewardship, new compliance and enforcement, expanded protected areas, and waste upgrades including Ranadi rehabilitation and a Tenaru landfill. Cheaper Power for Honiara: Construction has started on a 22-kilometre transmission line to bring up to 15MW of renewable electricity from Tina River to the grid, aiming to cut diesel reliance by early 2028. Education Ahead of 2027: Dates for national exams were announced by MEHRD, while the government reiterates nationwide fee-free education by 2027. Women’s Rights in Action: Temotu Province pledged support for the EmpowerHER Project to improve protection and services for women and girls across remote islands. Culture Through Nature & Art: A wildlife photography exhibition from London opens at the National Art Gallery, bringing global nature stories to local schools and youth.

Parliament & Governance: PM Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands will roll out nationwide fee-free education by 2027, while Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare backs the goal but demands clarity on cost and resourcing. Anti-Corruption & Accountability: Wale also reiterates zero-tolerance on corruption and promises support for SIICAC, as Transparency Solomon Islands reacts sharply to an Auditor General report on government attendance, calling it a sign of deep absenteeism and weak oversight. Local Law & Land Use: Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga flags new cemetery laws as burial space tightens in growing towns, warning of health, land-use and cultural conflicts without proper planning. Culture & Community: Guadalcanal Province concludes its 42nd Second Appointed Day with speeches, parades and youth events, while a separate Guadalcanal push for statehood by 2028 keeps the federal debate alive. Environment & Livelihoods: North Malaita communities plant 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, pairing nature restoration with a seawall. Regional Links: Solomon Islands reaffirms cooperation with PNG on security, policing and border arrangements, and Japan’s SATREPS begins a sweet potato project to strengthen food security.

Racism & Media: Indigenous presenters in Australia told a racism inquiry about escalating online slurs and “menacing” threats, including doxxing—highlighting how racism chills First Nations voices. Education Policy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says fee-free education will roll out nationwide by 2027, while the Opposition presses for clarity on costs, funding, and school resourcing. Cemetery Reform: Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga warns burial space is tightening and says new cemetery laws will set standards for health, land use, environmental protection, and cultural and religious practice. Corruption Crackdown: Wale reiterates zero tolerance for corruption and promises stronger support for SIICAC, alongside broader reforms in forestry, mining, land, taxation, and the economy. Local Culture & Community: Guadalcanal’s 42nd Appointed Day wraps with speeches, parades, and a province-wide “feed all provinces” approach, while a wildlife photography exhibition from London opens in Honiara for schools and youth. Environment & Livelihoods: North Malaita communities plant 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, and Japan’s SATREPS begins a five-year sweet potato project to boost food security. Regional Ties: Solomon Islands and PNG reaffirm cooperation on security, policing, education, trade, and cultural exchanges.

Parliament Watch: The Official Opposition welcomed several Speech from the Throne priorities but vowed to keep scrutinising spending, delivery, and the cost of free education. Anti-Corruption Drive: PM Matthew Wale told Parliament his government has zero tolerance for corruption and plans reforms across forestry, mining, land and taxation, with SIICAC to get stronger resources. Regional Security & Culture Links: Solomon Islands and PNG reaffirmed cooperation on security, policing deployments, education and cultural exchanges, including work on revised border arrangements. Guadalcanal Identity & Unity: Premier Willie Atu said PM Wale’s absence from the province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day felt like a lack of respect, while Deputy PM Francis Sade stressed dialogue, history and unity. Climate-Ready Coastlines: North Malaita communities planted 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, alongside a seawall, with Australian support. Health & Learning Commitments: The Speech from the Throne promised stronger medicine supply, reopened clinics, upgraded health centres and mental health support, alongside free education plans. Culture in Business: Bougainville entrepreneur Annmarie Kira is using custom clothing to keep culture visible through everyday products. Women’s Resilience: Pacific Women leaders backed gender-responsive action on economic resilience, climate, health and inclusion through regional commitments. Indigenous Ocean Protection: Solomon Islands joined a Melanesian Ocean Reserve push for a multinational Indigenous marine protection network. Education & Community Support: JICA welcomed three new volunteers to support fisheries, community development and physical education in Malaita, Western Province and Honiara.

