AGP Executive Report

Workplace Leadership: Fiji’s Ministry of Information PS Eseta Nadakuitavuki says leaders should take time to understand younger staff, not label them “difficult,” while Minister Filimoni Vosarogo points to younger workers’ strong tech skills. Finance & Inclusion: Eswatini’s Central Bank won global recognition at the AFI Global Financial Inclusion Awards, with Fiji-linked leadership roles noted. Sports Focus: Flying Fijians report strong spirits ahead of the Canada clash in Japan, while Fiji and other Pacific teams begin Oceania Netball World Cup qualifier action in Tonga. Sugar Reform: Fiji warns sugar subsidies and short-term fixes aren’t solving structural problems as cane tonnage declines; government and oversight bodies push for deeper value-chain reform and better targeting. Energy & Jobs: EPC Renewables and partners back a major Fiji solar-plus-storage project aimed at cutting diesel reliance and creating training pathways. Digital Transport: Fiji launches QR pay for bus fares via the eTransport app, expanding cardless payments and wallet transfers. Public Services Accountability: Education Ministry investigates 13 suspected “ghost” teachers after payroll checks, and Fiji strengthens border systems with new passenger screening from November. Health Crisis: Researchers urge New Zealand to step up response to Fiji’s rapidly escalating HIV epidemic, calling it a regional health security issue. Politics & Integrity: SODELPA and Fiji Labour both warn about proposed electoral law changes, including donation limits and timing, as concerns grow over influence and election readiness.

Drug & politics: SODELPA warns new electoral bills could let drug dealers bankroll parties after caps and donation bans are eased, as it submits to the justice committee. Constitution & rights: Multi-Ethnic Affairs Minister Charan Jeath Singh says Fiji should restore the death penalty for major drug traffickers, pointing to Singapore—sparking renewed debate as capital punishment remains unlawful under Fiji’s constitution. Border security & data: Fiji will start passenger screening from Nov 2 using Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record, while MPs question gaps and privacy risks in the Vuvale treaty’s border systems, including who controls biometric and travel data. Agriculture delivery: Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna admits delays of over 12 months in land preparation for non-sugar crop farmers, blaming weak monitoring and urging contractors to improve. Climate & preparedness: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau push COP31 for clean energy finance and stronger action to keep 1.5°C alive; Fiji also urges early prep for possible El Niño impacts. Teachers & welfare: PM Rabuka orders urgent action so teachers affected by salary issues get their outstanding pay, and a community appeal tops up emergency support. Energy project: EPC Renewables and Cobra sign an MoU with Energy Fiji for a solar-plus-storage build-up aimed at cutting diesel reliance.

Renewable Energy Deal: EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra have signed an MOU with Energy Fiji Ltd for the Yaqara solar-plus-battery project—22MW solar with 40MWh storage in stage one, then 120MW with 200MWh—aiming to cut Fiji’s diesel reliance and lift renewables to 60% by 2029 and 90% by 2035. Border Security & Data Control: Parliament heard concerns over gaps between Immigration and FRCS under the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union, including what happens if a party withdraws, plus assurances that Fiji will own and run its MERIT border system and keep biometric data under Fiji’s Privacy Act. El Niño Preparedness: Government is urging early preparations for possible El Niño conditions, with agencies coordinating to protect essential services. Child Protection Crisis Call: Save the Children Fiji says sexual violence against children must be treated as a national crisis, pushing stronger prevention, protection, justice and accountability. Teachers’ Pay Urgency: PM Rabuka ordered urgent action so affected teachers receive outstanding salaries, with Finance stepping in to resolve the issue. Climate Action at PIF: Pacific leaders reaffirmed the 1.5°C goal and backed urgent climate action, climate finance access and disaster preparedness. Sports & Culture: Fiji’s Flying Circus brings Fijian drumming and aerial acrobatics to Brisbane, while the OFC U16 Women’s Championship kicked off in Honiara with Fiji among the teams chasing a World Cup spot.

Teachers’ Pay Relief: A community appeal “$5 for Our Teachers” has raised $5,148.01 toward $33,500 for teachers hit by a recent salary stoppage, with Transparent Accounting & Consulting Service Pte Ltd handling funds and public updates. GBV Push: Minister Sashi Kiran says Fiji’s GBV prevalence is 64% and urges men, churches, traditional institutions and communities to help “break the cycles,” warning children face rising sexual violence risks. Servicewomen Mental Health: Kiran also stressed that servicewomen need psychological support to protect themselves and others, following a five-day workshop on trauma and wellbeing. Vuvale Treaty Questions: Fiji’s border and customs upgrades with Australia are raising concerns about data storage and sovereignty, while officials say there’s no visa-free guarantee yet—identity and border systems come first. COP31 Participation: Fiji is urging stronger Pacific involvement in COP31 talks, with Tuvalu flagged as a key bridge for climate priorities. Sugar Logistics Oversight: GPS tracking for Fiji Sugar Corporation locomotives is planned from next year to tackle cane-carting delays and alleged kava use during work hours. Climate Food Warning: Pacific leaders were told warming could cut tuna access fees by up to US$90m a year and slash coastal catches, hitting food security.

