AGP Executive Report

Drug Enforcement: Australia seized 2.7 tonnes of cocaine in its biggest-ever bust, with police saying it was hidden in underground bunkers beneath false floors in containers near Sydney; two men were arrested and charged, and investigators say a “mother vessel” linked to the smuggling ring was detained in the Solomon Islands. Policing & Governance: Solomon Islands’ newly appointed police chief Ian Vaevaso was suspended less than two months after taking office over allegations tied to meth evidence mishandling, with an independent tribunal set to examine the case. Maritime Crime Probe: RSIPF, Customs and Immigration intercepted the Belize-flagged MV WEALTH in Renbel Province after intelligence-led monitoring since April, with authorities suspecting drug trafficking, illicit tobacco smuggling and other transnational crimes at sea. Cost of Living & Business: PM Matthew Wale urged Solomon Airlines, telecoms and other major service providers to cut costs and profit margins, warning government support will not be open-ended without measurable change; he also pushed “Farmers First” logistics reforms via CEMA landing crafts to reduce freight expenses for rural copra and cocoa. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Honiara’s new Kulabule Jetty was commissioned to boost domestic shipping, reduce port congestion and strengthen inter-island trade, while MID and World Bank-backed road safety work in Honiara wrapped with plans to set up a National Road Safety Council framework. Environment & Risk: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway, as youth remain underrepresented in politics and governance discussions across the region.

Maritime & Trade Infrastructure: Solomon Ports Authority commissioned the new Kulabule Jetty at Honiara’s domestic terminal, a ~SBD28m project expected to cut congestion and boost inter-island passenger and cargo movement, supporting trade in food, fisheries, and building materials. Skills & Jobs: Australia handed SINU TAFE training equipment worth over SBD170,000 for about 190 students in building construction, carpentry and joinery, as part of wider workforce development. Road Safety Governance: MID, with World Bank support, wrapped a national road safety action plan training and conference in Honiara, setting up the National Road Safety Council framework to reduce crashes and improve enforcement and data. Honiara Cost of Living & Business Climate: PM Matthew Wale urged Honiara City Council to drive a “livable” city vision and push down business licensing and operating costs; he also told Our Telekom to lower service charges. Public Finance & Integrity: CBSI marked its 50th anniversary with a push for central bank independence and future reforms, including discussion of a possible CBDC. Natural Resources Accountability: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo moved to cancel tax-exempt MOUs for companies in forestry, fisheries and mining, citing past mismanagement concerns. Security & Enforcement: RSIPF, Customs and Immigration intercepted the Belize-flagged cargo vessel MV Wealth, suspected in drug and tobacco smuggling; separately, the police chief was suspended over alleged mishandling of meth evidence. Regional Business & Leadership: Vanuatu’s Dr Anna Naupa was appointed first woman to lead the MSG Secretariat, a milestone for regional cooperation.

Maritime Security: RSIPF, Customs and Immigration intercepted the Belize-flagged MV Wealth in Renbel, suspected of drug trafficking and tobacco smuggling, with 19 crew detained and the ship tracked since April after intelligence from Australia’s Border Force and the FFA. Police Integrity: Newly appointed police chief Ian Vaevaso was suspended after less than two months over allegations tied to mishandling meth evidence, with an independent tribunal now set to review the case. Ports & Trade: Solomon Ports Authority commissioned the new 50-metre Kulabule Jetty at Honiara’s domestic terminal (about SBD28m), expected to cut congestion and boost inter-island movement of passengers and cargo. Road Safety: MID, with World Bank support, wrapped a June 2–4 national road safety action plan training and conference, aiming to set up the National Road Safety Council framework. Skills for Jobs: Australia handed SINU TAFE training equipment worth over SBD170,000 for about 190 students in building construction and carpentry/joinery. City Costs & Services: PM Matthew Wale urged Honiara City Council to drive a “livable” city vision and push down business licensing costs to support local enterprise. Resource Governance: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo moved to cancel MOUs tied to tax-exempt status for forestry, fisheries and mining companies, citing past mismanagement concerns. Education Policy Debate: A national discussion on “free education” is intensifying, with calls to clarify what costs are covered and how implementation will work.

