AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Accountability: Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and ex-Fiji Airways executives Shaenaz Voss and Sharun Ali will plead next month over alleged unlawful carriage of firearms and aviation security offences, with the High Court in Lautoka hearing corporate responsibility questions. Sugar Supply Crunch: Fiji Sugar Corporation warns national sugar stocks could run out by month-end if crushing starts late, as cane delivery readiness remains extremely low; FSC says a $5/tonne increase is meant to kick-start harvesting. Sugar Costs & Drought Fallout: FSC reports its lowest-ever cane production in 2025 (1.332m tonnes) driven by drought, leaving high operating costs and underused plant. Fuel Crisis Planning: Competition and Consumer Commission ex-CEO Joel Abraham says fuel price timing must prioritise predictability, and urges Fiji to map essential supply chains and allocation priorities before shortages hit. Election Spending Oversight: Former FICAC commissioner Barbara Malimali pushes for caretaker-style spending scrutiny via the Electoral Commission, while Finance Minister Biman Prasad says no such constitutional provision exists. Child Labour Focus: Fiji’s Commerce and Employers Federation and the Lands Minister stress children belong in school, not workplaces—even in homes and farms—calling for action to break poverty-to-labour cycles. ADB Middle East Relief: The Asian Development Bank announces a US$4bn crisis package for countries hit by the Middle East conflict, including Fiji, with support for energy and food imports. Tourism Investment: AHICE Fiji draws a record 420+ delegates in Nadi, highlighted by Accor’s deal with Yavu Collective to bring three hotels (Sofitel, The Sebel, TRIBE) into its network. Local Business Growth: A Lautoka couple’s coffin-making business is set to expand across the Western Division after iTaukei Affairs Board support via a minivan and loans.

Child Labour: Fiji’s Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo says poverty cannot justify child work, urging families to keep children in school as Fiji marks World Day Against Child Labour. Sugar Sector Watch: Fiji Sugar Corporation reports the lowest cane production in FSC history for 2025, blaming drought, while warning crushing could be deferred if farmer readiness stays low; FSC also says a $5/tonne cane payment increase is meant to kick-start harvesting. Parliament Scrutiny: The Sugar Cane Growers Council faced tough questions over overdue reports and unclear spending, with calls for better transparency and an independent audit. Labour & Migration: SCGC is exploring migrant workers to ease cane harvesting shortages, but says any scheme needs a year-round income model. Fuel Resilience for Business: A former NDMO director warns companies to plan for fuel disruptions beyond “cost” issues, stressing transport contingencies and supplier backup plans. Digital Inclusion: Telecom Fiji’s Joshua Pickering discusses how mixed connectivity (fiber, satellite, 4G/5G) and AI are being used to expand digital inclusion for education, tourism and government. Tourism & Investment: AHICE Fiji drew 420+ delegates and highlighted Accor’s new Fiji hotel pipeline via Yavu Collective, while the Electoral Commission says it’s ready for the next election and referendum.

Parliament Oversight: Fiji’s Sugar Cane Growers Council faced sharp 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 Risk: Fiji Sugar Corporation warned sugar stocks could run out by month-end unless cane harvesting ramps up, citing very low mill readiness submissions; the Government’s latest $5/tonne delivery payment boost is meant to mobilise gangs. Labour & Migration: SCGC is exploring migrant workers to plug a worsening harvest and transport labour shortage, but says any scheme needs a year-round income model for sustainability. Fuel Crisis Resilience: A former NDMO director told businesses to treat fuel disruption as an operational risk, urging contingency planning beyond generators and transport assumptions. Energy Transition: A $305m proposal would build three waste-to-energy plants to cut landfill expansion and generate renewable power. Local Economic Diversification: Ra leaders urged Government to explore local oil resources, while the iTaukei Affairs minister pushed value-added industries and jobs to turn resources into prosperity. Tourism & Investment: AHICE Fiji drew 420+ delegates and sealed major Accor expansion with Yavu Collective—three new hotel brands in Fiji and a Sofitel opening planned for 2027. Connectivity Boost: Fiji Airways launched its first direct Nadi–Gold Coast service, adding 53,000 seats annually. Regional Business & Governance: The Electoral Commission says it’s ready for the election and referendum, but won’t monitor Government spending without formal complaints. Pacific Security: RNZAF’s P-8A Poseidon helped locate and rescue missing fishers in Fiji and Kiribati waters. Investigative Journalism: UNODC and PINA launched a Pacific anti-corruption reporting programme with funding and legal training for journalists.

