AGP Executive Report

Earthquake Watch: A magnitude-7.0 quake struck Vanuatu, with its epicentre about 377 kilometres south of Lata. The reports provided no assessment of impacts in Solomon Islands. Cancer Care: A Chinese specialist is helping establish a breast-care unit at the National Referral Hospital and train local doctors. The ministry says about 128 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and patients previously had to travel overseas for curative surgery. Health Priorities: Health Minister Toiraena is calling for better access to essential medicines, faster progress on tuberculosis targets and stronger action as HIV cases rise. Clean Energy: Munda has commissioned a US$15.2 million solar hybrid plant, with about one megawatt of capacity and battery storage, to reduce reliance on fuel and improve power reliability. Disaster Readiness: A new Solomon Islands–Australia partnership will install earthquake sensors and strengthen seismic monitoring, while also improving government checks on mineral exports.

Earthquake Readiness: A magnitude 7.0 quake struck Vanuatu about 377 kilometres south of Lata. A new Solomon Islands–Australia partnership will strengthen earthquake monitoring, train local specialists and improve checks on mineral exports. Football: Solomon Islands legend Batram Suri has been named Ba FC’s head coach for the 2026/27 season after the Fijian club’s title-winning campaign. Power: The US$15.2 million Munda solar hybrid plant is now operating, bringing one megawatt of solar generation and battery storage to the Western Province to reduce fuel use and improve reliability. Jobs and Remittances: Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele is pushing to expand the PALM scheme, as remittances from workers reached SBD507 million in 2025. Drought: El Niño is raising risks of dry conditions across the Pacific, with water sources already drying up in Gizo and the government sending drought relief to Rennell and Bellona.

Renewable Energy: Solomon Power commissioned a US$15.2 million solar hybrid plant in Munda, with about one megawatt of capacity and battery storage to cut fuel use and improve electricity reliability. Health: Indonesia’s hospital ship provided free care to more than 600 Honiara residents over three days. Safety and Mining: A new Solomon Islands–Australia partnership will expand earthquake monitoring and improve checks on mineral exports. Drought Response: Authorities are warning of worsening El Niño-driven dry conditions, while the government has sent water and drought relief to Rennell and Bellona. Jobs and Remittances: Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele is urging Australia to recruit more Solomon Islanders through the PALM scheme, which workers sent home SBD507 million through in 2025. Police Oversight: A retired Papua New Guinea judge has been appointed to lead the tribunal investigating allegations against suspended Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso.

Health: Solomon Islands is calling for a stronger national response to high blood pressure, with remote communities, scarce resources and staff shortages limiting screening and care. Drought: El Niño is tightening its grip across the Pacific; a Gizo water source has dried up as authorities warn of rising drought risks. Education: Waimapuru National Secondary School is slated for 14 infrastructure projects in 2027, including water supply improvements and repairs to dormitories, classrooms and staff housing. Energy: The new 1-megawatt Munda solar hybrid plant is expected to deliver cheaper, more reliable electricity to Munda and Noro. Tourism: Pacific operators report growing revenues, but limited international flights remain a major brake on expansion as regional tourism leaders visit Solomon Islands. Beach Soccer: Solomon Islands’ Bilikiki begin their bid to end a 13-year title drought in Tahiti after Papua New Guinea withdrew, leaving a four-team tournament. Labour Mobility: Australian agricultural employer EP Strawberries plans to increase its Solomon Islands recruitment by 10 to 15 per cent after the first PALM employer expo in Honiara.

Education: Waimapuru National Secondary School is set to receive 14 infrastructure projects from 2027, including a water system and repairs to dormitories, classrooms and staff housing. Community Development: Australia is funding SBD 250,000 in solar streetlights for 18 villages in West Guadalcanal. A new water tank at Sinamauri Clinic will also ease access for patients and staff. Beach Soccer: The Bilikiki begin their OFC Nations Cup campaign in Tahiti on 24 October, aiming to end a 13-year title drought and qualify for the 2027 World Cup. Maritime Security: The Government has taken ownership of MV Wealth after an investigation found the vessel entered illegally and was involved in illicit trading. Solomon Islands also joined the regional Operation KURUKURU, which monitored fisheries activity across the Pacific. Tourism: Pacific operators report revenue growth, but limited air links remain a major barrier. Tourism leaders meeting in Honiara are calling for investment that brings lasting benefits to local communities. Labour Mobility: Opposition Leader Sogavare says overseas work schemes must support, not weaken, Solomon Islands’ workforce and long-term development.

