AGP Executive Report

COP31 Pacific Climate Leadership: Fiji’s Inia Seruiratu has been named Pacific Ocean Envoy, alongside envoys for climate finance and keeping 1.5°C within reach, as Pacific ministers push for stronger global action ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. Fuel Relief Caution: The FCCC says don’t expect instant fuel and LPG price cuts even after US-Iran peace reports, warning Fiji’s pricing lags behind global markets. Election Delay Rumours Shut Down: Acting A-G Siromi Turaga rejects speculation that the next General Election could be delayed, pointing to constitutional timelines. Agriculture Testing Upgrade: A $1.3m reopening of the Koronivia Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory will speed up testing and improve disease detection. Cost-of-Living Pressure: Chambers and business groups are calling for targeted Budget relief, especially on fuel, as inflation bites. Healthcare Upgrades: Nayavu Health Centre in Tailevu reopens after a $400,000 renovation with solar power and expanded maternal, child and emergency services. Ocean Protection Push: Fiji targets 15% of its ocean territory under full protection by end-2026 to fight illegal fishing and protect fish stocks. Child Labour Warning: Unions say child labour won’t ease without higher household incomes and a living wage. Sports & Community: Vuvuzelas are banned at BiC Fiji FACT 2026 in Labasa, and Team Fiji has named 58 athletes for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Waste & Energy: Fiji has rejected Australia’s plan to ship up to 900,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste to Nadi for incineration, with the UN ambassador warning Fiji must not become the “Pacific’s ashtray,” citing health and environmental risks. Economy & Debt: The Fiji Sugar Corporation says its debt will rebound to about $310m despite a $200m write-off, as declining cane output and high costs keep it in cash shortfall; FSC also flags possible rail revival to cut delivery costs. Police & Rights: The Ministry of Policing says investigations into the death of Jone Vakarisi are nearing completion, while Sakiasi Radravu’s probe continues, reiterating “no one is above the law” and rejecting calls to end joint Police-RFMF drug operations. Environment Governance: New guidance under the amended Environment Management Act 2025 warns agencies that environmental safeguards must be identified early and applied before project approvals. Tourism & Investment: Tourism Fiji urges investors to look beyond traditional hubs, while Accor and Yavu Collective plan three new hotels in Fiji under Sofitel, The Sebel and TRIBE brands. Climate Finance: Fiji pushes for fair, accessible climate funding at Bonn, calling for practical outcomes for frontline communities. Child Protection: Fiji’s child poverty and child labour concerns remain stark, with reports linking school dropouts to vulnerability and exploitation. Sports: McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women staged a late comeback to beat Western Force 29-24, and USA netball debut awaits Fijian Silafaga Tavaga-Baledrokadroka.

Tourism Expansion: Tourism Fiji is urging investors to look beyond Fiji’s traditional hotspots, saying growth in other provinces—especially along the Coral Coast—could spread tourism income and ease pressure on water and sewer services. Sugar Sector Strain: Fiji Sugar Corporation debt is set to climb back to about $310m even after a $200m Government write-off, as low cane yields and underused mill capacity keep costs high; FSC also warns national sugar stocks could be at risk if crushing starts late. Police Accountability & Drug Fight: Government says joint Police-RFMF operations will continue, citing major drug seizures and uprooting of more than 74,000 marijuana plants, while also stressing human rights and accountability; it also backs Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu and rejects calls for an expatriate commissioner. Environment Checks Tightened: The Environment Ministry says amended laws mean environmental safeguards must be identified early and applied before project approvals. Climate Finance Push: Fiji is pressing for fair, accessible climate funding at Bonn, warning complex requirements are delaying urgent adaptation work. New Hotels for Denarau & Nadi: Accor and Yavu Collective have signed deals for three new Accor-branded hotels, adding 370+ rooms by 2027. Child Labour Warning: A new report links poverty to child labour, with many children leaving school early due to financial hardship.

