Shiprider & sovereignty row: The U.S. says the Solomon Islands–U.S. Shiprider Agreement is built on “mutual benefit” and keeps enforcement powers with Solomon Islands officers, but the Independent Group is pushing for the deal to be tabled in Parliament for debate and scrutiny after concerns it was signed without proper consultation and oversight. Public access dispute: Government says the agreement will be made publicly available and says media couldn’t attend due to weather and safety, after a report claimed the signing went ahead without local media. Security-to-economy push: PM Wale also says the U.S. is set to finance key port work at Bina Harbour, reviving competition with China over influence and infrastructure. Public sector pay reform: Independent MP Peter Shanel Agovaka calls for a national, transparent remuneration system for all public servants, not just MPs, urging a bipartisan committee. Policy alignment: Fundamental Sector Ministries begin consultations to align ministry priorities with the GREAT Coalition agenda, focusing on policy, laws and infrastructure delivery. Environment & land rights: The Lukulobere Tribe celebrates official protected area status for 563 hectares after earlier logging threats and a court fight. Health: A world-first scabies control mass drug administration program is reported to have sharply reduced scabies and related skin infections in Solomon Islands and Fiji. Infrastructure on the ground: Honiara’s Hot Bread road upgrade enters final stages as asphalt paving and finishing works near completion. Mining safety alarm: A landslide at Gold Ridge mine on Guadalcanal killed at least one man; officials say the cause is unclear and call for stronger mining regulation while MPs demand urgent action against illegal mining.
AGP Executive Report
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Parliamentary Oversight Clash: The Independent Group is urging Prime Minister Matthew Wale to “walk the talk” by tabling the US Shiprider Agreement in Parliament for debate and scrutiny, arguing the deal was signed without proper due diligence, consultation, or oversight. Maritime Security Debate: The US says the Shiprider framework strengthens Solomon Islands sovereignty by keeping law enforcement powers with Solomon Islands officers, but critics say it could increase foreign influence; the signing ceremony also reportedly excluded local media due to weather and safety. Honiara Infrastructure: The Honiara road upgrade is in its final stage, with asphalt paving completed between Hot Bread and HCC roundabouts and remaining works focused on finishing, signage, streetlights, and landscaping. Gold Ridge Landslide: A landslide at the Gold Ridge gold mine on Guadalcanal has killed at least one man, with police and officials continuing recovery and searching for whether others were buried, while lawmakers call for urgent action against illegal mining around the site. Public Health: A world-first scabies control mass drug administration program has drastically reduced scabies and related skin infections in Solomon Islands and Fiji, according to a new study. Women’s Leadership: The eighth delivery of the Solomon Islands Senior Executive Women in Leadership Program is underway in Honiara, aiming to build senior women’s pathways to CEO and board roles. Economic & Community Support: MALD has handed over SBD 1.34 million in grants to indigenous agribusinesses under the GREAT agriculture policy, backing value-adding and market access.
Maritime Security: Solomon Islands signed the US Shiprider agreement in Honiara aboard the Coast Guard cutter Harriet Lane, setting up joint patrols and enforcement against illegal fishing and transnational crime—while Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare warns it could compromise sovereignty and foreign influence grows. Mining Safety & Governance: A landslide at the Gold Ridge gold mine on Guadalcanal killed at least one man (Ashley Olo) and police say it’s still unclear if others are buried; PM Matthew Wale says the government will examine whether mining practices need tighter regulation. Illegal Mining Pressure: Independent MP Peter Shanel Agovaka called for urgent government action on illegal mining at Gold Ridge, urging coordinated enforcement and stronger oversight. Health Program Impact: A world-first scabies mass drug administration program is reported to have sharply reduced scabies and related skin infections in Solomon Islands and Fiji, showing coordinated national treatment can work at scale. Agriculture Support: MALD handed over SBD 1.34m in grants to four indigenous agribusinesses under the GREAT agriculture policy to boost processing, market access and post-harvest work. Leadership Development: WELSI’s Senior Executive Women in Leadership Program (Cohort 8) is underway in Honiara, aiming to advance women into CEO and board roles. Regional Finance & Payments: Central Bank of Solomon Islands and Pacific partners discussed de-risking, correspondent banking links, and a Pacific payments mechanism feasibility study through the Pacific De-Risking Group. Cultural Heritage: The Nambawan Haus Museum opened in Tulagi, with PM Wale and visiting regional partners attending.
