AGP Executive Report

Taxi & fares: A Nausori taxi driver is urging authorities to crack down on illegal pari operators but also open a legal solution for late-night demand, while taxi operators push to keep current fares for three more months and warn a cut could force drivers off the road. FNPF compliance: The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation says more than $8m in unpaid Fiji National Provident Fund contributions remains, urging employers to use the amnesty before Oct 31. Transport & local business: A new taxi base opened in Kinoya Village under a co-operative model, with 30 permits planned to boost indigenous entrepreneurship. Climate & health: Fiji’s health officials say climate change is already harming Pacific health and argue for stronger, disaster-ready health systems and dedicated climate funding. Nuclear-free stance: Fiji says its Vuvale Union Treaty won’t stop it questioning Australia on emissions, and it does not expect nuclear submarine hubs despite AUKUS-linked concerns. Tourism & aviation: Fiji Airways expands Australia links with Western Sydney flights from March 2027, adding direct capacity for travellers and tourism. Business growth: ZAR Logistics backs InsideOut Fiji’s Australia/NZ tour, while Kavalicious Fiji eyes export growth for value-added kava products. Labour & rights: Ram Sami & Sons workers remain on strike over collective agreement terms, and FWRM warns proposed electoral penalties could disproportionately harm women’s political participation.

Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways will launch direct Nadi–Western Sydney International flights from March 19, 2027, with three services weekly (Mon/Fri/Sun) using Boeing 737 MAX 8, adding 53,000+ seats annually and targeting surging Australian demand. Local Transport & Jobs: A new taxi base in Kinoya (Vunikoro Co-operative) opens with space for up to 30 taxis, with permits to follow—aimed at boosting indigenous entrepreneurship. Roads & Community Costs: Uciwai residents in Nadi say repeated repairs haven’t fixed a deteriorating road and are pushing for a lasting solution as dust affects families and students. Taxi Industry Pressure: Taxi operators are asking the Competition and Consumer Commission to keep current fares for three months, warning a cut from October 1 could force drivers off the road. Women’s Political Rights: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement warns proposed electoral penalties could disproportionately harm women and interfere with the right to vote, calling for clear definitions and due process. Labour Dispute: Ram Sami & Sons workers remain on strike for a sixth day over collective agreement terms, overtime and workplace conditions. Business Growth: Kavalicious Fiji is seeking to scale production and export value-added kava products like cookies beyond Fiji. Hospitality Appointments: Nanuku Resort Fiji names Vuli Cakacaka as General Manager, continuing its push for personalised luxury.

Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways will launch direct flights to Western Sydney International from March 19, 2027, with three weekly services (Mon/Fri/Sun) adding 53,000+ seats annually and boosting access for Sydney’s growing Fijian community and the tourism pipeline. Transport Digital Payments: Fiji’s eTransport system adds QR Pay for bus fares, letting passengers scan codes from the eTransport app (with offline wallet support) and pay via linked Digicel myCash and Vodafone M-PAiSA wallets. Governance & Courts: Two separate defamation cases are before Fiji’s High Court, involving an Opposition MP and a Cabinet minister, with allegations tied to Pacific Polytech finances and Fiji Holdings dividend payments. Anti-Corruption: FICAC is back in court over a disclosure dispute in the Biman Prasad matter, with an investigating officer expected to answer questions on witness statements. Politics & Foreign Funding: The Centre for Democracy and Dialogue warns proposed political financing changes could allow unlimited foreign donations, potentially funding entire campaigns. Energy & Jobs: EPC Renewables and partners outline the Yaqara solar-plus-storage project (22MW/40MWh first stage, then 120MW/200MWh), aimed at cutting diesel reliance and supporting local traineeships. Sports & Community: Nanuku Resort Fiji appoints Vuli Cakacaka as General Manager; and Fiji’s veterans football tournament returns with 15 teams competing in Ba. Education & Payroll Controls: The Education Ministry investigates 13 suspected “ghost” teachers after payroll verification, while a separate salary stoppage issue continues to be addressed.

