The Government today signed its much-debated maritime security agreement with the United States aboard a visiting U.S. Coast Guard vessel in Honiara, but the ceremony took place behind closed doors after the media were unexpectedly excluded.
Journalists had initially been advised they would be allowed to cover the signing of the Agreement Concerning Counter Illicit Transnational Maritime Activity, commonly known as the Shiprider Agreement, and witness the event alongside invited Government ministers and officials.
However, the signing proceeded on board the visiting U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane without media access. No explanation was provided for the last-minute change in arrangements.
The agreement was signed a day after Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare launched a strong attack on the proposed deal, warning it could undermine Solomon Islands’ sovereignty by granting the United States greater law enforcement access to the country’s waters.
Sogavare argued the agreement was unnecessary, saying existing bilateral arrangements already provide sufficient cooperation and questioning why the Government was pursuing a new framework.
Despite the criticism, the Government defended the agreement, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening Solomon Islands’ ability to protect its vast maritime territory, safeguard marine resources and combat illegal activities at sea.
In a statement issued after the signing, the Government said the Shiprider Agreement establishes a legal framework allowing authorised Solomon Islands law enforcement officers to embark on designated United States vessels to conduct joint maritime surveillance and law enforcement operations.
It stressed that Solomon Islands officers would continue to exercise their authority under Solomon Islands law and agreed operational procedures, particularly in matters within the country’s jurisdiction.
“For a nation of hundreds of islands spread across a vast ocean, effective maritime surveillance is both essential and resource-intensive,” the statement said.
The Government said the partnership would enhance Solomon Islands’ operational capacity by providing access to additional maritime assets, surveillance platforms, technical expertise and stronger information-sharing mechanisms.
It said the agreement would support national efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, transnational crime, illicit trafficking and other unlawful maritime activities while helping to protect fisheries and marine resources that underpin the livelihoods of many Solomon Islanders.
Responding to concerns over sovereignty, the Government insisted the agreement strengthens rather than weakens Solomon Islands’ control over its maritime domain.
“The country retains full authority over its territorial waters, Exclusive Economic Zone and the enforcement of its laws in accordance with international law,” the statement said.
The Government also said the arrangement would provide opportunities for Solomon Islands maritime and law enforcement personnel to build their skills and operational capability through practical cooperation with international partners.
According to the Government, the agreement will improve maritime surveillance, strengthen enforcement against illegal activities, enhance intelligence sharing, protect fisheries revenue and increase operational capacity without requiring Solomon Islands to independently fund expensive maritime assets.
The signing follows Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s recent visit to Washington, where both governments agreed to deepen cooperation on maritime security and law enforcement.
The agreement is expected to become a key pillar of future maritime cooperation between Solomon Islands and the United States, although it is likely to remain the subject of political debate following concerns raised by the Opposition over its implications for national sovereignty.
