AGP Executive Report

Fuel Crisis & Pay: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says Government has not ruled out further pay cuts for civil servants as Fiji grapples with global fuel shocks, stressing any move depends on Finance calculations. Constitution Review: A Sigatoka resident urged raising Fiji’s marriage age to 21 for men and 20 for women, arguing 18 is too young for life-changing decisions. Corrections Service: Fiji Corrections Service rejects social media claims that inmates were injured or mishandled during June 1-2 prison searches, saying allegations are false and matters are under internal review. Israel-Fiji Diplomacy: Rabuka calls Israel embassy opening in Suva a “golden era,” while also insisting Fiji will not be militarily involved in Israel’s conflicts; protesters gathered outside the embassy opening. Health & HIV: Fiji’s 2025 HIV stats show men lead infections, iTaukei account for most cases, and 117 deaths were recorded; Diabetes Fiji also calls for at least $1m direct funding in the 2026-27 Budget. Public Health Bill: MPs warn the Public Health Amendment Bill could penalise families in informal settlements that lack sewerage and drainage, urging enforcement with support and awareness. Regional Security: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secret 2022 security pact with Beijing. Tourism & Travel: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from September 22, adding over 10,000 seats annually.

Israel–Fiji Diplomacy: Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar wrapped a historic visit by inaugurating Israel’s new Suva embassy, with Rabuka stressing Fiji’s neutrality and saying ties won’t pull the country into conflict. Drug Fight & Security: Rabuka says future talks could include Israeli cyber and early-detection tech to help Fiji tackle growing illicit drug threats. Public Health Bill Fallout: MPs warn Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill could hit informal settlement residents with penalties despite poor sewerage and drainage, while officials seek clearer definitions of “obstruction” and stronger rural coordination. HIV Crisis: Fiji’s 2025 HIV report shows nearly 42% of diagnoses not linked to care, with young adults 20–24 driving a sharp rise and 117 deaths recorded. Education Pressure: FTU demands a 35% jump in the Free Education Grant as funding has lost purchasing power since 2014. Transport & Tourism: Fiji Airways restores direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, adding 10,000+ seats annually. Regional Cooperation: Pacific customs leaders meet in Fiji to step up action against illicit drugs as the region shifts from transit to destination.

Israel-Fiji ties: Israel’s FM Gideon Sa’ar has opened Israel’s new embassy in Suva after 30 years, signing national security cooperation and diplomatic training deals with Fiji leaders, as PM Rabuka calls it a “golden age” and says Fiji can benefit from Israeli tech in health, digital transformation and cybersecurity. Protest and policing: About 100 people rallied at the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre against the embassy opening, with police present and protesters told to stay inside; organisers say Fiji should stay within international law. Fuel squeeze hits workers and transport: Fiji’s PALM worker homelessness case in Sydney is prompting a warning to stay connected to scheme support, while Savusavu taxi operators say record fuel prices are forcing them off long routes and onto shorter, more viable runs. Aviation upgrade: Labasa Airport is set to get a remote tower system with live monitoring from Nadi to improve safety and coordination for Vanua Levu flights. Public health overhaul: A proposed amendment would remove a near-century village exemption from the Public Health Act, aiming to strengthen outbreak response. Standards and trade: Fiji is advancing national standards development with Standards Australia to support market access and consumer safety. Business news: TISA Insurance (Fiji) Ltd launches its rebrand in Suva, and Bunnings Pacific goes online with 20,000+ products for Fijians.

Biosecurity Update: New Zealand confirms an Auckland scorpion find is a juvenile likely linked to overseas travel, with further testing needed to identify the species. Public Health Enforcement: Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill would remove a long-standing exemption that left villages outside national enforcement, aiming to speed up outbreak response. Constitution Review: In Serua and Navua consultations, communities pushed for stronger protection of iTaukei identity and called for constitutional changes including restoring the Senate and reconsidering State ownership of minerals. Cost of Living & Fuel: Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu says the Government must cut fuel VAT to cushion price hikes, while vendors warn rising fuel costs are lifting fresh food prices. Health in Schools: The Assistant Health Minister says schools must lead the fight against non-communicable diseases, starting healthier habits early. Regional Diplomacy: PM Rabuka hails Israel embassy opening as a “golden era,” while Pasifika for Palestine Australia and APAN condemn the move. Economy Watch: The Reserve Bank of Fiji warns growth is still trending down amid global conflict-driven fuel pressures and tighter conditions. Sports & Culture: Fiji names a 32-man Flying Fijians squad for July Tests; Cricket Fiji appoints Anushil Kumar as CEO; and Fiji Water signs InsideOut as brand ambassadors.