Maritime Security: Solomon Islands signed the US Shiprider maritime law-enforcement agreement in Honiara, letting authorised SI officers embark on US vessels for joint surveillance and action against illegal fishing and other transnational crimes—though the Opposition says it risks sovereignty, and the signing reportedly excluded media. Disaster Response: Search and recovery continues after a landslide at the Gold Ridge gold mine near Honiara, with reports of multiple deaths and fears more people are trapped, including informal panners. Mining Policy: PM Matthew Wale announced a sweeping mineral sector overhaul, including amendments to the Mineral Resources Bill and plans for a sovereign wealth fund to secure long-term revenue for services like health and education. Foreign Partnerships: Wale’s US and Japan trips focused on investment and delivery, including progress for the Bina Harbour project and Japan support for free education rollout. Health & Safety: The US also pledged an extra US$6m (SBD$50m) to accelerate UXO clearance, with government signing a release to bypass regulatory bottlenecks. Environment Governance: MECDM advanced a Draft National Hazardous Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan to address fragmented hazardous waste oversight.
Maritime Security & Sovereignty: The Solomon Islands Government signed the U.S. Shiprider maritime law-enforcement agreement in Honiara aboard the Coast Guard cutter Harriet Lane, but the ceremony was held behind closed doors after media were excluded; Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare says it risks surrendering sovereignty and wants the full text tabled in Parliament. Disaster & Mining Safety: Search and recovery continues after a landslide at the Gold Ridge gold mine near Honiara; police say a body has been recovered, while reports earlier feared up to 10 deaths, with victims believed to include informal panners. Mining Reform: PM Matthew Wale announced a sweeping mineral sector overhaul, including seven amendments to the Mineral Resources Bill and a planned sovereign wealth fund to secure long-term revenue for services like health and education. UXO Clearance Funding: Wale secured an extra US$6m (SBD$50m) from the U.S. for World War II unexploded ordnance clearance, with a government release to bypass regulatory bottlenecks. Infrastructure Resilience: Australia-backed workshops with contractors and agencies focused on safer, climate- and disaster-resilient infrastructure delivery after Cyclone Maila. Public Finance: CBSI reported June revenue rose and spending fell, lifting a provisional operating surplus and reducing debt stock slightly. Education: Japan pledged concessional loan support for Solomon Islands’ free education rollout from January, plus a Sasakawa Foundation school pledge. Culture: Solomon Islands opened its second national museum, the Namba Wan Haus Museum in Tulagi. Governance & Compliance: MECDM advanced a draft hazardous waste strategy and action plan through a validation workshop.
US-SI Maritime Security: A US Coast Guard Cutter, Harriet Lane, has arrived in Honiara ahead of the planned signing of the US–Solomon Islands Shiprider Agreement, allowing authorised officers to tackle crimes in the Solomon Islands’ EEZ—an accord Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare says risks surrendering sovereignty. Disaster Response: Search and recovery continues after a landslide at the Gold Ridge gold mine on Guadalcanal, with officials reporting at least 10 feared dead as excavators clear collapsed rock. UXO Clearance Funding: PM Matthew Wale says the US has added US$6m (SBD$50m) for unexploded ordnance clearance, with government moves to bypass regulatory delays to scale up operations. Parliamentary Pay Reform: Wale rejects MPs’ pay rise and says a constitutional change will replace the current PEC system with an independent higher salaries body for the wider public sector. Regional Climate Push: Pacific climate ministers, co-chaired by Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu, reaffirmed a united COP31 agenda ahead of key pre-COP meetings. Japan Partnership: Solomon Islands and Japan/JICA deepen cooperation, including a Development Policy Loan aimed at fiscal stability and reform.