ADB Crisis Funding: The Asian Development Bank says it is rolling out a US$4 billion package to help countries, including Fiji, absorb the economic hit from the Middle East conflict, with about US$3b in government-requested financing and US$1b in trade finance for energy and food imports. Fiji Aviation Probe: Government has appointed veteran investigator Captain Norman Walding to lead an inquiry into a helicopter ditching off Wailoaloa, Nadi, after the pilot escaped unharmed. Sugar Supply Worry: Fiji Sugar Corporation warns sugar stocks could run out locally by month-end if mills don’t start soon, citing very low cane delivery readiness and drought impacts. Child Labour Push: Fiji marks World Day Against Child Labour with calls that children belong in school, not workplaces, including homes and farms. Drug Fight Coordination: UN security official Unaisi Vuniwaqa urges a whole-of-government approach to Fiji’s drug crisis, with clear SOPs for any Police-RFMF joint operations. Sports & Culture: Drua Women stun Western Force for their first Super W win, while a Lautoka couple expands a coffin-making business with iTaukei Business Support Fund help.

Sugar Crisis Watch: Fiji Sugar Corporation warns national sugar stocks could run out by month-end if crushing is delayed, citing very low cane delivery readiness and mill start dates slipping, even after Government boosted cane payments by $5 a tonne. Aviation Safety: Government has appointed veteran investigator Captain Norman Walding to lead an inquiry into a helicopter incident off Wailoaloa, Nadi, after a Robinson R44 ditched shortly after take-off with the pilot escaping uninjured. Drug Fight Focus: Former UN security official Unaisi Vuniwaqa says Fiji needs a whole-of-government, ministerial taskforce approach to the drug crisis and clear SOPs for any Police-RFMF joint operations—salary rises alone won’t fix it. Child Protection: Policing and Communications Minister Ioane Naivalurua says online child protection is a shared responsibility as Government agencies strengthen enforcement and coordination. Constitution Reform: Constitution Review Commission consultations heard calls for tougher constitutional penalties on coup makers to break Fiji’s “coup culture.” Local Business Boost: A Lautoka couple’s coffin-making idea has grown into a family business, with an iTaukei Business Support Fund minivan helping them plan expansion across the Western Division.

Sugar Crisis Watch: Fiji Sugar Corporation warns sugar stocks could run out by month-end if cane harvesting doesn’t ramp up, with crushing start delayed as farmer readiness submissions sit around 5–6% versus about 60% last year. Parliament Accountability: The Sugar Cane Growers Council faced grilling over overdue reports and unclear spending, including a trust fund stake and management fees, as committee members demanded better transparency. Farmers’ Labour Pressure: SCGC says limited outreach staff and a growing harvest labour shortage are biting, and it’s exploring migrant workers—while also pushing mixed farming to smooth income. Climate & Fossil Fuels: Fiji’s climate warriors are calling for backing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of Bonn, joining other Pacific states pushing a fossil-free transition. Fuel Resilience: A Fiji Business Disaster Resilience Council webinar urged companies to plan for fuel disruptions, stressing transport and supplier backup—not just generators. Election Prep: The Electoral Commission says it’s ready for the next general election and any referendum, with voter registration drives already underway. Health & AMR: WHO released a practical manual for Western Pacific health workers to strengthen diagnostic stewardship and slow antimicrobial resistance. Waste-to-Energy Proposal: A clean energy firm has proposed $305m for three waste-to-energy plants to cut landfill expansion and generate renewable power.

Parliament Oversight: The Sugar Cane Growers Council faced tough questioning over overdue annual reports, unclear fees and compensation, and a Lautoka trust fund stake with no dividends—sparking calls for a full accounts overhaul and independent audit. Sugar Supply Crunch: Fiji Sugar Corporation warns stocks could run out by month end unless cane harvesting ramps up; crushing start dates are slipping as readiness submissions lag, even after a $5/tonne delivery payment increase. Fuel Crisis Readiness: A former NDMO director told businesses to treat fuel disruption as an operational risk, urging contingency planning beyond generators and assuming staff can still get to work. Ra Economic Push: Ra leaders and the iTaukei Affairs minister urged diversification and value-adding from local resources, while Ra chiefs pressed Government to explore local oil to reduce import dependence. Local Agriculture Boost: A new Ministry of Agriculture office was commissioned on Rabi Island to support kava, dalo, cassava and ginger processing and farming. Election Setup: The Electoral Commission says it’s ready for the next general election and referendum, but won’t monitor spending without formal complaints. Tourism & Connectivity: Fiji Airways launched its first direct Nadi–Gold Coast service, adding more seats and strengthening regional links. Waste-to-Energy Plan: A $305m proposal would build three waste-to-energy plants to cut landfill expansion and generate renewable power. Regional Politics: Bougainville’s independence dispute with PNG deepened as PNG defends constitutional voting rules requiring 89 votes.

