AGP Executive Report

Women & Leadership: Belinda Yapen has been appointed Country Manager and Cluster Transformation Lead for Solomon Brewery Ltd, the first Papua New Guinean woman in the role, with her story highlighting education, resilience, and balancing motherhood with finance leadership. Community Safety & Youth: Chiefs in Wairaha (West Are’are, Malaita) have given police the green light for a crocodile hunt after two fatal attacks, while RSIPF and the Karaena community push community policing by-laws to curb kwaso and marijuana sales harming local youth. Culture & Music: Aelan Riddim Music Festival returns in Honiara this weekend, bringing Melanesian artists together with local performers, and Air Niugini backs the travelling line-up. Tourism & Heritage: Tourism Solomons received a PATA honour for 50+ years of continuous membership, celebrating long-running regional tourism ties. Agriculture & Food Security: Japan’s SATREPS sweet potato project begins in Honiara, pairing MALD and Solomon Islands National University with Japanese research partners. Environment & Kastom: Experts warn dugongs are at high risk as hunting and habitat loss threaten local extinction, even as dugong meat remains prized in traditional feasts. Sports for Development: Tonga’s Just Play program won a Best Messaging Award at a Pacific sports-for-development meeting, underscoring inclusion, education, gender equality, and healthy lifestyles through sport. Governance & Service Delivery: A new Solomon Islands Culture and Tourism Minister, James Bonuga, urged ministry staff to focus on people-first service and teamwork as reforms and priorities are briefed.

Music & Festivals: Aelan Riddim Music Festival returns to Honiara this weekend, bringing together Pacific acts from Fiji, PNG and Vanuatu alongside local Solomon Islands performers, with organisers framing it as more than entertainment—it’s about regional connection and collaboration. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Solomons’ long-running PATA membership (over 50 years) was honoured at PATA’s 2026 summit in South Korea, recognising decades of regional tourism cooperation. Youth & Community Safety: RSIPF and the Karaena community are strengthening community policing partnerships, tackling youth harm linked to kwaso and marijuana through police-led awareness and local support. Arts & Heritage: The 2026 Solomon Islands National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN) is set with a theme focused on preserving panpipe music and wider bamboo-linked cultural knowledge, from carving and weaving to oral traditions and canoe heritage. Agriculture & Food Security: Japan’s SATREPS project begins in Honiara to improve sweet potato seedling management for national food security, with researchers from multiple institutions joining MALD and partners. Regional Diplomacy: Solomon Islands took part in the 8th ROK–Pacific Islands Senior Officials Meeting in Nadi, highlighting climate priorities and Korea’s support across maritime, fisheries, digital connectivity and youth skills. Environment: Experts warn dugongs are at high risk from opportunistic hunting and habitat loss, urging stronger protection for the slow-breeding species. Sports Governance: Oceania athletes questioned IOC President Kirsty Coventry and ONOC President Baklai Temengil-Chilton at the Oceania Athletes Forum, pushing for better leadership and athlete-focused governance. Travel Policy: New Zealand visa fee cuts and longer Pacific visas are expected to reduce revenue, with officials saying the impact will be managed through budget transfers. Connectivity & Lifestyle: A piece on Solomon Islands connectivity argues the biggest barrier is often affordability and local access models—not just cables or satellites. Culture Exchange: A free exhibition at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery in Honiara (27 May–3 June) showcases Warlpiri elders’ door paintings, timed with Australia’s National Reconciliation Week. Public Service: New Culture and Tourism Minister James Bonuga urged ministry staff to stay focused on people-first service delivery as he briefs senior officials.

Subsea Cable Tensions: Grey-zone interference is escalating across the Pacific, with reports of multiple cable sabotage incidents tied to Chinese-linked ships—raising fresh alarms for regional digital security. India–Solomons Investment Push: At the WASME forum in Noida, Solomon Islands and Indian partners discussed a new “economic corridor,” aiming to turn talks into bankable deals. Rangatahi Budget Call: Young people are urging Budget 2026 to fund youth spaces, mental health, safer transport, and affordable childcare. Tourism Milestone: Tourism Solomons was honoured by PATA for 50+ years of continuous membership, spotlighting long-running regional ties. Community Policing: RSIPF and Karaena leaders agreed on localized by-laws and targeted awareness campaigns to curb kwaso and marijuana-linked youth harm. Culture & Arts: A free Yuendumu Doors exhibition opens in Honiara (27 May–3 June), while NATPAN 2026 plans to celebrate panpipe heritage. Connectivity & Access: A Pacific-wide debate continues over shared models that make internet affordable where cables and satellites can’t solve everything.