Mining Disaster: A landslide at the Gold Ridge gold mine near Honiara has triggered a major search and recovery after reports of at least 10 deaths, with police and disaster officials still working as excavators clear collapsed rock. Maritime Sovereignty Row: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare says the planned U.S. shiprider agreement would surrender Solomon Islands’ control of its waters, urging the government to release the full text and table it in Parliament before signing. UXO Funding Boost: Prime Minister Matthew Wale announces an extra US$6m (SBD$50m) from the United States for faster unexploded ordnance clearance, saying regulatory bottlenecks have been bypassed to expand operations. Public Finance Oversight: Consultations on the Auditor General Bill 2026 have resumed after Cabinet approval, aiming to strengthen the Office of the Auditor General’s independence and resources. Regional Climate Push: Solomon Islands Minister Wayne Ghemu co-chairs Pacific climate ministers’ talks in Sydney ahead of COP31, stressing a united regional negotiating position. Japan Ties: PM Wale meets Japan’s Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, with Japan reaffirming development support and loans as both sides seek deeper cooperation.
MP Pay Reform Clash: PM Matthew Wale rejected MPs’ pay rise after PEC increased emoluments, saying his government will replace PEC with a Higher Salaries Commission covering the whole public sector, and he will personally forgo the increase while constitutional reform is targeted for end-2027. Japan Partnership & Indo-Pacific Positioning: In Tokyo, Wale reaffirmed ties with Japan and met PM Sanae Takaichi, with Japan pledging development support (including a ¥3 billion JICA development policy loan) and both sides stressing shared values and deeper cooperation ahead of PALM11. Auditor General Bill Consultations: Consultations on the Auditor General Bill 2026 resumed with the new Public Accounts Committee, with Auditor General David Teika Dennis pushing stronger legal protections to safeguard OAG independence and capacity. Climate Law Fast-Track: MECDM continued consultations with the PM’s Office sub-committee to modernise climate, environment and disaster risk legislation under the GREAT Coalition. Labour Law Capacity Building: Trade union representatives completed a four-day labour law and dispute resolution training aimed at updating Solomon Islands’ ageing labour laws. Infrastructure in Malaita: Two road sections in Malaita were approved for DBST sealing and drainage upgrades under SIRAP2 with World Bank support. Regional Governance & Women’s Leadership: A Pacific women parliamentarians wānanga in Wellington will focus on decision-making, online harm, and gender-based harassment.
Japan–Solomon Islands Fiscal Reform Deal: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela signed a ¥3 billion JICA Development Policy Loan in Tokyo to support fiscal stability, governance reforms and economic resilience. Auditor General Bill 2026: Consultations resumed with the new Public Accounts Committee, with Auditor General David Teika Dennis and PAC chair Dr Paul Bosawai pushing for stronger legal protections to safeguard the OAG’s independence. MP Pay Rise Backlash: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says he will forgo the PEC MPs’ salary increase and plans to replace PEC with a Higher Salaries Commission covering all public servants by end-2027, as civil society calls for the pay rise to be revoked. Climate & Environment Law Reforms: MECDM continues fast-tracking legislative reforms with the PM’s Office sub-committee to modernise frameworks for climate action, disaster risk reduction and enforcement. Infrastructure in Malaita: Two road sections approved for DBST sealing and drainage upgrades under SIRAP2, with contractors set to start works. Sports Governance: SIRUF schedules a Special General Meeting on 27 July to confirm AGM minutes, compliance and elect new office bearers. Labour Law Training: Trade union reps from across the region completed a four-day labour law and dispute resolution training in Honiara.
Japan–Solomon Ties: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela signed a JICA Development Policy Loan in Tokyo to back Solomon Islands’ fiscal stability and reform agenda, with Japan reaffirming long-running support. Indo-Pacific Diplomacy: Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi met new Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale, agreeing to deepen cooperation and discuss China-linked Indo-Pacific developments ahead of PALM11. Public Finance Oversight: Consultations on the Auditor General Bill 2026 resumed with the Public Accounts Committee, with Auditor General David Teika Dennis pushing for stronger legal protections to safeguard the OAG’s independence and resourcing. Domestic Pay Politics: PM Wale says he will forego a recent MPs’ salary increase and plans to replace the PEC with a Higher Salaries Commission covering MPs and public servants by end-2027. Climate Law Reform: MECDM continued fast-tracking environment and climate legislative reforms through the PM’s Office sub-committee. Governance & Accountability: A former police officer temporarily stepped down from a charitable trust and sport integrity roles after a damning review into a historical sexual assault investigation, with a reinvestigation now underway.