Trade & Investment Diplomacy: Australia’s trade and investment ministers met in Melbourne for the sixth Ministerial Council, stressing open, rules-based trade while tackling fuel security and supply-chain disruption. Elections & Oversight: Fiji’s Electoral Commission says it won’t monitor Government spending unless formal complaints are lodged, pushing scrutiny back to FICAC processes. Online Safety Debate: Fiji is moving closer to a possible ban on pornography websites, with discussions on scope and enforcement expected after talks with regulators. Tourism Growth: Accor and Fiji’s Yavu Collective have signed a deal for three new hotels—Sofitel, TRIBE and The Sebel—with Sofitel Fiji Vatu Talei due in early 2027—while the hotel market shows stabilising performance. Constitution & Reconciliation: Fiji’s UN envoy urges linking the Constitution review to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to break the cycle of instability. Climate & Energy: Pacific communities are turning to solar as fuel shocks bite, and Pacific leaders reaffirm the nuclear-free Rarotonga Treaty at 40 years. Governance & Rights: Amnesty says allegations of brutality around a death in custody fit historic patterns, calling for independent accountability.

Tourism & Aviation: Fiji Airways has launched inaugural direct flights between the Gold Coast and Nadi, with three weekly services expected to boost visitor growth and strengthen Australia links. Hotel Investment: Accor signs a landmark multi-hotel deal with Yavu Collective, bringing Sofitel, The Sebel and Tribe brands to Fiji and setting up a new Sofitel on Denarau. Economy & Governance: Former Finance Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum warns operating costs have surged to $3.9b, squeezing funding for roads and hospitals, while Chaudhry blames decades of poor governance for poverty and crumbling services. Human Rights: Amnesty International says allegations of police and military brutality in Fiji match historic patterns after the death of Sakiasi Ose Radravu, calling for swift, independent accountability. Public Health & Safety: Government plans 10 eco-mortuaries after claims from Kadavu about mishandling of human remains, including a baby’s body stored in an ice-filled esky. Regional Mobility: Pacific immigration leaders meet in Suva to tighten border security and labour mobility as migration pressures and security threats rise. Culture & Identity: A Ra student urges a dedicated school curriculum to preserve iTaukei cultural protocols, while a new kava platform aims to connect farmers directly to global buyers via verified QR profiles. Sports & Inclusion: Warriors coach Andrew Webster backs players to be themselves after Kane Evans’ public coming out, and Weet-Bix Raluve launches as a pathway for girls’ rugby.

Police & Justice: Fiji’s top detective Serupepeli Neiko has been directed to go on leave as prosecutors review alleged corruption-related abuse of office, with police denying claims of systemic corruption. Economy & Debt: Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Ariff Ali says nearly $1b in approved private-sector loans still isn’t being drawn due to approval delays and election “wait-and-see” attitudes, while the State of the Economy Dialogue warns growth is slowing, inflation risks rising, and debt pressure is tightening fiscal space. Cost of Living & Spending Cuts: Unity Fiji’s Savenaca Narube calls for Cabinet to be cut to 12 and for major reductions in travel and non-essential spending, while others argue VAT cuts and funding for commissions should be reconsidered to cushion households. Governance & Reform: Constitution Review Committee consultations show strong public support for electoral changes, including a return to a multi-constituency model and reintroducing a Senate. Health & Infrastructure: Government plans 10 eco-mortuaries after Kadavu claims about babies’ bodies being kept on ice, and water-sector leaders warn ageing systems and labour gaps are holding back investment. Environment & Oceans: Fiji targets 15% marine protection by end of 2026, and biodiversity consultations push for stronger protection against climate, pollution and invasive species. Culture & Sports: Wheelchair rugby is set to launch in Fiji after a student exchange sparked the idea, and Fiji Airways backs the Fijian Flying Circus on an Australian tour.