Diplomacy in Suva: Israel’s embassy reopens today after 36 years, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expected to meet President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and PM Sitiveni Rabuka during the opening running to Wednesday. Political campaign: Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube urged Northern Division voters to back leadership change, promising better roads, healthcare, water and housing for Vanua Levu. Leadership in sustainability: Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited and the Pacific Recycling Foundation promoted Aliti Cautabua to Co-Lead of the Finance Team, highlighting a shared co-leadership model. Tragedy abroad: A Delta Air Lines pilot, Dave Fiji, and the helicopter pilot died in a Georgia crash hours after his wedding; his wife Jesni survived and is recovering. Climate watch: Pacific voyaging plans for Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are adjusting due to El Niño conditions, with Fiji expected to be part of the route around mid-October. Business ties: A new Bunnings Pacific online store is now live, bringing over 20,000 home and hardware products to Fijians with delivery options.

Constitutional Showdown: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has asked the Court of Appeal to pause a High Court ruling on Fiji’s top constitutional powers, with a June 8 hearing date set. Fuel Pressure: Dialogue Fiji wants a temporary cut to fuel duties after pump prices jumped, saying government tax take rises as costs rise. Tourism Law: Fiji has enacted a new Tourism Act 2026, aiming to strengthen the sector and investor confidence. Road Safety & Assets: LTA speed-camera maintenance will cause temporary road closures, while the Fiji Roads Authority warns vandalism and theft are damaging the Labasa–Savusavu Highway. Jobs & Pay: The Fiji Teachers Union is pushing for a 15% pay rise in the 2026–2027 budget, as the living wage debate heats up. Travel Rules: A Passport Amendment Bill 2026 toughens penalties and speeds up temporary travel documents for Fijians overseas. Sports: Fiji men’s 7s finished fourth at Valladolid; Fiji’s Fijiana remain 7th. Community & Climate: Composting could cut landfill waste by more than half, and sea-level rise could cost Fiji up to 2.6% of GDP annually. Tragedy: A one-year-old died in a Lautoka crash near the Barara Bypass.

COVID-19 Update: Fiji reported 128 new COVID-19 cases, lifting totals to 48,916 since April 2021, with 173 recoveries and 12,814 active cases; two deaths were recorded but classified as non-COVID. Fuel & Cost of Living: LPG prices jumped again from June 1, with a 12kg cylinder on Viti Levu/Vanua Levu rising from $37.58 to $46.60, while petrol and diesel also surged—prompting Opposition calls to remove fuel taxes. Waste-to-Energy Debate: Vuda waste-to-energy backer Ratu Qativi Robert Cromb says Fiji needs a long-term fix for both waste and energy before it’s too late. Fisheries: Beche-de-mer harvesting has been extended by eight months, while a kawakawa and donu seasonal ban starts today (June 1–Sept 30). Politics & Elections: The Elections Office flags election information management, readiness and public trust as key challenges ahead of the next General Election. Regional Security: Fiji will host the Oceania Customs Organisation conference in Nadi next month, as Pacific customs leaders push to tackle organised crime and border threats. Health Access: A Fiji Eye Project mission in Labasa restored sight for 73 patients through cataract and laser surgeries. Sports: Wallace Sititi inspired the Chiefs to a 59-34 win over the Blues as Super Rugby Pacific regular season ended; Moana Pasifika also closed with a 21-19 win over the Brumbies.

Quad & Fiji Ports: Quad foreign ministers in New Delhi backed a “ports of the future” push, including a Fiji port infrastructure project, alongside maritime surveillance and energy security initiatives aimed at reducing Indo-Pacific supply-chain reliance. Digital Agriculture Rollout: Fiji is moving from pilots to nationwide digital farming systems, with $115m allocated in the 2025-2026 budget and a national platform linking farmers, processors and tourism buyers. Rising Costs Warning: The Reserve Bank of Fiji says global energy costs are a major risk, with fuel and food driving inflation and electricity tariff pressures likely to continue. Border Security Overhaul: Immigration reforms introduce advanced traveller screening, streamline visa categories, and tighten data rules to modernise Fiji’s border management. Police Accountability & Community Policing: The Fiji Police Bill 2026 sets up a disciplinary tribunal and strengthens community policing partnerships. Tourism Bill 2026: New law clarifies agency responsibilities and investor safeguards, with tourism coordination across government. Regional Leadership: Fiji’s Laisiana Tugaga appointed Head of Secretariat of the Oceania Customs Organisation, starting June 1. Court Update: Fiji Fish’s $1.33m clinker-related judgment was overturned by the Court of Appeal. Drug Fight: Joint police and military raids in Nadi continue the push against meth networks. Sports & Culture: Fiji women’s U18 handball squad named for a world championship in Romania; Rugby League’s Culden Kamea urges a cultural challenge at the World Cup.