Diplomacy: Prime Minister Jeremiah Wale met an Indonesian delegation, welcoming stronger people-to-people ties and telling visiting West Papuan students, “When you come here, you are home.” Labour Mobility: Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare warned the PALM scheme must not weaken Solomon Islands’ workforce or domestic development, calling for an annual assessment of its costs and benefits. Rural Services: A new water tank will ease access for patients and staff at Sinamauri Clinic, while DBSI has launched lending and digital banking initiatives aimed at rural communities. Education: Waimapuru National Secondary School is slated for 14 infrastructure projects in 2027, including water supply and dormitory, classroom and staff-house upgrades. Law Enforcement: The Government has taken ownership of MV Wealth after an investigation found the vessel entered illegally and was involved in illicit trading. Tourism and Conservation: Central Islands Province showcased Tulagi’s heritage and marine attractions to regional tourism leaders; meanwhile, a study found leatherback nesting at Isabel’s Haevo beach has risen about 10 per cent annually since harvesting stopped in 2013. Football: Bilikiki begin their bid to end a 13-year beach soccer title drought in Tahiti, with a place at the 2027 World Cup at stake.

MV Wealth: The Government has formally seized the Belize-flagged vessel after an investigation found it entered Solomon Islands illegally. Drought Response: An emergency mission is delivering water to drought-hit Rennell and Bellona, while Moe villagers face severe shortages of water, food and medicine. Tourism: Pacific tourism ministers met in Honiara, where Prime Minister Matthew Wale called for better regional air links, climate-resilient tourism and stronger benefits for local communities, and announced the return of the “Happy Isles” brand. Labour Mobility: Wale is pushing to send 5,000 Solomon Islanders a year to overseas jobs; workers remitted about SBD507 million in 2025. Regional Development: ADB’s new five-year Pacific strategy includes Solomon Islands, with priorities spanning jobs, essential services and resilient infrastructure. Public Safety: Meteorologists warn that strong winds and hazardous seas could endanger small boats, urging operators to check forecasts before travelling.

Drought Emergency: Moe Village residents face severe food, water and medicine shortages, with some making a costly two-hour boat trip for drinking water. A government-led mission is delivering emergency water to drought-hit Rennell and Bellona, while officials assess shortages reported across several provinces. Tourism: Honiara is hosting Pacific tourism ministers, with Prime Minister Matthew Wale calling for better air links, climate-resilient tourism and stronger regional cooperation. He also announced the relaunch of the “Happy Isles” brand. Jobs and Remittances: Wale urged Australian employers to help recruit 5,000 Solomon Islanders a year through labour mobility schemes. Workers sent home about SBD507 million in 2025, supporting families and communities. Community Support: Fifty-three water tanks and a new community hall are benefiting more than 100 West Kwaio communities. Sport: Bilikiki are chasing the Oceania beach soccer title in Tahiti, where the winner qualifies for the 2027 FIFA World Cup.

Labour Mobility: PALM workers sent about SBD507 million home in 2025, Prime Minister Matthew Wale said at Honiara’s first approved-employer expo. More than 13,000 Solomon Islanders have joined the scheme since 2018, and the Government aims to send 5,000 workers abroad each year. Tourism: Opening a regional ministers’ meeting in Honiara, Wale called for better Pacific air links and climate-resilient tourism that benefits local communities. He also announced the return of the “Happy Isles” brand. Drought Response: An emergency mission is delivering water to drought-hit Rennell and Bellona, prioritising schools, health facilities and vulnerable communities. Its vessel can desalinate about 14,000 litres daily. West Kwaio: Fifty-three water tanks are set to improve access to safe water in more than 100 communities, alongside a new community hall at Foubaba Community High School. Public Safety: Police are investigating a video allegedly showing a group assaulting a student at Tuvaruhu and say those responsible will face legal action.

Labour Mobility: Prime Minister Matthew Wale has urged Australian employers to recruit 5,000 Solomon Islanders a year, speaking at the first PALM Scheme employer expo in Honiara. Representatives of 25 companies are attending. Emergency Response: Police have received four thermal-imaging drones to help find missing people and support rescue operations and disaster response. Drought Relief: A government mission is sending water and medical support to Bellona, while assessing water sources on Rennell amid drought conditions. Community Preparedness: A disaster simulation in Pipisu, Malaita, gave residents practice responding to emergencies and helped complete a community resilience plan. Trafficking Concerns: The United States has warned Solomon Islands and three other Pacific nations that failure to address trafficking could put some US assistance at risk. Culture and Recognition: A new documentary has traced the voice in Deep Forest’s hit “Sweet Lullaby” to Afunakwa, a Baegu woman from Malaita; her family says her name and the song’s Solomon Islands origin went uncredited for years. Climate Storytelling: Solomon Islands’ Aziel Orihao won a Pacific Dataviz Challenge prize for an interactive project showing the impacts of six major cyclones.

Drought Response: The government is deploying an emergency water and health mission to Rennell and Bellona. The vessel MV Helpr-1 can produce about 14,000 litres of water a day, with support prioritised for schools, health facilities and vulnerable communities. Climate Storytelling: Solomon Islander Aziel Orihao won second prize in the Pacific Dataviz Challenge for an interactive project tracing the impacts of six major cyclones. Education: Solomon Islands students in New Zealand say a government pledge to provide free education from 2027 has inspired them. Labour Mobility: Australian employers have arrived in Honiara for the first PALM scheme expo, opening October 20 and aimed at strengthening recruitment partnerships. East Kwaio: Around 100 people are reportedly returning to Malaita hoping to find gold, but the discovery has not been officially verified.