Online Safety & Children: Fiji Law Reform Commissioner Valerie Narain says a social media ban for children could be considered under online safety laws, but warns Fiji needs more consultation with children and clearer proposals on age limits, limits-by-time, and how any rules could be enforced without privacy risks. Education Pay Pressure: Opposition MP Premila Kumar urges PM Sitiveni Rabuka to replace Education Minister Aseri Radrodro if teachers’ salary and allowance issues persist, saying some teachers’ Pay 18 payments were stopped after contract paperwork problems. Border Security & Sovereignty: Fiji Revenue and Customs Service CEO Udit Singh says Australia’s $1.5b Vuvale Union support must deliver measurable outcomes and protect Fiji’s sovereignty, while Permanent Secretary Aliki Salusalu says Australia will fund and train staff for a new MERIT border system. Constitution Review Participation: Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo challenges Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu’s criticism of low public participation, saying Seruiratu had an opportunity to submit to the commission. Climate & Food Security: Pacific leaders warn that going beyond 1.5°C could hit tuna access fees, coastal catches, and flooding risks, with Tuvalu facing worsening drought and water pressure. Community & Culture: Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North raises $341,015.75 for Northern health and community projects, while Fiji Museum workshops help children learn masi printing and liku weaving. Sports: Fiji’s FNRL is discussing a Pacific 9s series with NZRL and others, and Raiwai Rebels win the Genesis Volleyball soft launch title.

Education Accountability: Opposition MP Premila Kumar says teachers shouldn’t lose salaries over administrative failures after an audit reportedly found some signed contracts weren’t returned, warning “teachers should not become the scapegoats.” Treaty Transparency & Mobility: Fiji’s Vuvale Treaty talks drew criticism for not involving the public directly, and officials also say the deal doesn’t guarantee visa-free travel—priorities focus first on identity and border management. Pacific Security & China Tensions: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau registered concern over China’s missile test and urged 24-hour notice, while separate reporting highlights China-Taiwan friction spilling into the summit. Climate Finance & Action: Canada pledged $12.3m to expand climate funding via the Pacific Resilience Facility, as leaders reaffirmed climate change as the biggest threat and pushed momentum toward COP31. Local Environment & Culture: Paddle for Hope continues a 500km push against single-use plastics, while Fiji Museum workshops teach masi printing and liku weaving to keep iTaukei skills alive. Regional Opportunities: Eight Fijians won UK Government scholarships, and Fiji’s Drua coaching changes are framed as building stronger local pathways for rugby.

Pacific Climate Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed urgent action to keep 1.5°C within reach, improve climate finance access and strengthen ocean-climate priorities, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and a Belau Declaration. Fiji-Australia Treaty Scrutiny: Fiji’s proposed Vuvale Union and Ocean of Peace treaties face concerns over citizens’ data privacy; officials say a separate data protection framework is being developed with Council of Europe support. Energy & Resilience Funding: Canada pledged $12.3m over five years to expand climate finance via the Pacific Resilience Facility, while Australia delivered battery storage to Palau to cut diesel use and boost renewable reliability. Culture & Community: Fiji’s Hibiscus Festival heads to tonight’s Miss Hibiscus 2026 crowning, and the SJSS Platinum Jubilee begins with a week of events celebrating women’s education. Environment on the Move: Paddle for Hope reached Tagage Village, urging communities to cut single-use plastics. Education Inclusion: Teachers call for sign language and Braille to be taught from Year 1 to Year 13, not just in specialised programmes. Rugby Pathways: Flying Fijians captain Tevita Ikanivere says Terio Tamani’s switch from sevens to 15s could add a new edge ahead of matches in Japan.

Fiji Politics: The Centre for Democracy and Dialogue says proposed changes to Fiji’s election laws could make Election Day more partisan, warning that shrinking the polling-station protection zone from 300m to 100m and allowing parties to provide free transport and food could increase undue influence. Fiji Economy & Investment: South Pacific Stock Exchange CEO Sheraj Obeyesekere says ordinary Fijians can invest in shares without being wealthy, noting the exchange is licensed by the Reserve Bank of Fiji and already has investors from villages and outer islands. Pacific Climate & Security: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders backed urgent action to keep 1.5°C alive, pushed for more climate finance, and stressed that security commitments must translate into real, coordinated outcomes for communities. Fiji Environment & Communities: Fiji says climate change is already forcing relocations, with six communities moved and two more underway as families seek safer ground. Fiji Health: A new report says 4,984 people in Fiji are living with rheumatic heart disease, with children among the most affected and deaths rising.