Dolphin policy shift: Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa says it will halt sourcing wild dolphins for its aquarium and suspend captive breeding, with an expert panel set to decide the future of the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins currently held there—after the resort previously obtained dolphins from the Solomon Islands and faced long-running animal welfare criticism. Community policing: In Karaena, RSIPF Commissioner Ian Vaevaso met local leaders and youth advocates to strengthen community policing by-laws, targeting youth harm linked to kwaso distillation and marijuana sales. Regional diplomacy & culture: Solomon Islands took part in the 8th ROK–PIF Senior Officials Meeting in Nadi, while Tourism Solomons earned a PATA honour for 50+ years of continuous membership. Food security push: Japan’s SATREPS sweet potato seedling project formally begins in Honiara with researchers and partner institutions. Labour & visas: Separate reporting flags Pacific visa fee cuts that could cost millions in revenue, and ongoing regional labour gaps.

Melanesian Music Boost: Air Niugini is backing Solomon Islands’ Aelan Riddim Festival by flying 10 regional artists to Honiara for the 30 May showcase, adding to the airline’s push to keep Pacific creative communities connected. Tourism Recognition: Tourism Solomons received a PATA honour for 50+ years of continuous membership, a rare streak that dates back to the early days of the Solomon Islands Tourism Authority. Visa Shockwaves: New Zealand’s Pacific visa fee cuts and longer default visas are expected to hit revenue by about $1–2 million a year, raising questions about how immigration costs will be covered. Regional Diplomacy: Solomon Islands joined the 8th ROK–PIF Senior Officials Meeting in Nadi, stressing climate action, Blue Pacific priorities, and Korea’s support for resilience and connectivity. Culture on the Move: A free reconciliation art exhibition kicks off this week, while a new SATREPS sweet potato seedling project begins in Honiara with Japanese research partners.

Visa Shock to Pacific Travel: Solomon Islands is cutting Pacific visa fees from $216 to $161 next week and extending Pacific travellers’ multi-entry visas—moves officials say could still cost the government about $1–2 million a year, with the immigration system under added strain. Regional Diplomacy: Solomon Islands took part in the 8th ROK–PIF Senior Officials Meeting in Nadi, stressing climate action and Blue Pacific priorities. Food Security Science: Japan’s SATREPS sweet potato project officially kicks off in Honiara, running to 2030 with MALD, Solomon Islands National University, and Japanese research partners. Culture & Reconciliation: A free reconciliation art exhibition opens this week, while the Yuendumu Doors exhibition lands at the National Art Gallery in Honiara from 27 May–3 June. Maritime Policing: RSIPF clarified that youths unlawfully boarded a donated fast craft during Cyclone Maila safety arrangements. Heritage Spotlight: NATPAN 2026’s theme, “Echoes of the Past, Sounds of the Hapi Isles,” puts panpipe culture and wider kastom knowledge in the spotlight.

Connectivity Lessons: A new Pacific-focused look at Solomon Islands’ Starlink workaround is turning “no internet” into a practical guide—showing the real bottleneck is often institutional rules and shared affordability, not just satellites or cables. Culture on Display: A free reconciliation art exhibition opens this week at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery in Honiara, bringing Warlpiri elders’ door paintings from Australia for National Reconciliation Week. Leadership Watch: Regional eyes are on new Prime Minister Matthew Wale after his “change is coming” message—especially as he signals careful shifts in foreign policy and pushes for reforms. People-First Tourism: Culture and Tourism Minister James Bonuga urges staff to stay committed to serving Solomon Islanders and to use resources for real service delivery. Maritime Accountability: RSIPF Maritime clarifies an incident after youths unlawfully boarded a donated fast craft during cyclone safety measures. Marine Life Under Pressure: Experts warn dugongs face local extinction from opportunistic hunting and habitat loss. Church & Migration: Pacific bishops on Guam tackle modern slavery and strengthen digital ministry and migration support.

