AGP Executive Report

Press Freedom Under Pressure: OCCRP condemns RSIPF questioning an In-depth Solomons reporter and searching her office while seeking a document tied to a major tobacco-related tax discrepancy. Pacific Games Accountability: Manasseh Sogavare accepts “political responsibility” for financial and administrative failures flagged in the 2023 Pacific Games special audit, while Transparency Solomon Islands urges the Government and National Hosting Authority to publicly address audit findings and unlawful spending. SME Finance Restart: The Government and CBSI relaunch the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS) after a 2025 suspension, with CBSI warning youth- and women-owned businesses still face barriers to credit. Healthcare Upgrade: Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre opens (SBD250m), with services set to begin and new systems for patient care and diagnostics. Energy and Infrastructure: China and Solomon Islands sign the second phase of the mini solar power project, and 400 solar streetlights are delivered to East Honiara communities. Regional Diplomacy: Taiwan’s foreign minister returns to Pacific Islands Forum events in Palau after being excluded from last year’s summit in Solomon Islands. Land and Resources: PM Wale receives Gold Ridge landowners’ petition seeking more consultation on Mineral Resources Bill amendments and clarity on a proposed sovereign wealth fund. Agriculture and Rural Development: World Bank officials visit Guadalcanal ABPO projects under SIART, and a new forest carbon policy project (RISE) launches to strengthen community rights in carbon markets.

Pacific Games Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) is demanding the Government publicly account for serious financial management and procurement failures flagged in the Auditor-General’s special audit of 2023 Pacific Games spending, after the High Court ruled the National Hosting Authority’s blanket waiver and related spending were unlawful. Opposition Scrutiny: The Parliamentary Opposition has set up a Shadow Ministerial Team to track ministries, laws, and expenditure more closely, while also pushing for investigations into Pacific Games-linked issues and other governance concerns. Minerals Governance: The Parliamentary Independent Group backs moves to regularise Solomon Islands Mineral Holding Limited (SIMHL) and supports creating a Sovereign Wealth Fund via constitutional amendment, arguing SIMHL should be established through an Act of Parliament. Regional Security & Fisheries: PM Matthew Wale toured the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency surveillance centre, highlighting regional support for tackling illegal fishing and improving vessel compliance checks. Energy & Services: China and Solomon Islands signed the second phase of a mini solar project to extend power to remaining constituencies, while Honiara’s new Naha Urban Health Centre is set to begin services. Appointments & Finance: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in, including David Teika Dennis to Finance and Treasury and Trevor Unusu to Police and National Security, as CBSI reported a July provisional operating deficit. Foreign Policy: Taiwan is returning to Pacific Islands Forum events in Palau after last year’s exclusion, with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung attending dialogue and related exhibits.

High Court & Public Finance: The Solomon Islands High Court ruled the National Hosting Authority unlawfully bypassed public procurement safeguards when spending on the 2023 Pacific Games, after a “Blanket Waiver” was found to override statutory rules. Opposition Oversight: The Parliamentary Opposition has launched a Shadow Ministerial Team to track ministries, laws and spending, while the Opposition also calls for investigation of 33 bauxite shipments over missing records and alleged unpaid royalties. Energy & Climate: China and Solomon Islands signed the second phase of a mini solar project to extend power to the remaining 25 constituencies; Solomon Islands also urged stronger, more accessible financing for land restoration and drought resilience at UNCCD COP17. Health & Services: Naha Urban Health Centre is set to begin services, expanding primary care in Honiara; MHMS and Honiara City Council school leaders are also rolling out capacity steps ahead of the 2027 free education rollout. Economy & Governance: CBSI launched Instant Funds Transfer (IFT) between participating banks; the Government recorded a July operating deficit after a June surplus, and three new Permanent Secretaries were sworn in. Regional Security: PM Wale visited the FFA fisheries surveillance centre ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum.