Climate Action at PIF: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed urgent global action to keep 1.5°C within reach, pushing faster fossil-fuel cuts, more climate finance, and stronger ocean-climate work ahead of COP31. Fiji Climate Mobility: Fiji says climate change is already forcing relocations, with six communities moved and two more underway. Pacific Ocean Focus: Leaders also strengthened regional positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, tasking the Pacific Ocean Commissioner on next steps for the BBNJ talks. Regional Security Tensions: The forum “registered concern” over China’s July missile test, stopping short of condemnation, while Fiji urged tougher regional action against transnational crime and illicit drugs. Fiji Employment Scam: No charges yet in an alleged overseas job scheme involving more than 300 Fijians who paid $100 each via M-PAiSA. Tourism Cost Pressure: Fiji introduced a temporary Tourism Services Tax from 1 September to help Fiji Airways amid rising fuel prices. Health Watch: A new Fiji report says 4,984 people live with rheumatic heart disease, with children among the most affected.

Constitution & Politics: Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube accuses PM Sitiveni Rabuka of using the Constitutional Review Commission report to stoke fear over race and religion for political gain, while the FWCC says the report must be released immediately for the public to judge the recommendations. Regional Security & Drugs: Fiji calls for urgent regional action against transnational crime and illicit drugs as Australia announces a $600m Pacific surveillance push under the Waqa Moana Initiative to target narco-vessels and drug routes. Pacific Islands Forum Diplomacy: PIF leaders agreed to “register concern” over China’s July missile test, stopping short of condemnation, with Nauru dissenting. Environment & Public Health: Used syringes were found among more than 1000kg of rubbish cleared from Vatuwaqa creek, prompting warnings that illegal dumping endangers cleanup workers; Fiji’s $200 litter fine is now in force. Digital & Services: Fiji’s sugar sector launches a digital management push, while Digicel and TAF sign a USO deal to connect remote Lau communities; the National Universal Service scheme reports 96% availability. GBV Push: Fiji’s GBV response is being urged to reach homes and villages, with chiefs calling for action beyond meetings and awareness campaigns. Sports: South Africa Women’s coach Swys de Bruin resigns days before hosting New Zealand, amid a dispute over win bonuses. Culture & Youth: Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands host teams for the POP48 Film Challenge, with films made in 48 hours and public voting on PCBL platforms.

Universal Connectivity: Digicel Fiji and the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji have signed a Universal Service Obligation deal to connect remote Lau communities, using satellite Wi-Fi powered by Starlink to improve access to services and opportunities. Environment & Health: Fiji’s new $200 litter fine is now in force, with enforcement ramping up through Litter Prevention Officers and police support—while parents are also being urged to watch for rheumatic heart disease symptoms in children. Gender-Based Violence: Fiji’s GBV response is being challenged as chiefs and community leaders call for action to reach vanua and homes, not just offices, as the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre demands the Constitution Review Commission report be released immediately. Climate-Resilient Schools: A €17m EU-UNICEF programme will strengthen Pacific education systems, with Fiji among the direct beneficiaries through safer, disaster-ready school infrastructure and training. Policing & Drugs: Fiji is set to receive $284m to strengthen law enforcement against transnational serious and organised crime, including specialist support from Australia. Constitution Review: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says the CRC report will go to Cabinet first before public release, as pressure grows for transparency. Sports & Culture: Rugby and Pacific ties get a boost with Wycliff Palu’s Tonga return and a new boatbuilding school teaching women to build their own vessels.

Constitution Review: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Fiji’s Constitutional Review Commission report will be released to the public only after Cabinet considers it on Wednesday, Sept 9, urging calm as speculation spreads online. Public Transparency: SEEP and the Fiji Labour Party renew calls for the report to be made public immediately, arguing taxpayers and consultation participants deserve full access before decisions are locked in. Kava Bill 2026: Rabuka confirms the Kava Bill is not law yet and will go to a parliamentary committee for public consultations before any third reading. Climate Alarm for the Pacific: A UN Environment Programme warning says the world will exceed 1.5°C warming within years, with Pacific islands facing food and water shocks as seas rise and tuna shifts. Security at PIF: Pacific leaders are urged to turn security commitments into real outcomes, with calls to improve intelligence-sharing and concerns that new security deals could militarise the region without enough control. Tourism Costs: Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax will spare existing bookings made before Sept 1, easing pressure on travellers while the government says it’s needed to support the national airline.