Tourism Investment Boom: Accor and Fiji’s Yavu Collective have signed a landmark deal to bring three hotels to Fiji—Sofitel, TRIBE and The Sebel—with Sofitel Fiji Vatu Talei (Denarau) due in early 2027 and 176 rooms planned, signalling fresh capacity and brand depth for the tourism economy. Aviation & Connectivity: Fiji Airways launched its inaugural direct Gold Coast–Nadi service (3x weekly), adding 53,000 seats annually and strengthening Australia links that underpin visitor growth. Energy Resilience Push: Communities across the Pacific and the Philippines are turning to community-owned solar after fuel shocks, with Fiji installations supporting disaster risk reduction and cutting electricity costs. Anti-Corruption Media Support: UNODC and New Zealand-backed funding will train Pacific journalists through PINA’s J-PACT project to investigate bribery, corporate wrongdoing and misuse of public funds. Election Spending Oversight: Fiji’s Electoral Commission says it won’t monitor Government spending ahead of the election unless formal complaints are lodged, shifting responsibility to FICAC processes. Public Finance Pressure: Former Finance Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum warned operating expenditure is crowding out investment, with operating costs now exceeding the 2022 national budget. Cane Harvest Cost Crunch: Vanua Levu cane harvesters and lorry operators are urging an urgent review of the $20/tonne mechanical harvesting rate ahead of the crushing season as fuel and maintenance costs bite. Hotel Performance: Tanoa Waterfront Hotel in Lautoka was ranked in the top 10% globally on Tripadvisor, highlighting service quality as tourism competition intensifies.

Air Connectivity & Tourism Growth: Fiji Airways launched its inaugural direct Gold Coast–Nadi service, with flights three times weekly (Mon/Thu/Sat) using a Boeing 737 MAX 8, adding 53,000+ seats annually and boosting access for Australians and onward North American travellers via Nadi. Hotel Investment & Capacity: At AHICE Fiji, Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka said Fiji needs about 4,000 new hotel rooms to hit 1.25m visitors and $4b tourism earnings by 2027, citing a $3.1b pipeline across 53 projects and 2025 earnings of $2.81b. Hospitality Deals: Accor signed a landmark multi-hotel agreement with Yavu Collective, bringing Sofitel, The Sebel and Tribe to Fiji, including a second Sofitel (Sofitel Fiji Vatu Talei) due early 2027 on Denarau. Tourism Trade Results: SPTE 2026’s post-event report shows record engagement, with 225+ trade-floor participants, 84% seller conversion, and 2,809 B2B meetings. Budget Pressure & Governance: Former Finance Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum warned operating expenditure has climbed to $3.9b, exceeding the 2022 national budget, squeezing infrastructure spending; former PM Mahendra Chaudhry blamed decades of poor governance for poverty and crumbling services. Private-Sector Funding Bottleneck: RBF Governor Ariff Ali said nearly $1b in approved private loans remains undisbursed due to regulatory and approval delays, while businesses adopt a wait-and-see stance ahead of elections. Corruption & Political Scrutiny: Unity Fiji’s Savenaca Narube urged an expatriate Police Commissioner to tackle corruption and called for cutting Cabinet and travel costs; former FICAC commissioner Barbara Malimali urged the Electoral Commission to scrutinise pre-election spending to prevent vote-buying. Women’s Representation: Manoa Kamikamica called for constitutional protections and models to lift women’s representation in Parliament ahead of the expected February election. Labour Mobility & Borders: Immigration leaders met in Suva for the 30th PIDC meeting, warning migration pressures and calling for modern border systems and faster information sharing to keep trade and tourism moving. Yaqona Market Link: A new digital platform (yaqona.net) is in public testing to connect kava farmers directly with global buyers using verified profiles and QR codes, aiming to cut out middlemen. Sugar Industry Costs: Cane harvesters and lorry operators in Vanua Levu demanded an urgent review of the $20/tonne mechanical harvesting rate ahead of crushing, citing fuel, maintenance, loan and labour cost pressures. Sports Sponsorship & Pathways: Navua football urged sponsors ahead of Fiji FACT; Fiji Rugby Union launched the Weet-Bix Raluve competition as a girls’ rugby pathway into elite teams. Legal Case: “King Khan” admitted breaching a High Court asset freeze order under the Proceeds of Crime Act and is set for sentencing on July 14.