Japan–Solomon Islands Fiscal Reform: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela signed a JICA Development Policy Loan in Tokyo to back Solomon Islands’ fiscal stability and governance reforms, aligning with the government’s priorities on institutions, economic resilience, natural wealth stewardship and investment in people. Auditor General Bill Push: Consultations on the Auditor General Bill 2026 resumed after Cabinet approval, with the Public Accounts Committee and Auditor General David Teika Dennis urging stronger legal protections to safeguard the OAG’s independence and resourcing. MP Pay Rise Backlash: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says he will forego the recent MPs’ salary increase and plans to replace the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission with a Higher Salaries Commission covering the wider public service, as civil society calls for the pay rise to be revoked amid cost-of-living pressure. Climate Law Reforms: MECDM continued fast-tracking environment and climate legislative reforms through the PM’s Office sub-committee, aiming to modernise frameworks for climate action, disaster risk reduction and enforcement. Labour Law Training: Trade unions took part in a four-day labour law and dispute resolution training to strengthen skills in grievances, collective bargaining, mediation and arbitration. Governance & Security Diplomacy: Acting PM Gordon Darcy Lilo met a CPC delegation in a courtesy visit focused on party exchanges, while China urged that cooperation with Solomon Islands respect independence and not target third parties.
Japan–Solomon Ties & Fiscal Reform: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela signed a JICA Development Policy Loan in Tokyo to support Solomon Islands’ fiscal stability and reform agenda, with Japan reaffirming long-term backing for stronger institutions and a more resilient economy. Auditor General Bill 2026: Consultations on the Auditor General Bill resumed after Cabinet approval, with the Auditor General and the Public Accounts Committee pushing for stronger legal protections to safeguard the OAG’s independence and resourcing. MP Pay Rise Backlash: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says he will forego the PEC MPs’ salary increase and replace the PEC with a Higher Salaries Commission by end-2027, while Transparency Solomon Islands calls for the pay rise to be revoked amid cost-of-living pressure. Environment & Climate Law Fast-Track: MECDM continues consultations to modernise climate and environmental legislation, aiming to strengthen enforcement, monitoring, and disaster risk reduction. Infrastructure in Malaita: MID and SIRAP2 begin community consultations for north and east road upgrades, including DBST sealing and drainage improvements under World Bank funding. Health Capacity Building: Makira-Ulawa health workers trained to develop local disaster preparedness and response plans for climate and health risks.
Japan–Solomon Ties Reset: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo and agreed to deepen cooperation ahead of PALM11, including ¥3 billion in low-interest yen loans and people-to-people exchanges, framed around shared values and Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision. Indo-Pacific Security Talk: The leaders also exchanged views on China’s moves in the region after Wale’s criticism of a July 6 Chinese missile launch. Auditor General Independence: Solomon Islands officials pushed to strengthen legal protections for the Auditor General’s Office, with consultations continuing on an Auditor General Bill 2026 and a new Public Accounts Committee. MP Pay Rise Backlash: PM Wale says he will forego a recent MPs’ salary increase and replace the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission with a Higher Salaries Commission covering the whole public service, as Transparency Solomon Islands calls for the pay rise to be revoked amid cost-of-living pressure. Climate Law Reforms: MECDM consultations continue to fast-track environment and climate legislation, while Pacific climate ministers meet to coordinate a united agenda ahead of COP31. Governance & Services: Malaita road upgrade consultations begin under the World Bank-funded SIRAP2, and Makira health workers trained on climate change and disaster risk response.
Parliament & Pay: Transparency Solomon Islands renewed calls to revoke MPs’ latest pay rise, arguing it’s unfair amid the cost-of-living squeeze, while the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission defended the 6% COLA as constitutionally made and delayed by a PEC leadership backlog. Governance & Reform: MMERE hosted consultations to fast-track legislative and policy reform, and the PIMEU and MEHRD held talks to accelerate the GREAT Coalition education agenda, including Free Education and education reform. Infrastructure in the Provinces: Malaita communities are being consulted ahead of North and East road upgrades under SIRAP2, with contractors introduced and local employment and safeguards discussed. Disaster Recovery: The National Disaster Council updated communities on Tropical Cyclone Maila recovery, saying damage assessment validation is underway and Cabinet approvals are being fast-tracked. Foreign Policy & Security: PM Matthew Wale’s Washington push included a path to restore the US Peace Corps partnership and plans for a US Coast Guard ship-rider arrangement, drawing China’s criticism while Japan pledged new low-interest loans and deeper ties. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific climate ministers, co-chaired by Solomon Islands’ Wayne Ghemu, agreed to present a united Pacific position ahead of COP31. Sports & Youth: Solomon Islands’ team is set for the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship play-offs in PNG, with a Commonwealth Games team also heading to Glasgow.