Climate Diplomacy in the Spotlight: Fiji and Tuvalu hosts a Pacific-led pre-COP push as UN warnings say the world will exceed 1.5°C warming within years, with leaders debating how to cut emissions fast enough. Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: The Palau summit opens amid major no-shows and fresh Taiwan-related tensions, while Fiji’s delegation holds community talanoa sessions with Fijians in Koror. Pre-COP Attendance Row: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese hits back after criticism that only a handful of non-Pacific leaders are attending the Fiji/Tuvalu events. Tourism Tax Update: Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax will spare existing holiday bookings, easing pressure on travellers, though airline costs remain a concern. Health Alarm in Labasa: Diabetes amputations at Labasa Divisional Hospital are up, with 116 cases recorded in seven months. Digital Access Boost: Fiji’s National Universal Service is expanding high-speed internet to remote communities, showing strong early demand. Local Economy & Sports: Ba prepares for the Extra Battle of the Giants with expected visitor spend, while Drua adds homegrown coaching talent.

Constitution shake-up: Fiji’s Constitution Review Commission report has been handed to leaders, but the public can’t see it yet as it moves to Cabinet—prompting fresh calls from MPs and civil society to release the full document and end “speculation.” Referendum Bill delay: The referendum Bill for constitutional change is still stuck in the Standing Committee on Justice, with no clear timetable for when it returns to Parliament. Online safety push: Government is considering stronger age checks so adult sites can’t rely on a simple “confirm you’re 18” box, as more Fijians come online. Fake jobs crackdown: Police and the Ministry of Employment are investigating an alleged $100 fake overseas job scheme targeting Fijians via M-PAiSA, with victims promised visas and contracts for Australia and New Zealand. Pacific security funding: Australia is set to pledge $600m for a Pacific-wide drug smuggling response, including more surveillance and police support under the Waqa Moana initiative. Health system upgrade: Corrections health is getting a digital upgrade with PATISPlus to link prison care to Fiji’s wider health system. Local development deal: Damodar Group and Y3 Kofera Trust sign an MOU to explore a proposed 130-acre Nadi development near Denarau.

Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka confirms he will skip the Palau leaders’ meeting, with Foreign Minister Sakiasi Ditoka leading Fiji’s delegation as multiple leaders absent and China warns of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence at the opening ceremony. Constitution Transparency Row: Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry demands the full Constitution Review Commission report and Draft Constitution Bill be released publicly, arguing secrecy is undermining legitimacy and equal citizenship. Online Safety for Kids: Fiji is considering tougher age checks for adult websites, pushing beyond “confirm you’re 18” boxes as the Government reviews the Online Safety, Telecommunications and Cybercrime laws. Health in Custody: PATISPlus is set to digitally link Fiji’s prison health services to the national system to improve continuity of care, with confidentiality stressed. Renewables Push: Energy Fiji says a F$2b renewable pipeline is driving Fiji toward 90% renewables by 2035, with solar and mini-grids reducing diesel reliance. Business & Jobs: Government promises faster business registration through digital transformation, aiming to cut delays for company registration and investor permits. Tourism & Food: Fiji coffee heads to London for a speciality showcase, while a Home-Grown School Meals policy brief targets childhood obesity and NCD risk. Water & Waste: WAF reports a second sewer overflow in five days at Sekoula Place linked to clothing dumped into wastewater lines.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: China has warned of “consequences” after Taiwan’s foreign minister attended the opening ceremony, as leaders also face absences and a regional unity test. Solomon Islands politics: New Zealand’s Winston Peters blasted cabinet ministers after a no-confidence motion was filed against PM Matthew Wale, with Wale forced to leave Palau. Constitution Review: Fiji’s PM Rabuka urged calm after the CRC handover, stressing recommendations aren’t Government decisions, amid concerns over Fiji’s secular status. Relocation crisis: Cogea Village’s stalled Bua relocation may only get Government support if funding is approved, after a report called it a “ticking time bomb.” Health and HIV: Fiji urged neighbours to learn from its HIV crisis, calling for shared research and earlier detection across the Pacific. Tourism and standards: Fiji’s hotel and tourism sector is pushing for stronger global sustainability and skills benchmarks. Business pulse: Fiji recorded 20,563 active businesses, with transport and storage leading growth. Climate finance: Fiji says “one-size-fits-all” funding models don’t fit Pacific logistics and costs. Energy and jobs: Google’s Fiji subsea landing project is progressing, with claims landowner engagement and solar power plans are in place.