Regional Watch: Solomon Islands’ new Prime Minister Matthew Wale is drawing close attention across the Pacific after his election on 15 May, following Jeremiah Manele’s no-confidence loss, with analysts saying any foreign-policy shift toward China is likely to be careful—not sudden. Wale’s first message, “change is coming,” also points to wider regional pressures and his earlier calls for more transparency around the 2022 Solomon Islands–China security pact. Culture & Service: In Honiara, the new Culture and Tourism Minister James Bonuga urged ministry staff to stay focused on people-first service delivery as tourism and reforms move into a new phase. Community Life: Dugongs are under fresh spotlight as experts warn hunting and habitat loss are pushing the species toward local extinction. Maritime Order: RSIPF Maritime clarified that youths unlawfully boarded a donated fast craft while it was secured ashore during Cyclone Maila, prompting apologies and internal action. Youth Voices: Bishop Norman Palmer Anglican School held its annual speech competition, spotlighting student confidence and public speaking.

Memorial & Service: Chandler-linked families are piecing together who qualifies for U.S. Memorial Day, after local records and research found 14 service members tied to the town who died while serving. People-first Tourism: New Culture and Tourism Minister James Bonuga told senior staff to focus on service delivery and teamwork as tourism priorities are reshaped around Solomon Islanders’ needs. Marine Life Under Pressure: Conservation voices warn dugongs are sliding toward local extinction as hunting and habitat loss collide with slow reproduction. Maritime Accountability: RSIPF Maritime clarified that youths unlawfully boarded a government fast craft during cyclone safety arrangements, apologised, and the matter was handled through proper channels. Education & Culture in Motion: Bishop Norman Palmer School held its annual speech competition, while NATPAN 2026’s theme spotlights panpipe heritage and wider bamboo-linked traditions. Regional Church Action: Oceania bishops meeting in Guam pushed modern slavery prevention and digital ministry for migrants and refugees. Labour & Work Rights: A regional campaign is calling for workplaces free from violence and harassment, urging stronger enforcement of ILO Convention 190.

New Prime Minister Moves Fast: Solomon Islands’ Matthew Wale was sworn in and quickly completed a full 24-member Cabinet, promising “discipline and prudent management” and saying “change is coming,” as MPs reshuffled power after Jeremiah Manele’s no-confidence exit. Dolphin Export U-turn: In the final days of the old government, a dolphin export ban was lifted—then Wale reinstated it, warning against reputational and fisheries risks. Rural Projects Backed by Australia: Wale’s early days also brought news of 51 new Solomon Islands–Australia community partnership projects for 2026, targeting remote communities with over SBD 11 million in direct funding. Maritime Order Restored: RSIPF clarified that youths unlawfully boarded a PRC-donated fast craft while it was secured after Cyclone Maila, and said apologies were made. Culture in Focus: NATPAN 2026’s theme—“Echoes of the Past, Sounds of the Hapi Isles”—puts panpipe heritage and wider bamboo-linked traditions front and centre. Environment Watch: Dugongs are flagged as highly endangered as hunting and habitat loss threaten local extinction.

New PM locks in Cabinet fast: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale was sworn in after a close parliamentary vote, then moved quickly to complete a full 24-member Cabinet over the weekend—signalling “discipline and prudent management” as he tackles a tough economy and political strain. Dolphin export reversal: In the same leadership churn, the caretaker fisheries minister had lifted a ban on live dolphin exports—then Wale reinstated it, warning the country won’t risk its fisheries reputation for short-term decisions. Marine life under pressure: A World Biodiversity Day panel flagged dugongs as among the most at-risk species, with experts pointing to opportunistic hunting and habitat loss threatening local extinction. Border and migration focus: RSIPF Maritime took firm action after an unauthorised boarding of a donated fast craft, while Oceania Catholic bishops meeting in Guam urged action on modern slavery and migration, including digital ministry. Culture in the spotlight: NATPAN 2026’s theme celebrates panpipe heritage, and students at Bishop Norman Palmer Anglican School brought “Brave Voices, Bright Future” to their annual speech competition.