Maritime & Trade: Solomon Ports Authority commissioned the new Kulabule Jetty at Honiara Domestic Terminal, a 50-metre facility named for late Captain Judah Kulabule and funded by Solomon Ports at about SBD 28 million, expected to cut congestion and boost inter-island passenger and cargo handling, supporting movement of agriculture, fisheries and building materials. Skills & Jobs: Australia handed over SBD 170,000+ in training equipment to SINU TAFE, backing practical learning for around 190 students in building construction, carpentry and joinery. Road Safety: MID, with World Bank support under SIRAP2, wrapped a national road safety action plan training and conference in Honiara, setting up the groundwork for a National Road Safety Council to advise the Road Transport Board. City Costs & Services: PM Matthew Wale urged Honiara City Council to drive a “livable” city vision, including steps to reduce business licensing friction and ease cost pressures, with ideas like a multi-storey car park at Central Market. Enforcement: Honiara authorities seized banned single-use plastics in a two-day operation targeting businesses from Korona Market to White River. Security & Crime: RSIPF, Customs and Immigration intercepted a Belize-flagged cargo vessel MV Wealth in Renbel Province, suspected in transnational crime including drug trafficking and tobacco smuggling; 19 crew were taken into custody. Police Integrity: Newly appointed police chief Ian Vaevaso was suspended less than two months after appointment over allegations tied to mishandling meth evidence, with an independent tribunal ahead. Central Banking: CBSI marked its 50th anniversary with calls for central bank independence and a future-facing agenda, including discussion of a possible CBDC.

Maritime Crime Crackdown: RSIPF, Customs and Immigration, with regional partners, intercepted the Belize-flagged cargo vessel MV Wealth in Renbel/Honiara after tracking it since April, with suspicions of drug trafficking and tobacco smuggling; 19 crew were taken into custody and the ship is now in Honiara for further checks. Police Integrity Shock: Solomon Islands suspended newly appointed police chief Ian Vaevaso less than two months after his appointment over an alleged meth evidence mishandling scandal; he will face an independent tribunal. City Costs and Growth: PM Matthew Wale urged Honiara City Council to set a clear 10-year vision for a “livable” Honiara, including steps to bring down business licensing costs and ease congestion, with a possible multi-storey car park at the Central Market. Plastics Enforcement: A two-day Honiara operation seized large quantities of banned single-use plastics from businesses, with only a small number of permit holders allowed under strict conditions. Transport and Trade Infrastructure: Solomon Ports commissioned the new 50-metre Kulabule Jetty at the Honiara Domestic Terminal Area to improve domestic shipping efficiency and reduce port-area congestion. Central Banking Outlook: CBSI marked its 50th anniversary with a forum where Governor Dr Luke Forau stressed institutional independence and outlined a future agenda for digital finance and resilience. Education Policy Debate: Commentary argues “free education” must be defined by who pays which real costs, not just tuition, as Solomon Islands shapes its national approach.

Governance & City Costs: Prime Minister Matthew Wale urged the Honiara City Council to set a clear, ambitious 10-year vision for a “livable” Honiara, warning that high costs and congestion are holding back growth and calling for stronger basic services and measures like a possible multi-storey car park at the Central Market. Public Finance & Education: A national debate is growing over what “free education” should cover in Solomon Islands, with the key question shifting to which costs government will actually fund and how implementation will work. Police & Rule of Law: Newly appointed police chief Ian Vaevaso was suspended after less than two months over allegations tied to mishandling meth evidence, with an independent tribunal set to examine the matter. Maritime Security & Trade Enforcement: RSIPF, Customs and Immigration intercepted the Belize-flagged MV WEALTH in Renbel Province, suspecting links to transnational organised crime including drug and tobacco smuggling. Resource Sector Accountability: Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare welcomed investigations into 33 bauxite shipments from West Rennell but insisted High Court proceedings must remain the main route for recovering unpaid royalties. Infrastructure & Shipping: Solomon Ports commissioned the new Kulabule Jetty at Honiara’s Domestic Terminal, a SBD 28 million project aimed at easing congestion and improving domestic passenger and cargo services. Telecom Costs: Wale told Our Telekom to lower service charges, saying telecommunications costs must come down as the cost of living rises. Central Banking Modernisation: CBSI began procurement for an eight-storey headquarters in Honiara designed to meet Australian and New Zealand standards, while CBSI also reaffirmed the importance of central bank independence and future-facing reforms. Regional Trade & Investment: Pacific Trade Invest China’s Mona Mato said China’s shift toward higher-end demand is opening opportunities for Pacific exporters to grow in value-added products. Regional Spotlight: Vanuatu’s Dr Anna Naupa was appointed the first woman to lead the MSG Secretariat, a historic milestone for the bloc.

