AGP Executive Report

Weather & Safety: SIMS issued a strong winds warning for Rennell/Bellona, southern Makira, Western Province, Guadalcanal, Temotu and the Russell Islands, with 20–25 knot winds and rough seas (2.5–3.0m swells), urging sea travellers—especially small boats—to take extra care. Tourism & Community Culture: The National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN, July 1–5) will shift accommodation to host families and relatives in Honiara, with utilities and food support to help festival benefits flow back to communities. EU Investment Focus: The EU reaffirmed its commitment to Solomon Islands after a three-day visit, signalling more investment-driven cooperation around infrastructure, climate resilience and economic growth, including discussions on the proposed Bina Harbour site. Sports & Travel Demand: The 2023 Pacific Games funding programme has launched (SBD50,000) to strengthen national federations ahead of Honiara events, while Solomon Islands U23 3×3 teams depart for New Caledonia with U23 World Cup qualification on the line. Humanitarian Heritage: A DPAA–Solomon Islands MOU signed June 3 formalises recovery and repatriation of WWII remains, building on a September 2025 repatriation ceremony. Regional Disruption Watch: A powerful Philippines earthquake has triggered Pacific tsunami monitoring advisories that include Solomon Islands, with coastal agencies urged to follow local guidance.

Pacific Games Funding: The 2023 Pacific Games organising committee in Honiara has launched a SBD50,000 (US$6,200) funding programme to help Solomon Islands national sports federations strengthen operations ahead of and beyond the Games, with weightlifting, golf and volleyball among the first to sign up. Football & Tourism Tech: The OFC Pro League has secured funding for the next three years, with the inaugural season played across New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Solomon Islands and PNG—while LiveU says remote VAR is now possible across the Pacific, including Solomon Islands. Culture & Visitor Stays: The National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN) is set for July 1–5, with the Culture Division planning to host visiting panpipe groups with relatives and host families in Honiara to spread festival benefits to communities. Road Safety: MID is urging patience on Mendana Avenue in Honiara as roadworks continue, after an incident involving a traffic controller. Weather Alerts: SIMS has issued strong wind warnings for Rennell/Bellona, parts of Makira, Western, Guadalcanal, Temotu and the Russells, advising sea travellers to take extreme care. EU Investment Focus: The EU says it will shift toward more investment-driven cooperation with Solomon Islands after a three-day visit, including talks on infrastructure and climate resilience. Clean Water & Sanitation: UNICEF-backed WASH work in North Guadalcanal is improving safe water and sanitation in communities like Popoloi and Mbebe. Tourism & Youth Enterprise: Tourism Solomons has signed on as a major sponsor for ‘Aelan Riddim 26’ in Honiara, and MCT/YECSI has delivered a vehicle to the Kaloka Youth Association to support tourism-linked youth business.

Sports Funding for Tourism-Ready Honiara: The 2023 Pacific Games Games Organising Committee has launched a SBD50,000 funding programme to strengthen Solomon Islands national sports federations ahead of and beyond the Honiara event. Football in the Islands: The OFC Pro League says its first-ever professional league is financially secured for the next three years, with the inaugural season played across New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Solomon Islands and PNG. Digital Money Push: M-SELEN’s 3rd anniversary “Celebrate with M-SELEN” rewards campaign runs June 11 to Oct 2, encouraging Solomon Islanders to use digital services for everyday payments. Road Safety Reminder: Honiara’s Ministry of Infrastructure Development urges patience and respect for traffic controllers during Mendana Avenue roadworks. Weather for Travellers: SIMS has issued strong wind warnings for several provinces and sea areas, with rough seas and poor visibility expected. Regional Emergency Watch: After a major earthquake in the southern Philippines, tsunami monitoring is on alert across parts of the Pacific including Solomon Islands. EU Investment Focus: The EU reaffirmed its commitment to Solomon Islands, signalling more investment-driven cooperation after a three-day visit. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Solomons is back as a major sponsor of Honiara’s Aelan Riddim 26 music festival on May 30.