Pacific Fisheries Security: PM Matthew Wale toured the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre, backing regional vessel monitoring and intelligence to tackle illegal fishing and transnational maritime crime ahead of the 55th Forum Leaders Meeting. Road Safety & Accountability: MID condemned deliberate damage to newly installed Henderson to Alligator Road signs and furniture, saying it endangers road users and is not acceptable vandalism. Justice Delivers After 9 Years: A Trade Disputes Panel ordered Supreme Casino operator Super Entertainment Centre Ltd to compensate 24 former security guards after ruling their 2017 redundancy dismissals were unfair. Correctional Services Reform: Police and Correctional Services Minister John Tuhaika Jr urged stronger leadership, accountability and rehabilitation as CSSI plans its 2026–2030 strategic direction. Parliament Watchdog Setup: The Opposition announced a Shadow Ministerial Team to scrutinise ministries, laws and spending, with MPs assigned portfolio tracking roles. Pacific Games Legal Fallout: Solomon Islands High Court ruled the National Hosting Authority unlawfully bypassed public procurement safeguards in 2023 Pacific Games spending; the Pacific Games Council says it will seek legal advice on next steps. Public Finance & Payments: CBSI launched Instant Funds Transfer (IFT) between participating banks, while July saw a provisional operating deficit after a sharp rise in expenditure. New Permanent Secretaries: Three new Permanent Secretaries were sworn in, including David Teika Dennis to Finance and Treasury and Trevor Unusu to Police, National Security and Correctional Services. Education Governance Ahead of Free Education: Honiara City Council inducted school leaders and urged them to understand the Education Act 2023 as the 2027 Free Education rollout approaches.

High Court Accountability: The Solomon Islands High Court ruled the National Hosting Authority acted without lawful authority when it spent public money on the 2023 Pacific Games, finding an unlawful “Blanket Waiver” that let contracts bypass competitive tendering and breached the Public Financial Management Act; the court also questioned authority to spend from the Sports Solomons Fund, as the outgoing Auditor-General’s Games audit heads to police investigation. Public Finance & Appointments: The Government swore in three new Permanent Secretaries—David Teika Dennis (Finance & Treasury), Trevor Unusu (Police, National Security & Correctional Services), and Bunyan Sivoro (Culture & Tourism)—as CBSI reported a July operating deficit after two months of surpluses, driven by a sharp jump in expenditure. Opposition Oversight: The Parliamentary Opposition Group launched a Shadow Ministerial Team to strengthen scrutiny of ministries, legislation and public expenditure. Energy & Rural Access: China-backed support expanded via a second phase of a mini solar programme to extend clean power to remaining constituencies. Payments Modernisation: CBSI launched an Instant Funds Transfer service through SOLATS, with an initial SBD5,000 transaction limit. Regional Security & Fisheries: PM Wale visited the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre, highlighting intelligence and vessel monitoring support for Solomon Islands enforcement. Cyclone Preparedness: The Red Cross held a lesson-learned workshop on TC Maila response in Gizo.

Pacific Games Accountability: The Auditor General’s special audit into the 2023 Pacific Games says the National Hosting Authority’s procurement and financial controls were “serious,” citing unlawful spending authority, bypassed competition, weak due diligence, conflict-of-interest failures, misuse of customs duty exemptions, and poor records—referrals are set for police investigation. Parliament & Public Services: MPs questioned who should clean up stray dogs killed on public roads, with ministers pointing to the Road Transport Board and MHMS public health responsibilities, and calls for clearer coordination and policy. Minerals & Integrity: The Attorney General’s update on 33 bauxite shipments from Rennell Island reports missing or incomplete consignment permits (2019–2021), no Central Bank payment records, no MOUs found, and no refinery certificates or assay reports—raising fresh concerns over royalties, permits, and oversight. Land & Transparency: Opposition renewed scrutiny of a SBD$1.5m Forestry ministry house rent tied to PM Matthew Wale’s land, while the ministry says the tenancy began before he took office. Health Planning: MHMS completed its 2027 operational planning and budget workshop, centring primary health care and tightening links between national programmes and provincial priorities. Labour Mobility: Solomon Islands hit 13,000 PALM deployments to Australia, with the Labour Mobility Unit highlighting preparation systems and employer demand as the key driver. UNCCD Financing Push: Agriculture Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi urged more accessible, predictable climate finance for land restoration and drought resilience at UNCCD COP17. Education & Training: SINTA warned teachers not to treat mid-year breaks as extended holidays; meanwhile, new school facilities and SINU apprenticeships received support.