Pacific diplomacy & China-Taiwan tensions: At the Palau-hosted Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, China’s envoy warned of “consequences” after Taiwan’s attendance, but Pacific leaders pushed back on Beijing’s “wolf warrior diplomacy” approach. Workforce & leadership: Fiji’s top public service leadership says managers should understand younger employees’ expectations, not label them “difficult,” as younger staff bring faster work and strong tech skills. Energy investment: EPC Renewables and Cobra signed deals for Fiji’s Yaqara solar-plus-storage build, starting with 22MW solar plus 40MWh batteries, aiming to cut diesel reliance and create jobs. Sugar reform pressure: Government scrutiny is intensifying over sugar subsidies and falling cane tonnage, with calls for structural reform across the value chain and tighter support targeting. Anti-corruption court wrangle: FICAC is back in court over whether it can tender witness statements in the Biman Prasad trial, with defence arguing disclosure and timing issues. Digital transport payments: Fiji launched QR code bus fare payments via the eTransport app, adding cardless options and offline wallet support to boost access. Education payroll controls: The Education Ministry is investigating 13 suspected “ghost” teachers after payroll checks, while teacher salary disruptions continue to ripple through the system. Public health: New Zealand is urged to strengthen its response to Fiji’s rapidly escalating HIV epidemic, framed as a regional health security issue.

Public Transport Payments: Fiji’s e-Ticketing app now supports QR code payments, with Digicel myCash transfers into the app and Vodafone M-PAiSA top-ups, aiming to make bus travel easier. HIV Response: New Zealand is being urged to step up support as Fiji’s HIV epidemic accelerates, with researchers warning it’s now a regional health security issue. Election Funding Rules: Fiji Labour and SODELPA oppose proposed electoral law changes that would remove the $10,000 donation cap and allow more overseas donations, warning of undue influence and corruption risks. Public Service Leadership: PM Rabuka tells senior public servants that power and positions are temporary, urging stewardship of institutions. Tax & Border Controls: Parliament scrutinises how Fiji Revenue and Customs will enforce tax rules if disputes involve foreign military activity, while a new departure-order system targets gaps that could let major tax debtors leave. Rheumatic Heart Disease Care: Doctors call for more patient-centred counselling and better treatment support to improve medication adherence. Sugar & Farming Tech: Fiji Sugar Corporation is moving toward spray drone services to help non-sugar and cane farmers where tractors struggle. Energy Investment: EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra sign on for a solar-plus-battery project with Energy Fiji, targeting commercial operations by 2029. Teachers’ Salary Crisis: Government steps in to ensure 118 affected teachers get paid immediately, with remaining cases still being verified. Corruption Court Update: Suva Magistrates Court hears arguments on FICAC’s bid to add former elections official Mohammed Saneem as a witness in the Biman Prasad trial. Climate Push: Pacific leaders reaffirm the 1.5°C goal and press for COP31 climate finance and renewables support.

Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders at a Palau summit urged COP31 to deliver real money for clean energy and resilience, warning that fossil-fuel import costs and worsening impacts are squeezing island economies. Solar Investment: EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra signed with Energy Fiji Ltd to develop the Yaqara solar-plus-battery project (22MW/40MWh first stage; 120MW/200MWh second), targeting PPA finalisation by early 2027 and operations by 2029. Teachers’ Pay Crisis: PM Rabuka ordered urgent action to get 134 affected teachers paid after a payroll stoppage; 118 are set for a special pay run today, while 16 still await contract verification. Anti-Corruption Court Case: FICAC is seeking to add former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem as a witness in the Biman Prasad trial, with the magistrate criticising late additions. Health Expansion: Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Heart Hospital will extend specialised cardiac services to adults and adolescents, adding angiograms and scans. Border & Customs Tech: Fiji’s immigration and customs modernisation with Australia’s MERIT system is moving ahead, raising sovereignty and data-security concerns. Animal Health Preparedness: Fiji trained 26 Para-Vets to strengthen early detection and biosecurity for livestock disease threats. Community & Business: The Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North raised $341,015.75 gross, with charity funds earmarked for Northern health and community projects.