Trade: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma is in Indonesia for Trade Expo Indonesia, where the two countries agreed to work toward a regional business commission and a formal link between their chambers of commerce. Labour Mobility: Australian employers have arrived in Honiara for the first PALM Scheme employers’ expo, running October 20–23, as the government targets 5,000 worker placements a year. Fisheries: The FFA’s largest surveillance operation of 2026 covered 30.5 million square kilometres, recording 149 vessel sightings and 82 inspections, and leading to one vessel’s apprehension. Parliament: Solomon Islands is mourning a second MP in days: Deputy Speaker David Gina, following the death of Ulawa/Ugi MP William Bradford. Climate and Safety: El Niño-linked low sea levels could affect marine life in Marovo Lagoon, while strong-wind warnings cover waters in five provinces. Community: Solomon Islands’ Aziel Orihao won second prize in the Pacific Dataviz Challenge for an interactive account of cyclone impacts. A regional study also urges stronger online-safety support for children as internet access expands. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela welcomed Johnny Sy’s appointment as the Philippines’ honorary consul, highlighting opportunities to deepen trade, tourism, education and health ties.

Weather Alert: Strong winds of 15–25 knots and rough seas are forecast across waters off Temotu, Makira, Rennell and Bellona, Malaita and Guadalcanal. Small-boat operators are urged to take care. Labour Mobility: Australian employers have begun arriving in Honiara for the first PALM scheme expo, running October 20–23. The event aims to build employer confidence as the government targets 5,000 workers a year for Australia. Fisheries: The FFA’s largest surveillance operation of 2026 covered 30.5 million square kilometres, identifying 13 vessels of interest and leading to one apprehension. Visas: Solomon Islanders must continue travelling to Papua New Guinea for US visa processing; the Honiara embassy says it hopes to offer the service in coming years. Education: Prime Minister Matthew Wale urged a record 50 Australia Awards scholars to return home and put their skills to work for national development. Media: Georgina Maka’a is MASI’s new president, with Irwin Angiki elected vice president.

Pacific Diplomacy: Taiwan is seeking to retain its “development partner” role at the Pacific Islands Forum, after it and other partners were barred from last year’s forum in Solomon Islands amid pressure from China. Education: Prime Minister Matthew Wale has urged a record 50 Australia Awards scholars to return home after their studies and put their skills to work for Solomon Islands. Climate: Low sea levels linked to El Niño are raising concerns for marine life in Marovo Lagoon, where reduced water circulation could increase environmental risks. Health: The Naha Birthing Centre has begun 24-hour services for low-risk births, with its first baby born there on 8 October. Seasonal workers in New Zealand have also donated 24 wheelchairs to the National Referral Hospital. Health officials are urging women to seek early breast cancer screening, with only 190 mammograms carried out in the first half of 2026. Parliament: Solomon Islands is mourning Deputy Speaker David Gina, who died days after Ulawa/Ugi MP William Bradford. Infrastructure: Work continues on Bellona’s SBD 55.8 million Ahanga Wharf, now expected to be completed in December.

Healthcare: Naha Birthing Centre has begun round-the-clock services for low-risk births, welcoming its first baby since opening. Health officials also warn breast cancer screening remains low: the National Referral Hospital performed 190 mammograms in the first half of 2026, as the awareness campaign urges women to seek help early. Community Support: Solomon Islands seasonal workers in New Zealand donated 24 wheelchairs to the National Referral Hospital to help patients with limited mobility. Infrastructure: Construction is progressing on Bellona’s SBD55.8 million Ahanga Wharf, now expected to be completed in December after difficult ground conditions delayed work. Parliament: The country is mourning MPs William Bradford and David Gina, who died within days of each other. Maritime Safety: All 73 people aboard the drifting MV Awka were rescued, prompting calls for urgent action on safety and transport in Temotu. Media: Georgina Maka’a has been elected president of the Media Association of Solomon Islands.

Parliament: Solomon Islands is mourning MPs William Marau and Acting Speaker David Gina, who died days apart. Education: SINU and North Vella La Vella will bring distance-learning degree programmes to rural communities. A record 50 Solomon Islanders, two-thirds women, are preparing for Australia Awards scholarships in 2027. Health: Breast Cancer Awareness Month has launched, with the ministry reporting about 128 diagnoses and 47 deaths among women each year and urging early checks. Naha’s new birthing centre has welcomed its first baby. Cost of Living: World Vision says Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea families must work more than four days to afford a basket of basic foods. Climate and Safety: El Niño has lowered sea levels by 10–40 centimetres in parts of the country, raising risks for lagoons. The rescue of 73 people from a drifting ferry has also renewed calls for stronger maritime safety.