Pacific Games Accountability: The Auditor-General says procurement and spending for the 2023 Pacific Games were “serious” and unlawful, with weak controls, bypassed competition, poor records and missing budgets; the report is being sent to police for investigation after a High Court ruling. Parliament & Public Health: MPs debated stray dogs on roads and who should clean up after roadkill, with MHMS and the Road Transport Board flagged for roles. Health Planning: MHMS completed its 2027 operational planning and budget workshop, putting primary health care at the centre and tightening links between national programmes and provincial priorities. Labour Mobility: Solomon Islands hit 13,000 PALM deployments to Australia, as the Labour Mobility Unit highlights training and readiness while noting employer demand drives numbers. Education & Training: SINTA warns teachers not to treat mid-year breaks as holidays; Malaita opened a new Aligegeo dining hall; Gold Ridge welcomed SINU apprentices for six-month practical training. Governance & Integrity: Opposition renewed scrutiny of a $1.5m-a-year Forestry house rent tied to PM Wale’s land interest. Tax Reform Consultation: GREAT released a draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public feedback. Malaria Push: Government launched a malaria elimination roadmap targeting elimination by 2038 and WHO certification by 2040.

Pacific Games Accountability: Auditor-General David Teika Dennis says the 2023 Pacific Games special audit findings will be referred to Solomon Islands Police, after court-linked conclusions that the National Hosting Authority (NHA) failed to follow the Public Financial Management Act 2013 and lacked legal authority for spending from special funds. High Court Procurement Ruling: The High Court found NHA’s “modified procurement” and “blanket waiver” approach unlawful, with procurement and record-keeping failures flagged across major spending. Forestry Rent Controversy: Opposition is pressing Prime Minister Matthew Wale over a SBD$1.5m-a-year Forestry ministry house rent tied to Wale’s land interest, while the ministry says the tenancy began before he became PM. Minerals Oversight: The Attorney General’s update on 33 Rennell Island bauxite shipments points to missing/incomplete permits (2019–2021), no Central Bank payment trail, and absent refinery certificates/assay reports. Health & Malaria: Government launched a national malaria elimination roadmap targeting elimination by 2038 and WHO certification by 2040. Regional Diplomacy: Japan’s ruling party says there’s room for closer economic cooperation with Pacific islands as China’s influence grows. Community Policing: RSIPF arrested two suspects in Honiara after a raid on illegal kwaso brewing.

High Court & Audit Shock Over Pacific Games Spending: The High Court ruled the National Hosting Authority acted unlawfully in spending public funds for the 2023 Pacific Games, after an Auditor-General special audit found poor budget control, unlawful procurement practices, missing records, and weak financial safeguards around a SBD$222.4m sample. Governance & Procurement Accountability: The audit says NHA bypassed required checks, lacked legal authority to spend from the special fund, and failed key Public Financial Management Act requirements—raising fresh probity concerns. Malaria Elimination Push: Government launched the National Roadmap for Malaria Elimination 2026–2040, targeting zero malaria deaths by 2030 and elimination by 2038, with WHO certification by 2040. Opposition Questions PM Wale Forestry Rent: Opposition alleges a SBD$100,000-a-month Forestry rental linked to a property registered to PM Matthew Wale raises transparency and value-for-money issues. Rennell Bauxite Records Under Scrutiny: The Attorney General’s update says 33 bauxite shipments involved missing/incomplete export permits, no payment trail with the Central Bank, and no refinery certificates or assay reports. Education & Skills: Malaita commended GREAT Government support for education agreements, while SINU urged young Solomon Islanders to build the nation through education, practical skills and innovation. Labour Mobility Milestone: More than 13,000 Solomon Islanders are now working in Australia under the PALM scheme.

Pacific Games Accountability: The High Court ruled the National Hosting Authority acted unlawfully in 2023 Pacific Games spending, after an Auditor-General review found serious procurement and financial-control failures and lack of legal authority to spend from the special fund. Procurement & Records: A special audit into 16 Pacific Games procurement samples worth SBD$222.4m found poor budget control, bypassed competition, weak due diligence, conflict-of-interest gaps, and missing records—raising probity concerns. Mineral Governance Clash: Opposition renewed pressure on PM Matthew Wale and the Government over the Solomon Islands Mineral Holding Ltd (SIMHL) registration, while the Attorney-General’s update on 33 Rennell Island bauxite shipments points to missing permits, no payment trail with the Central Bank, and absent assay/refinery records. Forestry Rent Controversy: Opposition alleges the Forestry Ministry pays SBD$100,000 a month to rent a property tied to PM Wale’s registered land interest, questioning value for money and transparency. Health Priorities: Government launched a malaria elimination roadmap targeting zero malaria deaths by 2030 and WHO certification by 2040, with targets to cut confirmed cases by 45%. Tax Reform Consultation: The GREAT Government released its draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public feedback. Regional & Community News: PNGFA confirmed it will participate in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup after assurances that outstanding player allowances will be settled; U.S. Army and Solomon Islands health partners ran a hearing-focused MEDCAP in Honiara.