Teacher Pay Fallout: Fiji’s Ministry of Education is processing salaries for 118 teachers affected by last week’s pay stoppage via a special pay run today, but questions remain over when the remaining 16 will be paid, with a press conference expected to clarify details. Community Relief: A separate community appeal, “$5 for Our Teachers,” has raised $5,148.01 toward a $33,500 target to provide emergency top-up support to verified affected teachers while the Government resolves the underlying issue. COP31 Push: Fiji is urging stronger Pacific participation in COP31-related discussions, with Tuvalu highlighted as a key platform to get global leaders engaged and ensure climate priorities translate into funding and action. Border & Sovereignty: Fiji Revenue and Customs Service warns that Australia-funded border upgrades under the Vuvale Union/Veitacini Treaty must deliver measurable outcomes and protect Fiji’s sovereignty, including how passenger risk checks and sensitive revenue data are handled. Foreign Exchange Crackdown: The Reserve Bank of Fiji reiterates that only licensed dealers can provide money-changing services, warning the public that unlicensed operators expose them to fraud and loss. Pacific Climate Cost: Pacific leaders are hearing that going beyond 1.5°C could hit tuna access fees and coastal fisheries, threatening both government revenue and food security.

Border Security & Sovereignty: Fiji Revenue and Customs Service CEO Udit Singh says Australia’s $1.5b-plus Vuvale Union/Veitacini Treaty support must deliver measurable outcomes, with clear owners, timelines and safeguards for Fiji’s customs, revenue tech and sovereignty. Immigration Systems: Fiji’s MERIT border management upgrade is set to replace the current IBMS, with Australia funding the system and training; passenger info will be shared up to 72 hours before boarding. Foreign Exchange Crackdown: The Reserve Bank of Fiji warns the public that unlicensed FX dealing is a criminal offence, urging transactions only with authorised banks and dealers. Sugar Sector Monitoring: Fiji Sugar Corporation plans GPS tracking for locomotives from next year to curb cane-carting delays linked to driver misconduct. Education Payroll Disruptions: 134 teachers missed Pay 18 due to late permanent appointment documents, while 13 “ghost employees” were found in a Ministry payroll check. Tourism Demand: Fiji Airways logged its strongest booking day in 75 years, with 14,000+ bookings, as visitor arrivals topped 100,000 in July. Climate & Food Security: Pacific leaders warn 1.5°C overshoot will hit tuna revenues and coastal catches, while El Niño threatens drought, flooding and water stress. Youth & Skills: A Nadi training programme urges graduates to turn skills into livelihoods, with Youth Grant applications opening next day. Sports Finance Hurdle: Fiji National Rugby League eyes an NRL 9s trip but faces a $15,000 bond per player.

RBF Enforcement: The Reserve Bank of Fiji has warned the public to use only licensed foreign exchange dealers, saying some businesses and individuals are operating without the required licence—an offence that can leave customers exposed to fraud, losses and no legal protection. Tourism Demand: Fiji Airways logged its strongest booking day in 75 years, with more than 14,000 bookings in a day, as visitor arrivals topped 100,000 monthly for the first time and travel demand keeps climbing. Climate Finance: Canada pledged US$12.3m over five years to expand access to climate finance via the Pacific Resilience Facility, including adaptation, disaster readiness and loss-and-damage support for communities. Regional Policy Push: Fiji’s foreign affairs minister says Pacific economies can become wealthier by coordinating trade and development priorities through the Pacific Islands Forum. Education Payroll Shock: Payroll checks found 13 “ghost employees” in the Education Ministry and stopped salaries for 134 teachers after appointment documents were not processed on time. Security Treaty Questions: Fiji lawmakers raised concerns about how cyberattacks and hybrid warfare would trigger mutual defence obligations under the proposed Ocean of Peace Alliance. Pacific Food & Culture: The FFA and SPC launched the “Tuna Bites” campaign to celebrate World Tuna Day with a Fiji-led culinary competition highlighting tuna’s role in food security and livelihoods.