Maritime & minerals push: Australia, India, Japan and the US unveiled a new Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration to boost information sharing and protect critical sea lanes, with port and critical minerals initiatives flagged for the South Pacific. Fiji economy under strain: At the State of the Fijian Economy Dialogue, the RBF cut growth forecasts to 1.5% and warned debt and inflation risks are rising; panelists urged tighter fiscal control, faster reforms, and job-led growth. Budget pressure & spending cuts: Former finance minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and others pointed to ballooning ministerial costs and a widening spending-revenue gap ahead of the June 26 budget. Private lending stuck: RBF Governor Ariff Ali said about $1b in approved private-sector loans remains undisbursed due to approval delays. Cost of living & VAT debate: Richard Naidu said the VAT cut was a mistake; Savenaca Narube called for “equitable burden sharing” and fuel duty changes. Water bottleneck: Naidu warned ageing water and skills shortages are holding back investment, calling for corporatisation of WAF. Tourism investment & jobs: AHICE Fiji’s tourism conference in Nadi drew 400+ delegates, while Fiji Airways’ regional connectivity and incentive travel are expected to bring fresh demand. Marine protection: Fiji targets up to 15% marine protected areas by end-2026 as part of 30% by 2030. Governance & corruption: UNODC backed a Pacific journalism push to strengthen long-term corruption reporting and accountability. Security & drugs: Police are investigating suspected cocaine finds on remote Lau islands, with reports of increased trafficking activity.

State of the Economy: Fiji’s growth outlook is being cut sharply as debt rises and fiscal buffers tighten, with the RBF revising 2026 growth to 1.5% and the IMF warning of slower momentum and mounting debt risks ahead of the June 27 budget. VAT and cost of living: Fiscal Review Committee chair Richard Naidu says last year’s VAT cut was a mistake that drained hundreds of millions, while Unity’s Savenaca Narube argues Government must cushion households from price pressures. Spending cuts and Cabinet reform: Narube wants Cabinet cut to 12, travel and allowances slashed, and non-essential spending reduced; others also question the size of government and civil service. Water and jobs: Naidu warns ageing water infrastructure and labour gaps are holding back investment, urging corporatisation of WAF and faster skilled immigration; a World Bank economist also pushes jobs-led growth and higher women’s workforce participation. Governance and buffers: Dialogue speakers warn Fiji is “precarious” with limited rainy-day savings and declining operating surplus, leaving the economy exposed to shocks. Immigration and labour: Fiji recorded about 4,000 foreign worker applications in three months, while CRC consultations heard calls for foreign workers to meet Fiji language standards. Tourism and business: Pacific Harbour resorts plan joint marketing to capture more visitors, and an incentive travel programme is set to bring over $10m from the US. Justice and digitalisation: The Justice Ministry flags digital records upgrades and law reform plans. Marine protection: Fiji targets up to 15% of waters as marine protected areas by end-2026.

