Pacific Security Push: New Solomon Islands PM and incoming Pacific Islands Forum chair Matthew Wale used his inauguration to call for a stronger Pacific-led regional security framework, urging leaders to take ownership of the region’s future as geopolitical tensions rise. Regional Unity in Action: Wale and Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka met in Suva to reaffirm a united Pacific voice, with talks also touching the Melanesian Spearhead Group and the MSG trade agenda. Forum Governance Talks: Pacific Islands Forum Troika leaders met in Suva ahead of the 55th Leaders Meeting in Palau, focusing on regional architecture reforms and preparations for COP31 engagement. Minimum Wage Consultation: Solomon Islands private sector groups want any minimum wage adjustment preceded by broad provincial consultation and a full economic impact assessment, warning against a poorly timed increase. Roads Resilience Upgrade: The Ministry of Infrastructure is advancing climate-resilient transport asset management under SIRAP2, modernising the national system with World Bank support. SME Finance Boost: Government signed a revised MoU with the Central Bank to strengthen the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, including SBD18 million disbursement from 2026. Fuel Measurement Support: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel measurement trolleys to six Pacific nations, including Solomon Islands, to help verify pump accuracy. Culture Spotlight: NATPAN 2026 is underway in Honiara, celebrating panpipe music with groups from across the provinces. Sports: Henderson Eels FC were eliminated from the OFC Women’s Champions League after a 6-0 loss to Vanuatu’s Tafea; Hekari’s late surge beat Ba 3-1 to stay in semi-final contention. Public Safety: Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso was suspended while a tribunal investigates allegations he destroyed meth evidence and obstructed an internal probe.