After years of delay without explanation, a United States development aid agency that had planned to return to the Solomon Islands found overwhelming support and enthusiasm for its work, according to a previously unreleased report. The Peace Corps, which had initially announced its return to the Pacific island nation nearly five years ago, received a warm welcome from Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Attorney-General John Muria during their assessment visit.
The report highlighted the positive reception the agency received from the government, development partners, NGOs, former Peace Corps staff, and community members in the Solomon Islands. Despite its absence since 2000, the Peace Corps was remembered for its lasting impact on the country, particularly in the education sector.
Although the agency received a formal invitation to return in February 2019 and submitted a report recommending its comeback in August of the same year, the current status of the Peace Corps’ planned return has not been publicly addressed. The US Congress allocated minimal funding for the agency’s work in the archipelago, casting doubt on the prospects of its imminent return.
The Solomon Islands, known for its strategic location in the Pacific, has become a focal point for the competition for influence between the US and China. Sogavare’s recent decisions to recognize China and sign cooperation agreements have raised concerns in the US, Australia, and New Zealand.
As the political landscape in the Solomon Islands remains uncertain following inconclusive general elections, there is hope that the Peace Corps will be able to resume its work in the country to continue making a positive impact on its population.