Foreign Labour Inflow: Fiji logged about 4,000 new foreign worker applications in March–May, as employers keep relying on overseas recruitment despite labour-shortage concerns, renewing debate over worker welfare and safeguards. Economic Urgency: Fiscal Review Committee chair Richard Naidu says Government is not acting fast enough, warning growth has slipped below 3% and tourism’s rebound is masking deeper weaknesses. Fiscal Stress & Debt: Economists and the IMF point to worsening conditions: RBF cut the 2026 growth forecast to 1.5% and expects inflation to top 6%, while debt is projected to reach $11.4bn (about 81% of GDP) by end-July. Governance First: Lawyer Barbara Malimali argues stability and investor confidence hinge on fixing governance and strengthening institutions before growth and reforms can stick. Climate Adaptation: Fiji is moving toward “green-gray” coastal protection, pairing seawalls with mangrove restoration to tackle sea-level rise and erosion. Cybercrime Push: Acting AG Siromi Turaga says Fiji is tightening cybercrime laws and regional coordination, including a push to finalise an online safety law soon.

Sugar Industry Pressure: Cane farmers in Fiji’s North say the 2026 harvest is starting under heavy strain from higher fuel, groceries and labour costs, with crushing due to begin June 17 at Labasa Mill. Economic Urgency: State of the Economy Dialogue 2026 chair Richard Naidu warns Fiji needs urgent action as poverty remains widespread and growth is too slow for development goals. Growth Cut, Inflation Worry: The Reserve Bank of Fiji has revised 2026 growth down to 1.5% as tourism momentum softens and households pull back, while inflation is expected to rise above 6%. Debt Outlook: Fiji’s coalition debt is projected to reach about $11.4b (around 81% of GDP) ahead of the election, keeping fiscal space tight. Cybercrime Push: Fiji is strengthening cybercrime laws and regional coordination through PILON, including a handbook to help Pacific countries implement stronger legal responses. Land & Development Rights: A CRC submission urges constitutional protection for iTaukei landowners, including meaningful consultation and free, prior and informed consent for major developments. Environment & Waste: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya warns Fiji can’t claim climate resilience while pollution and poor waste management keep damaging rivers and reefs. Energy Transition: Pacific leaders are accelerating solar training and community installs as fuel costs and power reliability issues bite. Aviation & Tourism Links: Fiji Airways renews its MOU with Vanuatu Tourism Office, reinforcing route-based tourism promotion. Justice & Accountability: Questions raised over the Prime Minister’s Disaster Fund records, with claims that the OPM doesn’t hold the financial receipts. Business Spotlight: Organisers expect strong turnout for the 2026 Prime Minister’s International Business Awards, aiming for 700+ attendees.

Renewables & Skills: It’s Time Foundation coordinated the Pacific’s first all-female solar installation team on Fiji’s Waya Island, installing solar panels and backup batteries at Ratu Naivalu Memorial School to deliver 24/7 power and build women’s leadership in technical trades. Business Awards: Organisers of Fiji’s 2026 Prime Minister’s International Business Awards expect strong turnout, targeting 700+ guests after last year’s record 760 attendance. Waste & Environment: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya warned Fiji can’t claim climate resilience while pollution and poor waste management keep harming rivers and reefs, pushing stronger action on waste. Local Governance & Social Needs: Lautoka City Council is working with Social Welfare and Police on a coordinated plan to respond to rising street dwellers and street children, including concerns about substance abuse. Development Delivery: Cabinet approved a National Development Plan Problem-Solving Team to improve monitoring, reporting and delivery of NDP 2025–2029 projects. Public Health: Fiji will roll out a chemical-free dengue control programme using mosquito lamps, bed nets and test kits nationwide. Cane Sector Pressure: Cane growers are demanding clarity on 2026 cane payments, while the Opposition welcomed the $85/tonne guaranteed price as a needed boost. Crime & Courts: A Nadi businessman, Anand Kumar, was remanded over alleged importation of 2.6+ tonnes of cocaine and related proceeds-of-crime charges.

