Solomon Islands: Pacific Games 2023 to occur in Honiara Nov. 17-Dec. 2

Solomon Islands will host the Pacific Games 2023 in Honiara Nov. 17-Dec. 2. Most matches will occur in and around the National Sports Stadium, including the official opening ceremony at 19:00 Nov. 19. Authorities have started to implement tighter security measures, and the security presence is likely to increase in the days leading up to the games. Authorities expect thousands of people to attend the sporting event, which will draw over 5,000 athletes from 24 territories. Officials have restricted smoking, drinking alcohol, consuming other narcotics, and chewing betel nuts at competition sites as a precaution.

Police and military personnel - including from Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand - will be stationed near game venues, public places, and transport hubs throughout the city for the duration of the event. Personnel, belonging, and vehicle checks are likely. Civil rights groups may seek to capitalize on the presence of international media to draw attention to their grievances. However, large or disruptive protests are unlikely as officials will contain and disperse any unauthorized gatherings quickly. Overcrowding and stampedes are unlikely as authorities are adept at crowd control measures, but cannot be ruled out. Opportunistic crimes such as pickpocketing may occur at game venues and crowded public places; locations with higher risk of crime include Bahai, Central Market, Hapai, Kukum, and the Yacht Club.

Traffic restrictions, including diversions and roadblocks around competition venues and athletes' accommodation, are almost certain. Localized traffic delays are especially likely in central Honiara. Increased congestion is also likely on public transport, including ferry services, during the event. Processing delays due to high passenger volume and intensive security checks may affect the Honiara International Airport (HIR).