Honiara City Costs & Growth: Prime Minister Matthew Wale urged the Honiara City Council to set a clear 10-year vision to make Honiara “livable,” warning the city is getting more expensive and congested, and pushing for lower HCC business licensing costs and stronger basic services, including a possible multi-storey car park at the Central Market. Road Safety Push: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development, with World Bank support, wrapped a National Road Safety Action Plan training and conference in Honiara, setting up the National Road Safety Council framework to cut crashes and improve enforcement, data and infrastructure safety. Ports & Shipping Upgrade: Solomon Islands Ports Authority commissioned the new 50-metre Kulabule Jetty at the Honiara Domestic Terminal, funded by Solomon Ports at about SBD 28 million, aiming to ease congestion and improve domestic passenger and cargo services. Telecom Costs: Wale told Our Telekom to lower service charges, saying high telecom costs are hitting households as the cost of living rises. Customs Compliance Update: Solomon Islands Customs introduced new ASYCUDA World manifest data requirements from June 16, including extra “Notify” details and carrier TINs to improve shipment tracking. Central Bank Modernisation: CBSI launched procurement for an eight-storey headquarters designed to meet Australian/New Zealand and local building standards, as it also marks its 50-year legacy and looks ahead to a more independent, resilient financial system. Resource Sector Accountability: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo moved to cancel MOUs tied to tax-exempt status for companies in forestry, fisheries and mining, citing ongoing corruption and mismanagement concerns. Crime & Security: A joint operation intercepted the MV WEALTH in Renbel Province, suspected in transnational drug and tobacco smuggling; meanwhile, the newly appointed police chief Ian Vaevaso was suspended over mishandling of meth evidence, with an independent tribunal to follow. Regional Business & Tourism: Pacific Tourism Organisation backed sustainable tourism cooperation through Tourism Tok Stori in Honiara, while MSG leadership news saw Vanuatu’s Dr Anna Naupa appointed Director General—an important regional governance shift that can shape trade and development coordination.

Education Policy: Solomon Islands’ push for “free education” is being framed as more than removing fees, with the real question now shifting to which costs (materials, transport, meals, tertiary support) government will cover and how it will be implemented. Public Safety & Justice: The Solomon Islands government has suspended Police Chief Ian Vaevaso after an internal probe reported he destroyed drug evidence, intimidated officers, and misled investigators—raising questions about oversight processes. Regional Security: Prime Minister Matthew Wale has floated a Pacific-wide security pact during talks in Canberra, signalling a “Pacific-led” approach and a tougher stance on China’s role in regional security. Banking & Construction: The Central Bank of Solomon Islands has begun procurement for an eight-storey headquarters in Honiara, designed to meet local and Australian/New Zealand seismic and building standards. Trade & Compliance: Solomon Islands Customs has introduced new ASYCUDA World manifest requirements for shipping and airline agents, including extra notify details and carrier identification. Infrastructure Planning: Western Province completed consultation on the SINIIP 2026 dossier, with calls for transparent, inclusive project delivery. Environment & Waste: MECDM says Honiara’s coastal pollution is driven by land-based waste mismanagement, urging the “Three Rs” and better household waste practices. Regional Leadership: Vanuatu’s Dr Anna Naupa becomes the first woman to lead the MSG Secretariat, a milestone for Melanesian regional institutions. Crime & Drugs (Regional spillover): Australia-linked investigations report a “mothership” detained in Solomon Islands tied to a major cocaine and meth pipeline, with multiple charges in Queensland.

Drug Enforcement: Australia-linked “mother vessel” MV Wealth was detained in the Solomon Islands as part of Operation Minjiang, after Queensland police seized 178kg cocaine and 142kg meth (about A$121m) and charged six men over an alleged east-coast import and safe-house network. Regional Leadership: Vanuatu’s Dr Anna Naupa has become the first woman and first ni-Vanuatu to lead the MSG Secretariat as Director General, a historic 40-year milestone for the bloc headquartered in Port Vila. Pacific Security Politics: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale floated a Pacific-wide security pact idea in Canberra, pushing for a “Pacific-led” security architecture and a review of the China-Solomons security pact. Trade & Customs: Solomon Islands Customs introduced new ASYCUDA World manifest requirements for shipping and airline agents, including extra “Notify” details and TINs, effective 16 June. Banking & Construction: CBSI launched procurement for an eight-storey headquarters in Honiara, designed to meet Australian/New Zealand codes and local building standards. Infrastructure Planning: Western Province completed SINIIP 2026 consultations in Gizo, with leaders stressing transparent, inclusive project delivery. Governance & Justice: UNDP says it will support Solomon Islands to rejoin EITI to strengthen extractives transparency, while a PNG–Solomons twinning program targets capacity building for prosecutors. Youth & Environment: The Governor-General urged action on youth unemployment and drug abuse, and MECDM called for daily coastal and waste stewardship through community-led “Three Rs” action.