Drug Prosecution: A Nadi businessman, Anand Kumar (“Bobby”), has been charged over the alleged importation of 2.6445 tonnes of cocaine seized at Vatia Wharf, with the case transferred to the Ba High Court and recalled for June 22 after he was remanded in custody. Public Safety & Social Policy: Lautoka City Council is coordinating with the Social Welfare Ministry and Police to tackle rising street dwelling and street children numbers, including concerns about substance abuse. Environment & Waste: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji must stop the “slow suicide” of pollution and poor waste management, warning it is undermining rivers, reefs and climate resilience. Development Delivery: Cabinet approved a National Development Plan Problem-Solving Team to improve monitoring, reporting and delivery of the NDP 2025–2029 and Vision 2050. Sugar Sector Pressure: Cane growers are demanding clarity on 2026 cane payments after calls for the $85/tonne guaranteed price to translate into revised delivery payments and support for fuel and harvesting costs. Health Innovation: The Ministry of Health and GX Foundation will roll out a chemical-free dengue control program using mosquito lamps, bed nets and test kits nationwide. Business Recognition: Organisers expect strong interest for the 2026 Prime Minister’s International Business Awards, targeting 700+ attendees. Local Enterprise: Lakeba chiefs have formed Lakeba Nexus PTE Limited to manage island resources, starting with pine forest harvesting plans.

Disability Inclusion: Fiji reaffirmed its commitment to disability rights, backing a 2025–2035 National Policy aimed at improving access and opportunities for more than 120,000 people, with stronger coordination across government and partners. Agriculture & Jobs: The Agriculture Ministry unveiled a Beqa strategy to shift farmers from subsistence to commercial production, including off-season tomato expansion and support to tackle yaqona dieback, with potential youth employment. Major Crime & Trade: A Nadi businessman was charged over alleged importation of more than 2.6 tonnes of cocaine, alongside claims of drug possession and proceeds-of-crime-linked assets, with court appearance set for June 8. Fuel Pressure & Welfare: Government has not yet decided whether to extend the 50% social welfare top-up beyond July, citing the need to assess the global fuel crisis’s impact on public finances. Public Health Costs: Consumer Council of Fiji told Parliament that proposed public health fines treat households and big companies the same, calling for tiered penalties based on harm. Waste & Environment: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya urged behaviour change as Fiji launches a National Plastics Inventory and a 2026–2035 waste strategy, while a Nadi roadside campaign drew 1,200 people for ocean protection. Maritime Security: Japan will provide four vessels to strengthen Fiji’s maritime surveillance against drug trafficking, with two planned for Levuka and Lakeba. Infrastructure Delivery: Water Authority launched an Environmental and Social Management System to improve planning, risk management and monitoring for major projects. Return and Earn: The programme expanded with a new Nasinu collection centre, creating jobs while boosting recycling nationwide.

Drug Enforcement: A Nadi businessman has been charged over the alleged importation of more than 2.6 tonnes of cocaine, with counts covering unlawful importation, possession, and properties suspected to be proceeds of crime; he appears in the Tavua Magistrates Court on June 8. Waste & Environment: Fiji’s Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya urged stronger waste responsibility as the ministry launches a National Plastics Inventory and a National Integrated Waste Management and Pollution Control Strategy 2026–2035, while Fiji’s Department of Environment rejected an Australian-backed Vuda waste-to-energy incinerator plan. Public Health Law: Consumer Council of Fiji told Parliament that equal fines for businesses and residents under the Public Health Amendment Bill are unfair, calling for tiered penalties tied to harm. Fuel Pressure: The Consumer Council wants earlier fuel price announcements to curb panic buying and unethical practices; Fiji Taxi Association also renewed calls for government relief as fuel costs rise and fares haven’t moved since 2011. Social Protection: No decision yet on extending the temporary 50% welfare top-up beyond July, with Government saying it will assess the fuel crisis’s impact on public finances. Maritime Security: Japan will provide four vessels to boost Fiji Navy maritime surveillance, targeting drug trafficking threats across the country’s vast waters. Energy Transition: Fiji is preparing its Sixth National Report under the Stockholm Convention on POPs and is moving toward joining Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata conventions, alongside building in-house chemical testing capacity. Regional Business & Trade: Philippine Airlines signed to join the oneworld alliance, strengthening Southeast Asia connectivity.