High Court on Pacific Games spending: The High Court ruled the National Hosting Authority acted unlawfully and without legal authority in spending public funds for the 2023 Pacific Games, following Auditor-General findings on procurement and control failures. Audit exposes procurement failures: A special audit found poor budget control, missing approved budgets for major samples, weak compliance with the Public Financial Management Act, bypassed competition, and serious record-keeping gaps tied to the Games. NHA spending unlawful: The court case also confirmed NHA lacked legal authority to incur expenditure from the special fund, deepening scrutiny of how the Games money was handled. Forestry rent controversy: Opposition renewed pressure on PM Matthew Wale over a reported SBD$1.5m Forestry house rent, pointing to land title links to the PM and questions over value for money and process. Mineral Holdings dispute: Opposition rejected the Government/AG’s explanation over Solomon Islands Mineral Holding Limited (SIMHL) registration, alleging process and due-diligence problems; the PMO later “corrected” Company Haus details. Tax policy consultation: Government released its draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public feedback. Malaria push: Health launched a National Malaria Elimination Roadmap 2026–2040, targeting zero malaria deaths by 2030 and elimination by 2038. Regional diplomacy: Japan’s ruling party signalled room for closer economic cooperation with Pacific islands as China’s influence grows. PNG–Solomons investment drive: PM Wale and PNG PM Marape pushed a “growth corridor” and investment-focused partnership to turn political ties into jobs and trade. PALM jobs milestone: Over 13,000 Solomon Islanders are now working in Australia under the PALM scheme.

Pacific Games Accountability: An audit into the 2023 Pacific Games found serious procurement and financial-control failures by the National Hosting Authority, including bypassed competition, weak due diligence, poor record-keeping, and misuse of customs duty exemptions, with spending tied to SBD$222.4m. Mineral Governance Fight: The Opposition escalated pressure over the Solomon Islands Mineral Holding Limited (SIMHL) registration, rejecting the Government and Attorney-General’s “administrative mistake” explanation and raising concerns about process, legal authority, and parliamentary scrutiny. Rennell Bauxite Records: The Attorney-General’s update on 33 bauxite shipments says key export records (2019–2021) are missing or incomplete, Central Bank payment records are absent, no refinery certificates/assays were found, and customs documentation is incomplete—deepening questions over royalties and oversight. Conflict-of-Interest Rent Row: Opposition called out PM Matthew Wale over a SBD$1.5m Forestry house rent, after land title links the property to Wale; the Ministry says the tenancy began before he became PM. Public Finance Planning: Government released a draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public consultation. Health Policy: Solomon Islands launched its malaria elimination roadmap aiming for zero malaria deaths by 2030 and elimination by 2038.

Bauxite Accountability: The Attorney-General’s update on 33 Rennell Island bauxite shipments says key records from 2019–2021 are missing or incomplete, Central Bank payment records can’t be found, no MoU or supporting correspondence is located, and even refinery certificates/assay reports are absent—raising fresh questions over royalties, permits, and oversight. Political Transparency: Opposition is challenging a SBD$100,000-a-month Forestry rental tied to a property registered to PM Matthew Wale, while another dispute over Solomon Islands Mineral Holding Ltd (SIMHL) has prompted Government to admit an “honest administrative mistake” and correct Company Haus entries. Health Policy: Government launched the National Malaria Elimination Roadmap 2026–2040, targeting zero malaria deaths by 2030 and elimination by 2038, with WHO certification by 2040. Tax Reform Consultation: GREAT released a draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public input, outlining priorities and a process for sequencing tax and legislative changes. Regional Economy: PM Wale and PNG PM Marape pushed a PNG–Solomon “growth corridor” at an investment forum, aiming to turn Melanesian ties into bankable partnerships, trade, jobs and downstream processing. Labour Mobility: PALM reported 13,000 Solomon Islanders now working in Australia, reflecting growing demand and LMU recruitment and preparation efforts. Governance & Appointments: Transparency Solomon Islands warned the scale of political appointments is “deeply concerning,” citing rising costs and fiscal pressure.