Pacific Security: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua says Pacific leaders are coordinating to stop illicit drugs as cartels increasingly use the region for storage and transhipment, with Fiji’s maritime borders flagged as a key route. Crime Crackdown: Fiji’s Joint Counter-Narcotics Task Force continues raids in the Western Division, vowing no let-up after operations in Nadi. Border Reform: Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto tables amendment bills to modernise border security, travel documents and citizenship, including stronger screening and tougher penalties for passport offences. Court Watch: Fiji Fish’s $1.33m win is overturned by the Court of Appeal after it found the High Court went beyond the pleaded case. Customs Leadership: Fiji’s Laisiana Tugaga appointed Head of Secretariat of the Oceania Customs Organisation, the first Fijian to lead the body. Youth & Inclusion: Parliament hears calls to stop Persons with Disabilities being left behind, while Fiji’s adoption system now allows more than 500 pending cases to be lodged in court. Sports: Fiji’s young women handball squad named for the U18 World Championship in Romania; Rugby League’s Culden Kamea urges cultural challenges at the World Cup. Regional Trade & Climate Finance: EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva to help Pacific SMEs access finance for blue/green and climate-resilient growth.

Super Rugby Pacific: Manasa Mataele’s hat-trick couldn’t stop the Queensland Reds, who beat the Fijian Drua 45-24 in Brisbane, ending Drua’s 2026 campaign and booking the Reds into the playoffs. Injury Watch: Reds centre Hunter Paisami limped off with a knee injury, raising doubts over his finals availability. Power Reliability: Energy Fiji Limited reported unplanned outages rising from 1,656 (2024) to 1,829 (2025), even as average restoration time improved; EFL also outlined a $522.66m grid upgrade plan. Crime & Jobs: Fiji’s Criminal Records Bill 2026 aims to remove barriers from minor past offences to help people access work, including overseas labour mobility. Education Staffing: 202 registered teachers are still awaiting placement in schools as of May 25, with early childhood the biggest gap. QUAD & Ports: India, US, Australia and Japan announced new Indo-Pacific maritime initiatives and a Fiji port infrastructure push, drawing both hope for jobs and debate over outside influence. Ratu Sukuna Day: Leaders marked the day with calls for unity, duty and service.

Diplomacy in the Blue Pacific: Israel is expected to open a resident embassy in Suva this weekend, following Fiji’s embassy in Jerusalem and plans for deeper cooperation on security, climate adaptation, agriculture and emerging technologies. Ratu Sukuna Day: Fiji marked Ratu Sukuna Day with calls for unity and duty-led leadership, as Deputy PM Viliame Gavoka urged Fijians to preserve values while tackling rising social and moral challenges. Jobs and education pressure: Parliament heard 202 registered teachers are still awaiting placement (128 ECE, 66 secondary, 6 primary, 2 special inclusive), while the Fiji Teachers Association urges the Government to suspend school levies amid fuel and food cost stress. Crime and border security: Fiji is setting up document forensic labs in Nadi and Suva after two Samoan nationals linked to the “Coconut Cartel” killing of a Sydney gang boss transited through Nadi using fake documents. Cost of living warning: The Reserve Bank of Fiji flags fragile economic conditions as fuel and food prices keep feeding inflation. Sports: The Drua and Moana Pasifika face final Super Rugby matches as Fiji’s Vanua Cup elimination sets up Skipper Cup qualification spots.

Climate Resilience: Fiji launched a $15.4m early warning push (EW4All) in Suva to get climate hazard alerts to the most at-risk communities, targeting about 416,000 people and focusing on barriers faced by women, people with disabilities, the elderly and remote islanders. Tourism Reform: Parliament passed the Tourism Bill 2026, overhauling tourism laws after more than 50 years, creating a National Tourism Council, national standards and a Tourism Fund to back infrastructure, training and community-based operators. Fuel Cost Relief: Government says it’s preparing more measures to cushion households and businesses from rising fuel costs, while noting fuel pricing decisions remain independent and new June prices will be set using international data. Quad Infrastructure Push: Australia, India, Japan and the US agreed to jointly build a Fiji port and expand Quad cooperation on energy security and critical minerals, with Fiji also weighing major projects like Suva Port upgrades, a convention centre and Nausori Airport expansion. Governance Scrutiny: Opposition MPs questioned a $500,000 education grant to the School Management Association of Fiji, with the minister admitting he lacked detailed information on outcomes for released tranches. Justice & Corruption: Court set August trial dates for former finance minister Professor Biman Prasad over alleged disclosure failures. Sports (Fiji): Fiji Airways men’s 7s coach Osea Kolinisau says the team heads to Spain 7s injury-free, with Terio Tamani to captain and Isaia Rugu set to debut.