Guadalcanal Leadership & Culture: Premier Willie Atu says Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s absence from the province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day celebrations in Honiara felt “disrespected,” even as Deputy PM Francis Sade represented him. Culture Through Business: Bougainville entrepreneur Annmarie Kira is using custom clothing and merchandise to keep Bougainvillean identity visible in everyday life. Women, Climate & Resilience: Pacific Women leaders meeting in Suva backed stronger action on gender equality, economic resilience, health, disability inclusion and climate work. Economic Reform & “Elite Capture”: PM Wale told Parliament his reforms aim to end wealth “elite capture,” pushing Solomon Islands resources to benefit local families. Coast Protection for Malu’u Market: North Malaita communities planted 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, alongside a seawall. Health & Education Promises: The Speech from the Throne set out plans to improve medicine supply, reopen clinics, upgrade hospitals, and strengthen rural health workforce incentives. Migration & Labour Mobility: Solomon Islands’ High Commissioner to New Zealand Ishmael Mali Avui highlighted the RSE scheme as a skills and income pathway for Solomon Islanders. Indigenous Marine Protection: Solomon Islands joined a plan for a Melanesian Ocean Reserve corridor linking Indigenous marine areas across the region. Trade & Community Development: Australia–DBSI financing aims to help Indigenous SMEs access cheaper growth funding, while JICA welcomed new volunteers for fisheries, community development and PE in schools.

Climate & Health: A French debate on “just get air-conditioning” is being challenged by warnings that heatwaves are now deadly and driven by climate change, pushing for serious long-term solutions. Healthcare & Education: The Governor-General’s Speech to open Parliament promises better clinics, reliable medicine supply, stronger primary care, upgraded provincial services, and mental health support—alongside plans to eliminate malaria by 2038. Agriculture & Food Security: Japan’s SATREPS team begins a five-year sweet potato project with MALD, aiming to boost seedling management and strengthen national food security. Coastlines & Community Resilience: North Malaita communities plant 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, pairing local nurseries with a seawall and Australian support. Indigenous Ocean Protection: Melanesian nations move toward a massive multinational Indigenous marine reserve corridor, linking protected areas across Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, PNG and beyond. Culture & Provincial Life: Guadalcanal’s 42nd Appointed Day wraps up with inclusive province-feeding, speeches on youth issues, and a renewed push for statehood by 2028. Heritage & Museums: Tulagi’s Nambawan Haus Museum reopens, spotlighting colonial and wartime history as a new national heritage hub. Business & Jobs: Australia and DBSI launch blended financing to help 10 SMEs access cheaper funding, with a focus on Indigenous businesses and getting goods to market.

Coastal Climate Action: North Malaita communities are planting 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, with Australia backing the nature-based work alongside a new seawall. Health & Education: Governor-General Sir David Kapu says healthcare and education are “non-negotiable,” promising reopened clinics, upgraded area health centres, stronger hospitals, and stigma-free mental health support. Agriculture & Food Security: Japan’s SATREPS researchers begin a five-year sweet potato project with MALD to boost seedling management and strengthen local food security. National Unity & Dialogue: Deputy PM Francis Sade urged “honest dialogue” and unity during Guadalcanal’s Appointed Day celebrations, linking empowerment to education and fair sharing of resources. Sports & Inclusion: Solomon Islands para powerlifter Moffat Tolomae wins a Commonwealth Sport Athlete Voice Grant for an “MT Art Class” community art project promoting inclusion. Culture & Heritage: Tulagi’s Nambawan Haus Museum has reopened, with diplomats and leaders reflecting on colonial and WWII history through new national exhibitions. Community Development: Three new JICA volunteers arrive to support fisheries, community development, and physical education in Malaita, Western Province, and Honiara. Trade & Jobs: The 2026 Annual National Trade Fair opens under “Innovating Today,” with a push for sustainable growth and wider opportunities for women and youth.