Tourism & Travel Disruption: Solomon Islands tourism faces a real headwind as UNICEF warns that open defecation and poor waste management are damaging visitor experiences, especially along coasts and near communities. Clean Water & Community Health: A WASH push in North Guadalcanal is improving safe water and sanitation, reducing the need for long walks and helping protect families and students. Road Access & Visitor Safety: Honiara roadworks on Mendana Avenue continue, with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development urging drivers and pedestrians to follow traffic controllers and posted signs. Weather for Travelers: SIMS has issued strong wind warnings for Rennell/Bellona, parts of Makira, Western, Guadalcanal, Temotu and the Russells, advising sea travellers to take extra caution. EU Investment Focus: The EU reaffirmed support for Solomon Islands with a shift toward more investment-driven cooperation, including infrastructure and economic growth. Culture & Events: Tourism Solomons is backing “Aelan Riddim 26” in Honiara, a regional music festival that should draw visitors and spotlight local talent.

Bougainville & Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Bougainville independence could come up at upcoming Pacific leader talks, including planned discussions with PNG PM James Marape. Secret Security Deal: Wale also says Solomon Islands can’t publish its high-profile China security pact due to a non-disclosure clause, while pushing for visa-free access talks with Australia. Road Safety in Honiara: MID urges drivers to slow down and be patient through Mendana Avenue roadworks after an incident involving a traffic controller. Weather Watch: SIMS issues strong wind warnings for Rennell/Bellona, parts of Makira, Western, Guadalcanal, Temotu and the Russells, with rough seas and poor visibility. Tourism & Cleanliness: UNICEF warns open defecation and poor waste management are hurting visitor appeal, linking sanitation to tourism growth. EU Investment Focus: The EU reaffirms support and signals more investment-driven cooperation, including discussions around Bina Harbour. Pacific Travel Disruption Risk: A powerful Philippines earthquake has triggered tsunami monitoring across the wider Pacific, including Solomon Islands. Sports & Youth: U23 3×3 teams and weightlifting champion Jenly Wini depart for regional and Commonwealth Games preparations. Culture on the Calendar: Tourism Solomons backs “Aelan Riddim 26” in Honiara.

Tourism & Culture: Tourism Solomons has signed on as a major sponsor of Honiara’s “Aelan Riddim 26” on Saturday, 30 May, backing a bigger regional line-up that brings artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu alongside 14 Solomon Islands acts. Road Safety: Honiara road users are being urged to stay patient and follow signs during ongoing Mendana Avenue roadworks, after an incident where a pedestrian slapped a traffic controller. Sports (U23 Pathway): Solomon Islands’ men’s and women’s 3×3 U23 teams have departed for New Caledonia’s Oceania Nations League Cup, with the winner earning U23 World Cup qualification. Tourism Infrastructure: Western Province Premier Billy Veo wants the Nusatupe Airport Terminal upgrade fast-tracked, saying delays are hurting the travel experience for a top tourism destination. Clean Water & Sanitation: UNICEF reports improving WASH in North Guadalcanal communities is easing daily struggles with unsafe water and sanitation. EU Investment Focus: The EU says it’s shifting toward more investment-driven cooperation after a high-level visit, including discussions on infrastructure and development priorities. Weather Alert: SIMS has issued strong wind warnings for several provinces and sea areas, advising extra caution for small boats.

Road Safety in Honiara: MID is urging drivers and pedestrians to stay patient and follow signs around Mendana Avenue roadworks (Heritage Park Roundabout to Honiara City Council Roundabout) after an incident where a traffic controller was slapped by an impatient pedestrian. Tourism & Cleanliness: UNICEF warns that open defecation and poor waste management are hurting Solomon Islands tourism growth, while a week-long coastal clean-up campaign in Honiara targets littered beaches and public areas. EU Investment Push: The EU reaffirmed its commitment to Solomon Islands, shifting toward more investment-driven cooperation after a three-day visit that included talks on infrastructure and development priorities. Weather Alert: SIMS issued a strong winds warning for several provinces and waters, advising sea travellers—especially small boat operators—to take extra caution. Travel-Ready Energy for Visitors: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to cut diesel and keep power steady for guests. Local Market Upgrade: Buala Market in Isabel Province has opened with climate-resilient features (water storage, solar lighting, accessible toilets/showers), improving vendor comfort and access. Sports Tourism Moment: Solomon Islands U23 3×3 teams depart for New Caledonia with U23 World Cup qualification at stake.