Fuel Relief Pressure: The Consumer Council of Fiji wants fuel and LPG price announcements moved earlier to curb panic buying and queues, while taxi operators warn rising costs and a 14-year fare review gap are squeezing small operators. Public Pay Debate: The Fiji Teachers Union rejects any civil servants’ salary cut linked to fuel pressures, arguing workers shouldn’t pay for global shocks; Opposition MP Premila Kumar also questions government spending and calls for cost cuts elsewhere. Local Governance & Waste Jobs: Return and Earn expands with a new Nasinu collection centre, aiming for 50+ sites nationwide and more recycling-linked employment. Environment & Compliance: Fiji is strengthening hazardous chemicals and waste management ahead of its POPs reporting, and Pacific fisheries officials train on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels. Diplomacy & Oversight: Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says overseas missions face strict audits and parliamentary scrutiny as questions swirl around embassy costs and operations. Sports & Business Visibility: FBC will broadcast the Fiji Surf Pro live from Cloudbreak, boosting Fiji’s global exposure; Fiji’s national football team plays Vanuatu in Port Vila. Regional Trade/Climate Finance: Fiji presses donors for simpler, faster climate finance for small island states as risks intensify.

Fuel Relief Push: Fiji taxi operators are calling for urgent Government help as fuel prices and operating costs bite hard, with fares unchanged since 2011 and drivers struggling to absorb near-doubled fuel costs. Fuel Price Timing: The Consumer Council wants fuel price notices made earlier, warning last-minute announcements are triggering panic buying, queues and unethical behaviour. Public Pay Debate: The Fiji Teachers Union rejects any proposal to cut civil servants’ salaries over fuel pressures, arguing workers shouldn’t pay for global shocks; opposition MP Premila Kumar also questions government spending and asks for cuts elsewhere first. Waste & Jobs: Return and Earn is expanding in Nasinu with a new collection centre, aiming to create local jobs while boosting recycling and cleanliness. EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji and other Pacific authorities are training to meet new EU freezer-vessel food-safety rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels. Court Access Upgrade: A new Magistrates Court facility is planned for Korotasere to cut costly travel to Savusavu and strengthen crime prevention in the Natewa–Korotasere corridor. Energy & Climate Finance: Fiji is urging faster, simpler climate finance for small island states as risks intensify.

Clean Energy & Investment: The ISA and World Bank launched a Pacific SIDS solar dialogue in Bali, pushing investment-ready solar and storage projects and spotlighting a 220MW solar-plus-storage tender pipeline in Mauritius that Fiji and other Pacific states can model. EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji and other Pacific fisheries authorities trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels, tightening freezing temperatures and traceability to protect market access. Fuel Pressure on Households & Transport: Fiji’s fuel caps and wider Pacific energy costs remain a major drag, with taxi and bus operators in Fiji calling for urgent relief and faster subsidy processing as rising fuel bills squeeze earnings and passenger demand. Climate Finance Push: Fiji urged donors to make climate funding simpler and faster for small island states, warning current processes are too slow as sea-level rise and extreme weather threaten GDP and livelihoods. Waste-to-Energy Fallout: Fiji’s Environment Department rejected the Vuda waste-to-energy EIA, while opponents say the developer could still pursue better-scaled waste solutions. Regional Trade & Security: Pacific trade officials met to shape the region’s trade agenda, and Forum foreign ministers backed a regional response mechanism to manage Middle East-linked economic and security risks. Connectivity Boost: Fiji Airways confirmed direct Nadi–Nouméa flights returning from September 22, aiming to lift tourism and regional business travel. Skills & Jobs: Pacific Polytech’s Labasa graduation highlighted workforce needs as Fiji continues to face skills gaps from overseas labour mobility.