Chinese Bridge win: A 14-year-old Lautoka student, Anabia Mumtaz, has earned Fiji a spot at the Chinese Bridge world finals in China after winning the national secondary school title. Culture & travel: Fiji Airways will back the Fijian Flying Circus on its first Australian tour, bringing myth-rooted contemporary circus to major cities. Health & accountability: Fiji plans 10 new eco-mortuaries after claims a baby’s body was kept in an ice-filled esky on Kadavu, with $7.7m set aside for solar-powered units. Ocean protection: Fiji targets up to 15% marine protection by end of 2026, aiming for 30% by 2030. Economy pressure: The State of the Fijian Economy Dialogue warns growth is slowing (RBF forecast cut to 1.5%), debt is high, and cost-of-living relief is urgent. Governance debate: Former finance minister Biman Prasad and others call for reviewing Cabinet size and spending, while Naidu argues VAT cuts were a mistake. Rights & justice: A human rights coalition wants suspension of Police-RFMF joint operations over deaths and alleged torture. Heritage: National Archives digitised 60,000 pages of Girmit-era immigration records, with more to follow online. Water woes: Water infrastructure and labour gaps are flagged as major growth blockers.

Economy Urgency Call: Fiscal Review Committee chair Richard Naidu says Government is failing to act with the urgency Fiji’s economy needs, warning growth has slipped below 3% and tourism is masking deeper weaknesses. Crisis Buffer Warning: Naidu also told the State of the Economy Dialogue Fiji has “nothing saved up for a rainy day,” leaving the country dangerously exposed to cyclones, earthquakes and other shocks. Debt and Spending Scrutiny: Economists question priorities as Fiji’s debt rises while infrastructure investment is cut, with operating surplus collapsing and capital spending shrinking. Reserve Bank Downgrade: The Reserve Bank of Fiji cut its 2026 growth forecast to 1.5% and flagged inflation likely to exceed 6% as higher fuel costs, softer demand and cautious households bite. Fuel Pressure on Fisheries: Fishermen and fish vendors in the North say soaring fuel prices are squeezing margins and pushing up costs, with calls for targeted budget support. Climate Adaptation Move: Fiji’s coastal communities are set to benefit from “green-gray” protection, combining seawalls with mangrove restoration to tackle sea-level rise and erosion. Constitution Reform Focus: Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga says constitutional reform, a referendum and election preparations are driving the agenda, while CRC submissions raise concerns over judicial independence and landowner veto rights. Tourism Health Law: Parliament’s Public Health Amendment Bill faces scrutiny over how “nuisance” is defined, with tourism operators worried about noise rules for events. Cybercrime Push: Fiji is strengthening cybercrime defences and backing Pacific coordination through new legal and policy reforms. Culture on the Move: Fiji Airways partners with VOU to take the Fijian Flying Circus to Australia, bringing myths and folklore to major festival stages.

Economy Pressure: Fiji’s growth forecast has been cut to 1.5% as tourism momentum softens and households rein in spending, with inflation expected to push above 6% by year-end amid higher fuel and food costs. Public Debt: The coalition government’s debt is projected to reach about $11.37b by end of July (around 80.9% of GDP), keeping fiscal strain front and centre. Cybercrime Response: Fiji is stepping up cyber defences and pushing Pacific-wide coordination, highlighting new laws and a regional handbook after PILON cybercrime talks. Justice & Governance: PM Sitiveni Rabuka’s bid to pause the Malimali High Court ruling was rejected; the case now heads to the Court of Appeal. Land & Rights: Fiji’s land law review is at its final stage, while the Constitution Review Commission hears calls for stronger protections for iTaukei landowners, including veto power and free, prior and informed consent. Health & Cost of Living: Samoa’s main hospital is rationing children’s paracetamol and other key medicines due to low supply, with Fiji-based support only partly covering needs. Tourism Regulation: Proposed Public Health Act changes could tighten how resorts manage noise and “nuisance” complaints during events. Community Impact: Fish vendors in Labasa say rising fuel costs are squeezing profits and making fish harder to afford.