Tsunami Watch: A powerful Philippines earthquake triggered a Pacific-wide tsunami advisory, with Solomon Islands among the monitored areas; authorities urge people to move off beaches and away from harbours if in advisory zones. Weather Alerts: SIMS issued a strong wind warning for Rennell and Bellona, southern Makira, Western Province, Guadalcanal, Temotu and the Russell Islands, with rough seas and poor visibility expected—small-boat travellers are told to use extreme caution. EU Investment Push: The EU reaffirmed its long-term partnership with Solomon Islands, shifting toward more investment-driven cooperation after meetings in Honiara and a visit to the proposed Bina Harbour site. Tourism & Cleanliness: UNICEF warns that open defecation and poor waste management are hurting tourism growth, while a Honiara coastal clean-up campaign targets littered beaches and public areas. Renewables for Visitors: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to cut diesel use and keep power steady for guests. Markets Upgrade: Australia-funded Buala Market Building in Isabel Province now offers climate-resilient facilities, including water storage, solar lighting, and accessible toilets/showers for vendors. Travel Tech for Sport: LiveU says remote VAR has arrived in the Pacific for the OFC Pro League, improving match officiating across island nations. Culture on the Calendar: Tourism Solomons backs “Aelan Riddim 26” in Honiara, bringing regional artists to the contemporary music festival. Security Reset: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale is pushing a “reset” with Australia, starting work on a new comprehensive treaty and reviewing the earlier China-linked security deal.

EU Investment Signals: The EU has reaffirmed its commitment to Solomon Islands and is pushing a more investment-driven partnership after a three-day visit, with talks covering climate resilience, green growth, infrastructure and governance, plus a stop at the proposed Bina Harbour site. Tourism Reality Check: UNICEF warns that open defecation and poor waste management are hurting Solomon Islands tourism growth, with “environment and rubbish” flagged as a major turn-off for visitors. Clean Water Push: In North Guadalcanal, UNICEF’s WASH work is improving safe water and sanitation in communities like Popoloi and Mbebe, aiming to cut disease risks and make school and household environments healthier. Airport Upgrade Pressure: Western Province leaders are urging GREAT and SI Airport Corporation to fast-track upgrades to the Nusatupe Airport Terminal in Gizo to improve the visitor experience. Solar for Visitors: Heritage Park Hotel has commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to supply most of its power, reducing diesel use and keeping services steady for guests. Weather Alert: SIMS issued a strong wind warning for multiple provinces and urged sea travellers and communities to take precautions. Regional Safety: Pacific agencies are monitoring tsunami risk after a powerful Philippines earthquake, with Solomon Islands included in advisory areas. Culture & Travel: Tourism Solomons is backing “Aelan Riddim 26” in Honiara, spotlighting regional music and boosting the local creative economy.

Humanitarian Recovery: The U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and the Solomon Islands government signed an MOU (June 3) to support recovery and repatriation of WWII missing U.S. personnel, building on a September 2025 repatriation ceremony. Weather & Sea Safety: SIMS issued a strong wind warning for Rennell/Bellona, southern Makira, Western Province, Guadalcanal, Temotu and the Russell Islands, with 20–25 knot winds and rough seas; sea travellers are urged to take extreme caution. Regional Tsunami Watch: After an 8.2 quake in the southern Philippines (later revised to 7.8), a Pacific tsunami advisory included Solomon Islands; authorities urge people to move off beaches and away from harbours if in advisory areas. Tourism & Cleanliness: UNICEF warned that open defecation and poor waste management are hurting tourism growth, while Honiara’s coastline clean-up campaign targets littered beaches and public areas. Tourism Infrastructure: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to cut diesel/grid reliance, and Australia-funded Buala Market facilities have opened for vendors. Air Travel Upgrade Push: Western Province Premier Billy Veo urged GREAT and SI Airport Corporation to fast-track Nusatupe Terminal upgrades in Gizo. Culture & Events: Tourism Solomons signed on as a major sponsor for ‘Aelan Riddim 26’ in Honiara. Jobs & Growth: A World Bank Pacific jobs update flags the need for more employment opportunities for Solomon Islands’ growing youth.