Central Bank HQ: CBSI has started procurement for a new eight-storey headquarters in Honiara, designed to meet Australian and New Zealand building codes and seismic standards, with climate-resilient features and improved access. Infrastructure Planning: Western Province stakeholders have completed consultation on the SINIIP 2026 dossier, feeding local priorities into a national pipeline of major projects worth over SBD$19 billion. Customs Update: Solomon Islands Customs introduced new ASYCUDA World manifest data requirements for shipping and airline agents, effective June 16, including extra “Notify” details and carrier TINs to improve tracking and clearance. Development Governance: UNDP says it will back stronger provincial governance and rural, climate-resilient infrastructure, and it is supporting Solomon Islands’ return to EITI to boost transparency in mining and extractives. Security & Regionalism: Solomon Islands’ PM Matthew Wale floated a Pacific-wide security pact during talks in Canberra, while regional leaders renewed calls for peace amid rising global tensions. Youth & Community: The Governor-General urged unity and active citizen participation in development, and highlighted youth as a national asset needing jobs and training.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale floated a Pacific-wide security pact in Canberra, pushing a “Pacific-led” approach and signalling a review of the China-Solomons security deal. Regional Governance Pushback: Solomon Islands National University VC Dr Transform Aqorau warned Pacific regionalism risks losing relevance unless declarations deliver measurable results, citing fisheries as a rare success. Justice Sector Capacity: PNG and Solomon Islands launched a twinning program to strengthen prosecution services, with hands-on training in cybercrime, financial crime, corruption, and family/sexual violence. Extractives Transparency: UNDP says it will support Solomon Islands to rejoin EITI, backing civil society training to improve monitoring and reporting in the mining sector. Aviation Infrastructure: Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion, with major façade and access-road progress under the World Bank-funded SIRAP2 project. Environment & Waste: MECDM officials urged daily responsibility for coastal protection as Honiara’s clean-up campaign highlighted pollution linked to poor waste management. Agriculture Innovation: Drones are emerging as a fuel-saving option for some farmers, though helicopters remain better for large-scale spraying. Youth & Jobs: The Governor-General called youth a national asset, urging more training and decentralised opportunities beyond Honiara. Business & Trade Watch: A new nickel ore safety guidance highlights risks from variable direct-shipped ore, warning incidents could continue without improved loading practices.

Pacific Regionalism Under Scrutiny: Solomon Islands National University VC Dr Transform Aqorau says Pacific declarations must now prove results, warning regionalism risks losing relevance if it doesn’t measurably improve people’s lives. Security Pivot in Focus: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale floated a Pacific-wide security pact in Canberra, signalling a shift toward “Pacific-led” security architecture and a tougher stance on China’s role in regional security. Justice Sector Cooperation: PNG and Solomon Islands are twinning prosecution services, with PNG prosecutors visiting Honiara to set priorities for hands-on training in cybercrime, financial crime, corruption, and family and sexual violence. Extractives Transparency Push: UNDP will support Solomon Islands to rejoin EITI, while a UNDP and British High Commission training-of-trainers program strengthens civil society’s role in EITI monitoring and reporting. Environment and Waste: MECDM Deputy Secretary Karl Kuper links coastal pollution to poor land-based waste management and urges the “Three Rs” and better household waste separation. Rural Economy & Infrastructure: Malaita’s Kwaibaita Football League opened, while in transport, TTC started a 5km tar-sealed road upgrade in Malaita supported by the National Transport Fund. Resource Sector Oversight: PM Wale warns illegal loggers and miners will face strong action, while saying legitimate investors are welcome.

Pacific Security Pivot: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale floated a Pacific-wide security pact in Canberra, pushing a “Pacific-led” security architecture and signalling a review of the China-Solomons security deal. Governance & Democracy: Governor-General Tiva Kapu urged unity and urgency after the March–May political impasse, stressing rule of law and tackling climate change, youth unemployment and drug abuse. Fisheries & Maritime Enforcement: France’s navy officer described regional surveillance work under FFA’s Operation Tui Moana 2026 to strengthen fisheries monitoring across the Southwest Pacific. Aviation & Infrastructure: Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion, with major façade and access-road progress under the World Bank-funded SIRAP2 project. Extractives Transparency & Justice: UNDP and the British High Commission ran EITI training for civil society; UNDP also backs Solomon Islands’ return to EITI, while PNG and Solomon Islands launched a twinning program to strengthen prosecution capacity. Local Economy & Jobs: Malaita’s NGC received 13 trucks to boost Economic Zones; Malaita also started a 5km tar-sealed road upgrade; and SOLKAS expanded rural youth climate-resilient livelihood training. Environment & Waste: MECDM officials warned coastal pollution is driven by poor waste management and urged “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” and better household waste handling.