Marine Protection Under Pressure: Experts say dugongs are sliding toward local extinction as opportunistic hunting and severe habitat loss collide with the animal’s slow reproduction. Cultural Life & Identity: A World Biodiversity Day panel hosted by SIBC and the Environment Ministry put dugongs and marine turtles at the top of the nation’s most endangered list—meat is still prized for feasts and ceremonies, even as conservation calls grow louder. New Leadership, New Moves: In the political churn, Prime Minister Matthew Wale has moved fast to form a full Cabinet and has promised “change,” while also reinstating a ban on live dolphin exports after it was lifted. Regional Partnerships: Australia says it has approved 51 community projects for 2026, aiming to push funding into remote areas. Women’s Safety at Work: A regional campaign is urging Pacific governments to stamp out workplace violence and harassment, including calls to back ILO Convention 190.

New PM Moves Fast: Solomon Islands has a new prime minister, Matthew Wale, sworn in after winning a tight parliamentary vote, and he’s already locked in a full 24-member Cabinet—signaling “discipline and prudent management” as he promises “change is coming.” China Ties Under Review: Wale has long questioned the country’s closeness to China, and analysts say his leadership could shift Solomon Islands’ direction while still navigating big geopolitical pressure. Rural-Focused Funding: In his early days, Australia announced 51 new community partnership projects for Solomon Islands for 2026, pushing over SBD 11 million into local businesses for roads, materials, and transport. Culture Spotlight: NATPAN 2026’s theme—“Echoes of the Past, Sounds of the Hapi Isles”—puts panpipe heritage and wider bamboo-linked traditions at the centre of the festival. Women at Work: A regional campaign is urging Pacific governments to act on workplace violence and harassment, including stronger enforcement of ILO Convention 190.

Australia–Solomon Partnerships: Prime Minister Wale’s early days are getting a boost from Australia, which has backed 51 new community projects for 2026—aimed at reaching remote rural areas with quick, practical upgrades, building on a record 108 projects funded in 2025. New Leadership, Fast Moves: Wale’s government is now fully formed with a 24-member Cabinet, and he’s been pushing a “change is coming” agenda while promising tighter governance and support for indigenous businesses. Culture Spotlight: The 2026 Solomon Islands National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN) is set to celebrate heritage through its theme, “Echoes of the Past, Sounds of the Hapi Isles,” linking panpipes to wider traditions like weaving, carving, dance, and canoe culture. Rights and Safety Across the Region: Fiji’s Women’s Crisis Centre says it has completed a national intimate partner violence study, while a Pacific campaign is calling for safer workplaces for women and stronger enforcement of protections. Labour Pressure Elsewhere: Fiji’s skills gap survey flags shortages across 95 job categories, underlining how training and employment systems still don’t line up.

Solomon Islands Leadership Shake-Up: Matthew Wale has moved fast after winning the prime minister job, completing a full 24-member Cabinet and repeating his “change is coming” message as the country steadies itself after the ousting of Jeremiah Manele. Fisheries Flashpoint: In the same turbulent period, Solomon Islands reinstated a ban on live dolphin exports after it had been quietly lifted—an abrupt move tied to protecting fisheries standards and reputation. Cultural Spotlight: NATPAN 2026 is set with the theme “Echoes of the Past, Sounds of the Hapi Isles,” aiming to keep panpipe traditions and wider bamboo-linked heritage alive. Church & Migration: Catholic bishops across Oceania met in Guam, putting dignified migration and digital ministry on the agenda. Workplace Safety Push: A Pacific campaign is calling for safer workplaces for women, urging stronger action against harassment and violence.

National Culture Spotlight: NATPAN 2026 is set to celebrate Solomon Islands panpipe heritage with the theme “Echoes of the Past, Sounds of the Hapi Isles,” linking the music to ancestry, community life, spirituality, and wider traditions like carving, weaving, dance, oral history, canoe heritage, and food systems. Political Upheaval Still Dominates: In the last days, new Prime Minister Matthew Wale has moved fast to form a full 24-member Cabinet and has promised “change is coming,” while also drawing attention for reinstating a ban on live dolphin exports after it was lifted just before his government took shape. Regional Pushes Continue: Pacific ministers wrapped up the Manubada call to scale energy and maritime connectivity, and a regional campaign is urging safer workplaces for women across the Pacific.