Tsunami Watch: A powerful 7.8–8.2 quake hit the southern Philippines and the U.S. Tsunami Warning Center issued a Pacific advisory that includes Solomon Islands, with waves forecast under 0.3m above tide levels; coastal communities are urged to follow local emergency instructions and move away from beaches and harbours if advised. Weather & Sea Safety: SIMS has issued a strong wind warning for Rennell/Bellona, parts of Makira, Western Province, Guadalcanal, Temotu and the Russell Islands, with 20–25 knot winds, rough seas (2.5–3.0m swells) and poor visibility in showers—small boat operators should take extra care. Tourism & Cleanliness: UNICEF highlights how open defecation and poor waste management are hurting Solomon Islands tourism, with rubbish and sanitation concerns putting visitors off key destinations. Sustainable Stays: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to cut diesel use and keep power steady for guests. Culture & Travel: Tourism Solomons is backing “Aelan Riddim 26” in Honiara, bringing regional artists and boosting the visitor-friendly events calendar. Infrastructure for Visitors: Australia-funded Buala Market in Isabel Province is now open, with solar lighting, water storage, and accessible toilets/showers for vendors. Regional Links: The EU reaffirmed its development partnership with Solomon Islands during a high-level visit focused on climate resilience and infrastructure investment.

World Cup Qualification: New Zealand secured Oceania’s direct 2026 FIFA World Cup spot, with Solomon Islands among the OFC nations in the qualifying campaign. Weather & Safety: Solomon Islands Meteorological Service issued a strong wind warning for Rennell/Bellona, southern Makira, Western Province, Guadalcanal, Temotu and the Russell Islands, with rough seas and possible poor visibility—sea travellers in small boats are urged to take extra care. Tourism & Cleanliness: UNICEF warned that open defecation and poor waste management are hurting Solomon Islands tourism growth, with rubbish and sanitation concerns putting visitors off. Tourism Support & Culture: Tourism Solomons signed on as a major sponsor of “Aelan Riddim 26” in Honiara, backing a big Melanesian music line-up. Infrastructure for Visitors: Western Province Premier Billy Veo urged faster upgrades to the Nusatupe Airport Terminal in Gizo to improve the travel experience. Energy for Hospitality: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to cut diesel use and keep power steady for guests. Markets & Access: Australia-funded Buala Market in Isabel Province officially opened, adding solar lighting, water storage, and accessible toilets/showers for vendors.

Weather & Safety: Solomon Islands Meteorological Service issued a strong wind warning for Rennell/Bellona, southern Makira, Western Province, Guadalcanal, Temotu and the Russell Islands, with 20–25 knot winds, rough seas (2.5–3.0m swells) and possible poor visibility over the next 24–48 hours—sea travellers in small boats are urged to take extra care. Tourism & Environment: Honiara’s coastal pollution is being linked to poor inland waste management, as a week-long clean-up campaign kicked off at Rove Children’s Park ahead of World Environment Day and World Ocean Day, targeting littered beaches and public areas. Air Travel Upgrade: Western Province Premier Billy Veo urged the Government and GREAT to fast-track the long-delayed upgrade of the Nusatupe Airport Terminal in Gizo, saying it affects the travel experience for a key tourism destination. Clean Energy for Visitors: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to supply up to 95% of its electricity, cutting diesel use and helping keep services running during outages. Culture & Events: Tourism Solomons signed on as a major sponsor of “Aelan Riddim 26” in Honiara, bringing together Solomon Islands and regional artists for the May 30 festival. Tourism Growth Challenge: UNICEF’s WASH work highlights how open defecation and weak waste disposal are threatening tourism growth by harming visitor experience and damaging natural attractions. Regional Links: Newly elected PM Matthew Wale is pushing a “reset” with Australia, with talks focused on a new comprehensive treaty—an important backdrop for travel, security and economic cooperation.