Quad Ports & Security: Australia, India, Japan and the US agreed to jointly build and upgrade Fiji port capacity, with Suva and Lautoka flagged first, alongside new Indo-Pacific maritime surveillance and energy/critical minerals initiatives. Aviation for National Service: Cabinet endorsed a Fiji-owned sovereign aircraft fleet plan to strengthen maritime surveillance, emergency transport and outer-island passenger/cargo access. Cost of Living Pressure: Suva market voices warn fuel, electricity and grocery prices are squeezing families and small businesses, forcing tough spending cuts. Power Supply Update: PM Rabuka says planned nationwide power rationing won’t affect supply, with the main issue being logistics costs rather than shortages. Child Disability Demand: The Frank Hilton Organisation reports a sharp rise in demand for specialised child support, with most children needing early intervention. Sea Cucumber Earnings: Fiji’s sea cucumber fishery reopening has generated over $4m for coastal communities and $2.7m in export value since February. Election & Governance: Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu urges an inclusive constitutional review, while Cabinet warns fake news spreaders ahead of the 2026 election. Sports & Community: Fiji Rugby Union launched wheelchair rugby, and Drua hooker Zuriel Togiatama heads toward his 50th cap as the team finishes the season against the Reds.

Quad Ports Deal: Fiji is set for a major boost after Quad foreign ministers (Australia, India, Japan, US) unveiled the “Quad Ports of the Future Partnership,” with Fiji as the pilot for port upgrades, plus maritime surveillance and undersea cable support. Fuel Crisis Pressure: FTUC says workers shouldn’t pay for the fuel crisis through lower FNPF contributions, while Cabinet is set to consider a fuel subsidy for the cane sector. Elections Update: The Elections Office projects about 750,000 registered voters for the next General Election, with outreach continuing across Fiji and mobile registration for elderly and sick voters. Security & Crime: Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua says ammunition finds pose “no threat” as investigations continue; NZ’s Customs Minister warns the Pacific can’t “arrest” its way out of organised crime and needs stronger borders and whole-of-government action. Media & Online Safety: META shut down Facebook accounts linked to misinformation ahead of the 2026 election, and Fiji is pushing stronger biosecurity and disaster risk financing policies. Sports: Super Rugby Pacific round-up and Fiji’s Drua and Brumbies team news dominate the weekend build-up.

Quad Push on Indo-Pacific Security: Foreign ministers from the US, India, Japan and Australia met in New Delhi and backed a new maritime surveillance push, including real-time information sharing and a “common operating picture,” while also unveiling a critical minerals framework and a Fiji port infrastructure plan. China’s Warning: Beijing hit back, warning against “bloc confrontation” after the Quad’s surveillance and port moves. Fiji Energy Relief (for now): Energy Fiji has deferred planned nationwide power rationing set for June 1, citing approval of a temporary fuel surcharge and urging households to cut electricity use. Local Governance & Youth: Rangatahi are calling for Budget 2026 support for youth spaces, mental health, transport and childcare, while a Taveuni villager told the Constitution Review Commission Parliament isn’t a nightclub. Sports & Money Pressure: Fiji’s rugby league body FNRL says its accounts are being audited and it’s under FICAC probe amid wider financial turmoil.

Quad Deal in Fiji: Foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan and the US unveiled a new Indo-Pacific push in New Delhi, including a first-ever Quad port project in Fiji, plus fresh maritime surveillance and an energy security framework aimed at reducing supply-chain shocks and cutting dependence on China-linked mineral routes. China Pushback: Beijing hit back, saying cooperation shouldn’t target “third parties” or form “small cliques,” while the Quad also flagged serious concerns over the East and South China Seas. Strait of Hormuz Focus: Quad leaders stressed the need for diplomatic progress to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and avoid wider economic fallout. Fiji Police Integrity Debate: In Parliament, Justice Minister Siromi Turaga said foreign drug cartels are bribing officers, while opposition MPs demanded tougher action against “bad apples.” Elections Question: Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu pressed for clarity on when Fiji’s next general election will be held as constitutional review deadlines loom. Sport—Junior Boks Roar: Fiji U20s were thrashed 82-25 by the Junior Springboks in Cape Town.