Green Finance Push (PNG): France committed EUR15m (about K75m) to expand green lending in Papua New Guinea, backing SMEs, renewables, sustainable agriculture and a Green Guarantee Facility with AFD, BPNG and GGGI. Justice Sector Cooperation (Solomon Islands & PNG): A PNG prosecution team visited Honiara to kick off a twinning programme with Solomon Islands’ prosecutors, targeting cybercrime, financial crime, corruption and family/sexual violence, plus prosecutor placements. UNDP Governance & Extractives: UNDP says it will strengthen provincial governance and rural, climate-resilient infrastructure, and support Solomon Islands to rejoin EITI, with civil society training to improve extractive transparency and monitoring. Environment & Waste in Honiara: MECDM says coastal pollution is driven by poor land waste management; officials urged daily action using the “Three Rs” and better household waste separation and council collection. Youth & Jobs Focus: The Governor-General called Solomon Islands’ youth population a national asset, urging more vocational training and decentralised economic opportunities. Resource Sector Politics: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare urged the Attorney-General to recuse over APID-related bauxite shipment investigations, citing conflict concerns. Infrastructure Update (Aviation): Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion, with access road works about 80% done. Regional Security & Peace: Pacific leaders renewed calls for global peace amid rising tensions, while a Lowy Institute report warned China’s strike capacity over Australia could grow via cyberattacks and undersea cable disruption.

Regional Security & Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders issued a renewed global appeal for peace, urging world leaders to uphold the UN Charter and resolve disputes through dialogue as tensions rise. Justice Sector Capacity: A PNG–Solomon Islands twinning program is set to strengthen prosecution services, with Honiara hosting a PNG delegation to plan hands-on training for cybercrime, financial crimes, corruption, and family/sexual violence cases. Governance & Transparency: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says future security agreements will be handled more transparently, including stronger parliamentary oversight, while noting the existing China security deal has a non-disclosure clause. Business & Jobs: SICCI is calling for a data-driven minimum wage review, warning that any increase must reflect both workers’ cost of living and businesses’ ability to absorb higher labour costs. Infrastructure & Transport: Work on the World Bank-funded Aviation Complex Building at Honiara International Airport is nearing completion, while Malaita’s TTC is building a 5km tar-sealed road section supported by the National Transport Fund. Extractives Oversight: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare urges the Attorney-General to recuse himself from APID-related matters as investigations begin into questionable bauxite shipments. Cyclone Maila Recovery: Government estimates about $150 million is needed for recovery after Tropical Cyclone Maila, covering health, education, livelihoods, and housing.

Mining Integrity Watch: Solomon Islands Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare has urged Attorney-General Gabriel Suri to recuse himself from all APID-related matters as investigations begin into questionable bauxite shipments, after Suri previously acted for APID in a case involving alleged unpaid royalties. Governance & Transparency: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says future international security deals will be handled more transparently, with stronger parliamentary oversight, while noting the China security agreement’s non-disclosure clause limits what can be released publicly. Aviation Upgrade: Work on the World Bank-funded Honiara International Airport Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion, with the external façade installed and access road works about 80% done. Extractives Transparency Training: UNDP and the British High Commission ran a Training of Trainers for civil society on EITI implementation, monitoring and reporting to strengthen accountability in the oil, gas and mining sector. Roads for Rural Trade: In Malaita, TTC has started a 5km tar-sealed road from Kwaibala to Oibola, supported by the National Transport Fund and aimed at creating local jobs and better market access. Rural Transport Boost: North Guadalcanal received 13 trucks for its economic zones under a PRC-supported rural development programme, with co-funding from MRD and the Constituency Development Fund. Resource Sector Oversight: PM Wale says the government welcomes credible logging and mining investment but will act against companies that deliberately break the law. Digital Finance Push: M-SELEN’s 3rd anniversary rewards promotion runs June 11 to Oct 2, encouraging more daily use of digital payments. Minimum Wage Debate: SICCI calls for a data-driven minimum wage review, warning that any increase must reflect both worker cost-of-living needs and business capacity. Cyclone Maila Recovery Funding: Government estimates about $150 million is needed for recovery after Tropical Cyclone Maila, covering health, education, livelihoods and housing. Sports & Business Community: Football fever hit Honiara with a World Cup fan parade, while Malaita’s Kwaibaita Football League opened with 22 teams—highlighting youth sport as a local development and sponsorship opportunity.