Marine Protection: French Polynesia plans to expand its fully protected “no-take” ocean zones from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km, adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Tsunami Watch: Fiji remains under a tsunami watch after a powerful 8.2 quake near the Philippines, with coastal communities told to stay alert for strong currents and possible surges. Health Budget: Fiji’s Health Minister says frontline pay—especially overtime and allowances—must be fully funded in the 2026-2027 budget to prevent disruptions and staff burnout. Water Safety: The Water Authority of Fiji warns that shutting down contaminated water sources without consultation could leave thousands without safe water and worsen sanitation. Environment & Waste: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji can’t claim climate resilience while pollution and poor waste management keep damaging rivers, reefs and ecosystems. Local Governance: Lautoka council is coordinating with welfare and police over rising street dwellers and street children, including concerns about substance abuse. Politics: NFP MP Pio Tikoduadua urges the party to evolve, aiming to contest at least 15 seats in the next election. Business: Cabinet backs a National Development Plan Problem-Solving Team to improve delivery, monitoring and accountability for Fiji’s 2025–2029 plan.

Tsunami Watch: Fiji is under a tsunami watch after an 8.2 quake near the Philippines, with low-lying coastal areas warned to stay alert for strong currents and unpredictable surges while monitoring official updates. Water Safety: The Water Authority of Fiji says contaminated-water shutdowns must involve consultation, warning closures could leave hundreds or thousands without safe water and worsen sanitation. National Development Push: Cabinet has approved stronger implementation for Fiji’s National Development Plan 2025–2029, including a cross-ministry problem-solving team, tighter reporting, and dedicated monitoring officers. Environment & Waste: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya warns Fiji can’t claim climate resilience while pollution and poor waste management keep damaging rivers, reefs and ecosystems. Street Dwellers in Lautoka: Lautoka agencies are planning a coordinated response to rising street dwellers and street children, including concerns about substance abuse. Drugs & Justice: Police are investigating suspected meth and earlier floating drug container finds near Ogea Island, while a new Criminal Records law is being hailed as a second-chance reform for people with past convictions. Health Crisis: Doctors say Fiji’s HIV outbreak and drug problem need a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response, with reports of drug use starting as early as Year 4. Cane Payments: Cane growers are demanding clarity on 2026 cane payments and fuel rebates after complaints about uncertainty and costs ahead of harvest. Housing Upgrade: The Tavela Settlement Upgrading Project in Nadi has been commissioned, upgrading roads, drainage, streetlights, water and sanitation for 74 families. Business Spotlight: Organisers expect strong turnout for the 2026 Prime Minister’s International Business Awards, after a record 760 guests last year.

Rugby Sevens: South Africa’s Tristan Leyds was named 2026 HSBC SVNS Player of the Year as the Blitzboks defended their World Championship crown, though they slipped to fourth at the France Sevens in Bordeaux. Health: A Fiji woman, Maria Asuelu, returned home after successful urgent heart surgery at Pacific Specialist Healthcare, where doctors replaced a damaged mitral valve. Crime & Courts: A Nadi businessman has been charged over the alleged importation of more than 2.6 tonnes of cocaine into Fiji, with a court appearance set for Monday. Public Health Law: Parliament heard calls to tighten Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill, including limits on compulsory vaccinations and treatment unless backed by scientific evidence, plus concerns about unfair, flat-rate fines. Environment & Waste: Fiji’s Environment Ministry rejected a proposed Vuda waste-to-energy project, while the Environment Minister urged better waste disposal and launched new plastics inventory steps. Politics: The Constitution Review Commission heard submissions on strengthening the GCC’s role in appointing the President and setting term limits for leaders. Regional Diplomacy: Philippine Airlines announced it will join the oneworld alliance, with Fiji Airways listed among oneworld members. Maritime Safety: Crew aboard MV Otuanga’ofa were reportedly overcome by fumes during tank cleaning in Fiji, raising confined-space safety questions.