Weather & Safety: The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service has issued a strong wind warning for Rennell/Bellona, southern Makira, Western Province, Guadalcanal, Temotu and the Russell Islands, with 20–25 knot winds and seas up to 2.5–3.0m over the next 24–48 hours—sea travellers in small boats are urged to take extra care. Tourism & Cleanliness: A week-long Honiara coastal clean-up kicked off at Rove Children’s Park, with officials linking shoreline rubbish to poor inland waste management and warning that sanitation problems could hurt visitor growth. Air Travel Upgrade: Western Province Premier Billy Veo is pushing GREAT and SI Airport Corporation to fast-track long-delayed upgrades to the Nusatupe Airport Terminal in Gizo, saying the current state doesn’t match a major tourism destination. Events & Culture: Tourism Solomons has signed on as a major sponsor for “Aelan Riddim 26” in Honiara, bringing regional artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu alongside local acts. Sustainable Stays: Heritage Park Hotel has commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system, aiming to supply up to 95% of its electricity needs and cut diesel use sharply. Local Markets: Buala vendors in Isabel Province received a new, climate-resilient market building with solar lighting, water storage, and accessible toilets and showers. Regional Links: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale has begun a “reset” with Australia, with talks in Canberra focused on a new comprehensive treaty covering security and economic cooperation.

Weather & Safety: Solomon Islands Meteorological Service issued Strong Wind Warning No. 1 for Rennell/Bellona, southern Makira, Western Province, Guadalcanal, Temotu and the Russell Islands, with south to southeast winds of 20–25 knots and seas 2.5–3.0m over the next 24–48 hours; poor visibility may occur in showers and thunderstorms, so sea travellers—especially in small boats—should take extra care. Tourism Watch: UNICEF says open defecation and poor inland waste management are hurting Honiara’s coastline and threatening tourism growth, while a separate report warns sanitation issues could deter visitors. Airport Upgrade Push: Western Province Premier Billy Veo urged GREAT and the Solomon Islands Airport Corporation to fast-track the long-delayed Nusatupe Terminal upgrade in Gizo to improve the visitor experience. Clean Energy for Visitors: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to supply up to 95% of its electricity, cutting diesel use and improving reliability for guests. Culture & Events: Tourism Solomons signed on as a major sponsor for ‘Aelan Riddim 26’ in Honiara (30 May), backing regional artists and the local creative economy.

Tourism & Health Security: A Lowy Institute expert warns illicit drugs are showing “warning signs” across the Pacific, with meth traces reported in Tonga wastewater and “narco-subs” washing up in the Solomon Islands—raising concern for rising HIV and TB risks as seen in Fiji. Clean Energy for Visitors: The ISA and World Bank launched a Pacific SIDS solar dialogue in Bali, pushing investment-ready solar and storage projects that include Solomon Islands—aimed at cutting high power costs that affect tourism operations. Honiara Waste & Coastal Impacts: Honiara’s coastline pollution is being linked to poor inland waste management, as a week-long clean-up campaign targets beaches and public areas to protect wildlife and visitor experiences. Tourism Growth Blocked by Sanitation: UNICEF WASH highlights how open defecation and rubbish disposal are discouraging travellers and damaging lagoons, reefs, and villages—key attractions for Solomon Islands tourism. Gizo Airport Upgrade Push: Western Province Premier Billy Veo urges GREAT and the Solomon Islands Airport Corporation to fast-track long-delayed Nusatupe Terminal upgrades, saying the current state hurts the travel experience. Gizo Sports Pathway: Choiseul organisers prepare the Lauru Games 2026 (June 8–10) as the selection pathway for Team Lauru ahead of the Solomon Games in Honiara. Tourism Culture Boost: Tourism Solomons signs on as a major sponsor of “Aelan Riddim 26” in Honiara (May 30), bringing regional artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu alongside local talent. Sustainable Hotel Power: Heritage Park Hotel commissions a large solar-plus-battery system to supply up to 95% of electricity needs, improving reliability for guests. Regional Tourism Data: SPTO and Niue Tourism share findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, including Solomon Islands participation, to guide future tourism strategy.