Mineral Holdings Fallout: The Opposition has rejected the Government and Attorney-General’s explanation over Solomon Islands Mineral Holding Limited (SIMHL) registration, after public outcry over shareholder details; the Government now says it was an “honest administrative mistake” and will correct the Company Haus record, including removing the PM from the entry. Tax Policy Push: The GREAT Coalition released a draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public consultation, aiming for a more transparent, participatory tax agenda. Malaria Elimination Plan: Health Ministry targets zero malaria deaths by 2030 under a roadmap to eliminate malaria by 2038, following a sharp rise in confirmed cases. PNG–Solomons Investment Drive: PM Matthew Wale and PNG PM James Marape opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference/Forum, pitching a “growth corridor” and “bankable” economic partnership to turn Melanesian ties into jobs and downstream investment. Public Finance Leadership Change: Auditor-General David Dennis resigned to become Permanent Secretary of Finance and Treasury, with safeguards and an acting Auditor-General appointed. Community Safety & Services: RSIPF arrested two suspects in Honiara during a raid targeting illegal kwaso brewing; separate reports highlight new school classrooms and science labs funded by partners. Peacebuilding Funding: Government launched a US$3m peacebuilding fund programme (2026–2028) to support decentralisation, social cohesion and constitutional reform.

Mineral Holdings Row: The Opposition has rejected the Government and Attorney-General’s explanation over the registration of Solomon Islands Mineral Holding Limited (SIMHL), saying the “honest administrative mistake” doesn’t answer bigger questions on process, due diligence, legal authority and parliamentary scrutiny. Tax Policy Consultation: The GREAT Government has opened public consultation on its Draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028, outlining priorities and a process for choosing tax reforms. Malaria Push: The Health Ministry, with WHO support, launched a roadmap targeting zero malaria deaths by 2030 and elimination by 2038. Honiara Education Boost: Two new classroom projects in Malaita (Dala North and Laugwata) were completed with Australia’s Community Partnerships Program funding. PNG–Solomons Investment Drive: PM Matthew Wale and PNG PM James Marape used the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference to call for a “structured, bankable” growth corridor and more business-to-business investment. Fiscal Pressure & Appointments: Transparency Solomon Islands urged the Government to disclose details of 58 political appointments amid World Bank warnings on cash reserves and wage-bill strain. Peacebuilding Funding: Government launched a US$3m peacebuilding fund programme for provinces, delivered with UN partners. Auditor-General Move: Auditor-General David Teika Dennis resigned to become Permanent Secretary for Finance and Treasury. Cyclone Maila Shelter Planning: Government began planning a shelter recovery programme for Maila-affected communities, with costs and options still being assessed.

Mining Governance: The Government says the Solomon Islands Mineral Holding Ltd (SIMHL) shareholder details in Company Haus were corrected after an “administrative mistake,” with names of PM Matthew Wale, Finance Minister Gordon Lilo and Mines Minister Derick Manuari removed and rules to be clarified in regulations. Regional Investment Push: PM Wale and PNG PM James Marape used the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference to call for a “structured, bankable” growth corridor and a shift from goodwill to real investment, jobs and downstream processing. Public Finance Pressure: The World Bank urges fast-tracking the VAT Bill and Mineral Resources Bill, warning tax exemptions and weak fiscal buffers are undermining resilience as growth slows. Transparency in Appointments: Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) demands the GREAT Coalition publicly justify 58 political appointments, many at “superscale,” amid World Bank warnings of uneven recovery and rising wage pressure. Health Policy: Government launched a Malaria Elimination Roadmap 2026–2040 targeting elimination by 2038, citing a sharp rise in confirmed cases. Economy Watch: World Bank data shows gold overtook logging as the top export (53% of goods exports), while mining’s job creation remains limited. Peacebuilding Funding: A US$3m peacebuilding fund programme (2026–2028) will support peace, social cohesion, inclusive governance and decentralisation across all provinces. Accountability & Oversight: Auditor-General David Teika Dennis resigned to become Permanent Secretary for Finance and Treasury, with safeguards and an acting Auditor-General in place. Justice Delay: The Vaevaso police tribunal still hasn’t started after two members withdrew, with replacements being sought.