MP Pay & Parliament Process: Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) renewed calls to revoke MPs’ recent pay rise, arguing it’s unfair amid the cost-of-living squeeze, while the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission (PEC) defended the 6% cost-of-living adjustment as constitutionally made after delayed reviews. Parliament Oversight: An extended sitting disrupted overseas travel as a lower-house rules committee blocked some lawmakers’ trips but approved others. Education Reform: The GREAT Coalition’s PIMEU met MEHRD to push ahead Free Education, Education Reform, STEM, teachers’ welfare and school infrastructure, saying most priorities are now reflected in the ministry’s work plan. Roads in Malaita: MID and SIRAP2 began community consultations for North and East road upgrades, including safeguards, traffic plans and local jobs, with CCECC winning North Road and TTCL winning East Road. Legislative Reform Push: MMERE hosted a legislative and policy reform consultation series with a legal/policy sub-committee to fast-track priority reforms. Disaster Recovery: The National Disaster Council updated communities on Tropical Cyclone Maila recovery, saying damage assessment validation is underway and Cabinet approvals are being fast-tracked. US Partnership Moves: PM Matthew Wale’s Washington meetings advanced investment talks and the return of Peace Corps, with new funding flagged for WWII ordnance removal. Maritime Security & Diplomacy: China urged openness after Solomon Islands announced a U.S. ship-rider patrol deal, while regional climate ministers stressed Pacific unity ahead of COP31. Economy/Revenue: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo ordered immediate enforcement of a 15% export duty on alluvial gold and concentrates.
US–Solomons ties: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met U.S. Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau in Washington, signing a letter of intent to bring the Peace Corps back to Solomon Islands after more than 25 years, alongside a new US$6m pledge to expand WWII unexploded ordnance removal. Maritime security: Wale also backed a ship-rider deal for U.S. Coast Guard patrols with local police aboard, with the agreement due to be signed in Honiara next week. Pacific security tensions: China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific continues to draw regional backlash, with Australia calling it “destabilising” and noting many Pacific states share “strong concerns.” Economy & regulation: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo ordered immediate enforcement of a 15% export duty on alluvial gold and gold concentrates under HS2022. Parliament & governance: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare renewed calls for PM Wale to disclose the number and cost of political appointees, alleging the count has risen to over 70. Business & energy: The Private Sector Advisory Group held its first 2026 meeting, with SICCI pushing for urgent SME Bill action and Electricity Act amendments. Climate diplomacy: Solomon Islands Environment Minister Wayne Ghemu urged Pacific unity ahead of COP31 as climate ministers met in Sydney. Public finance oversight: Auditor General Bill 2026 consultations began, aiming to strengthen the independence and powers of the Office of the Auditor General.
U.S.-Solomon Ties: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Washington, signing a letter of intent to return the Peace Corps to Solomon Islands after more than 25 years, alongside talks on investment and a new US$6m push to expand clearance of World War II unexploded ordnance. Maritime Security: Wale also backed a new “ship rider” deal for U.S. Coast Guard patrols in Solomon waters with local police aboard, to tackle drug trafficking, people smuggling and illegal fishing. Gold Revenue Move: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo ordered Customs to enforce a 15% export duty on alluvial gold and gold concentrates immediately under HS2022. Parliament & Cost of Living: MPs approved a second pay rise in two years via amended 2026 Parliamentary Entitlements Regulations, lifting PM Wale’s salary to SBD454,659.43. Opposition Push on Appointments: Manasseh Sogavare demanded Wale disclose the number and total cost of political appointees. Public Finance Oversight: The Auditor General Bill 2026 is under consultation to strengthen the OAG’s independence and powers. Infrastructure Leadership: MID congratulated acting Permanent Secretary Mike Qaqara, while road works in Auki town progress toward asphalt layers. Climate Agenda: Environment Minister Wayne Ghemu urged Pacific unity ahead of COP31, as climate ministers advanced a shared regional plan.