Pacific Marine Protection: Solomon Islands has joined Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji to plan the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, a multinational Indigenous marine protection network aimed at safeguarding migration routes and biodiversity across the Coral Triangle. Provincial Unity & Culture: Guadalcanal wrapped up its 42nd Appointed Day celebrations with a big inclusive programme, including a traditional feast plan that pairs each of its eight constituencies with another province. Regional Governance Push: Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu renewed the province’s statehood push, targeting 2028 and urging national leaders to back constitutional reforms. Community Development & Education: JICA welcomed three new volunteers in Solomon Islands to support fisheries-linked community development and PE at St. Nicholas Primary School in Honiara. Heritage & Museums: Tulagi’s Nambawan Haus Museum has reopened as the country’s second national museum, spotlighting colonial and WWII history through new exhibitions. Indigenous Land Protection: The Lukulobere Tribe celebrated official protected-area status for 563 hectares of forest after years of resisting unwanted logging. Sports & Inclusion: Para powerlifter Moffat Tolomae won a Commonwealth Sport Athlete Voice Grant for an “MT Art Class” project promoting inclusion through art.

Tourism & Heritage: Tourism Solomons is spotlighting Valor Tours’ new Guadalcanal WWII history options ahead of the 84th Battle of Guadalcanal commemoration, aiming to bring US visitors and small groups to local experts and battlefield stories. Indigenous Ocean Protection: The Melanesian Ocean Reserve is taking shape as a multinational Indigenous marine protection framework spanning Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, PNG and New Caledonia—built around sustainable use and Indigenous values. Local Governance & Youth Voices: PM Wale sent Makira/Ulawa Second Appointed Day greetings, while Guadalcanal’s speech contest at FOPA pushed students to speak on community issues like cleanliness and illegal drugs. Culture & Memory: Tulagi’s Nambawan Haus Museum has reopened as the Solomon Islands’ second national museum, with diplomats and ministers framing it as reconciliation through layered WWII and colonial history. Environment & Climate Impacts: A life-size marine sculpture, “The Solomon Siren,” marks Kale Island’s disappearance under rising seas and is designed to become habitat for seabirds, coral and marine life. Community & Inclusion: GEDSI training is underway for government officers, and a para powerlifter’s “MT Art Class” project is set to use art to build inclusion. Immigration & Mobility: China donated vehicles to boost Solomon Islands immigration operations across the country.

Heritage & Museums: Tulagi’s Nambawan Haus Museum has officially reopened as Solomon Islands’ second national museum, with diplomats and local leaders highlighting the island’s colonial and WWII history and its role in future heritage tourism. Climate Memory: Ten years after Kale Island disappeared under rising seas, a new intertidal sculpture, “The Solomon Siren,” is set to become a living reef and habitat while marking the loss. Indigenous Land Protection: The Lukulobere Tribe celebrated official protected-area status for 563 hectares of forest after years of resistance to unwanted logging. Inclusive Governance: Government officers took part in GEDSI training for the SOLKAS project, aiming to strengthen inclusion and safeguards in climate resilience work. Local Culture in Action: Guadalcanal kicks off a province-wide traditional feast bringing all eight provinces together, and the province also revives its weaving festival to pass skills to young people. Jobs & Livelihoods: MALD handed over SBD 1.34m in grants to indigenous agribusinesses, while Australia-backed partnerships expand seaweed farming and deliver water tanks to schools.

Museum & Heritage: Tulagi’s Nambawan Haus Museum has reopened as the Solomon Islands’ second national museum, with diplomats and Pacific partners reflecting on colonial and wartime history as the site moves into a new era of education and heritage tourism. Indigenous Culture & Diplomacy: At the Garma Festival, Australia’s foreign minister says First Nations ties are a “core strategic asset” shaping Pacific pacts, while international Indigenous communities connect through shared dance and ceremony. Climate Memory & Art: A life-size marine sculpture, the Solomon Siren, marks Kale Island’s disappearance from sea-level rise and is designed to become a living reef for marine life. Land & Forest Protection: The Lukulobere Tribe celebrates official protected-area status for 563 hectares after a fight against unwanted logging and a court case. Inclusive Governance: Government officers in Honiara complete GEDSI training to strengthen inclusive, disability- and gender-aware delivery across climate resilience projects. Jobs & Local Business: MALD hands over SBD 1.34m to indigenous agribusinesses for processing, marketing standards, and farmer-to-market support, while a trade fair launch pushes innovation for sustainable growth. Community & Faith: The United Church in Kieta marks 100 years of the Gospel, linking faith with education and community care.