US–Solomon Islands ties: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Washington, signing a Letter of Intent to return the Peace Corps after more than 25 years, and the US pledged US$6m to expand clearance of unexploded World War II ordnance. Maritime security: Wale also backed a new “ship rider” arrangement for US Coast Guard patrols in Solomon Islands waters, with local police aboard, to tackle drug trafficking, human trafficking and illegal fishing. Regional security backdrop: Australia raised concerns with China over its submarine-launched nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific, echoing “strong concerns” from Pacific nations. Domestic governance: MPs approved a second pay rise in two years under amended 2026 Parliamentary Entitlements Regulations, taking effect 1 April 2026. Public services & development: Infrastructure updates included completion of the Riffle Range roundabout upgrade and ongoing road works in Auki, while climate ministers met to prepare for major regional and global talks. Business & community: Tourism leaders launched “Tok Stori” to boost collaboration and sustainable visitor growth, and SICCI warned security incidents in Belaha could hit tourism and SMEs.
Maritime Security Pivot: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands will sign a “ship rider agreement” with the U.S. Coast Guard next week, bringing local police aboard U.S. patrols to boost maritime enforcement against drug trafficking, human trafficking and illegal fishing—an apparent shift after the 2022 China security pact. Parliament & Cost of Living: MPs have approved a second pay rise in two years, with amended 2026 Parliamentary Entitlements Regulations taking effect 1 April; ordinary MPs now earn SBD288,615.02 annually, reigniting debate as households face rising costs. Opposition Demands Transparency: The Official Opposition urges Wale to disclose the number and total cost of political appointments, arguing taxpayers deserve value-for-money clarity. Climate Policy Push: Pacific climate ministers meet ahead of major regional and global talks, with Solomon Islands’ environment minister briefing for Talanoa and COP31 alignment. Public Service Capacity: Twenty senior officials from 14 agencies complete a Mini MBA in Brisbane, backed by Australia, as part of leadership and governance strengthening. Infrastructure Updates: Road works continue in Honiara and Malaita, including bitumen spraying and prime coat on Auki town’s 9.2km corridor and progress on the Riffle Range roundabout upgrade. Health & Development: Japan hands over the upgraded Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita, stressing local ownership and maintenance; meanwhile, a mini solar power project is completed across 25 constituencies. Diplomacy Watch: PNG closes Taiwan’s trade mission in Port Moresby under One China policy, underscoring the wider Pacific diplomatic balancing act.
US–Solomon Islands Maritime Security: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met U.S. Coast Guard Vice Commandant Admiral Thomas G. Allan Jr. in Washington, with talks focused on maritime security and a Ship Rider Agreement due next week in Honiara to boost joint surveillance and enforcement against drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal fishing. PM Travel & Diplomacy: Wale also confirmed a wider push to deepen ties, with meetings planned in Washington and then Tokyo, where Japan will accord him a guard of honour. Security & Local Business Impact: The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) condemned attacks in Belaha, Central Guadalcanal, warning that insecurity is hitting tourism and SMEs and urging RSIPF to restore law and order fast. Infrastructure Delivery: In Honiara, Mendana Avenue asphalt works are advancing under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project, with completion targeted for early August; Malaita communities were also urged to take ownership of completed road upgrades. Public Service Appointments: Three Acting Permanent Secretaries were sworn in—MPNSCS, MID, and MHMS—until substantive appointments are made. Energy & Climate Action: MECDM says Phase 1 of a Mini Solar Power Project is complete across 25 constituencies, with systems installed and verified nationwide. Governance & Education: SINU released a Strategic Leadership Overview report and is reviewing its Bachelor of Fisheries Studies to better match industry needs. Health & Regulation: The Health Minister warned against tobacco industry tactics targeting youth, including claims that e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches are safer. Community Water Projects: CDF-funded water supply was handed over to Niu Ples community, and New Zealand supported water tanks for Tasimboko ward villages.
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