Pacific Food & Livelihoods: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with one-day tuna dish contests across eight Pacific countries including Fiji, broadcast to spotlight tuna’s role in food security and jobs. Climate Finance & Resilience: Canada pledged US$12.3m over five years to expand access to climate funding via the Pacific Resilience Facility, supporting adaptation, disaster response and loss and damage, while also discussing stronger Fiji–Canada fisheries cooperation. Fiji Travel Demand: Fiji Airways logged its strongest booking day in 75 years, topping 14,000 bookings, as visitor arrivals in July exceeded 100,000 for the first time and the airline expands. Regional Climate Push: Pacific leaders at the PIF in Palau backed urgent action to keep 1.5°C alive, improve climate finance access and elevate ocean-climate priorities, endorsing the Belau Declaration. Security & Law: Fiji’s proposed Ocean of Peace Alliance faces questions over whether cyberattacks and hybrid warfare would trigger mutual defence obligations, with legal and enforcement powers still unclear. Education Payroll Shock: 134 teachers missed pay after appointment documents weren’t processed on time, alongside 13 “ghost employees” found in Education Ministry payroll checks. Labour Mobility Scam: Police are investigating alleged $50,000 Australia job scam targeting 500 Fijians, warning people to verify overseas work offers. Business & Inclusion: BSP says digital tech is key to financial inclusion, citing rapid growth in internet and mobile banking and its USSD Wantok Wallet. Local Business: Vanua Coffee opened a Nadi café to expand markets for Fiji-grown cacao, creating jobs and boosting local chocolate sales.

Overseas Work Scam: Police are investigating two people after they allegedly collected about $50,000 from 500 Fijians with promises of jobs in Australia, charging $100 each via a fake labour-hire setup under the PALM scheme—Employment PS Maritino Nemani urged people to verify offers and remember Government PALM placements have no fees. Public Payroll Integrity: Fiji’s Education Ministry says it found 13 “ghost employees” and stopped salaries for 134 officers after payroll checks tied to Auditor-General concerns, with issues linked to appointment documentation not being updated in FEMIS. FNPF Enforcement: FNPF warns employers owing about $9.8m across 2,446 cases could face legal action after an amnesty period ends, including possible airport travel blocks. Labour Rights Clash: Ram Sami & Sons workers’ strike enters a second day as the National Union of Workers accuses the company of undermining the right to strike and recruiting replacements. Business & Finance Access: South Pacific Stock Exchange CEO Sheraj Obeyesekere says ordinary Fijians can invest in shares without being wealthy, with 21 listed companies and daily trading. Tourism Funding Move: Fiji’s temporary Tourism Services Tax (from Sept 1) targets hotels, tour operators and cruise firms to help Fiji Airways amid rising fuel costs. Local Cocoa Market: Vanua Coffee opens in Nadi to sell Fiji-grown cacao and chocolate, creating jobs and expanding farmer market access. Health Costs & Impact: Fiji’s rheumatic heart disease programme reports 4,984 people living with RHD and rising deaths, pushing for earlier detection and better follow-up care.

Fiji Tourism & Aviation: Fiji introduced a temporary Tourism Services Tax from 1 September 2026, adding 5% to qualifying hotels, tour operators and cruises (with bookings made before 1 September exempt), aimed at easing pressure on Fiji Airways amid rising fuel costs. FNPF Compliance: The FNPF warned employers that unpaid contributions totalling about $9.8m across 2,446 employers could trigger legal action after the amnesty ends, including possible airport travel blocks. Labour & Rights: Ram Sami & Sons workers’ strike entered its second day as the National Union of Workers accused the company of undermining the right to strike via replacement hiring and foreign worker permits. Trade & Business Costs: A Basic Tariff Literacy Toolkit was launched to help Fiji businesses better understand how regulated prices are set and how to engage in tariff decisions. Health & Human Capital: Fiji launched a paediatric cardiac surgical mission with international specialists, while a new RHD report put the number of people living with rheumatic heart disease at 4,984 and flagged rising deaths. Regional Climate Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed urgent action to keep 1.5°C alive and called for more climate finance and faster fossil-fuel transition—setting the tone for COP31.

Pacific Drug Crackdown: Australia pledges $284m over a decade to help Fiji dismantle illicit drug networks, including a National Joint Enforcement Centre and police uplift, as the Pacific is increasingly used as a transit route to Australia. Regional Security Push: Fiji also calls for urgent regional action against transnational crime and illicit drugs, backing stronger Pacific coordination through police and labour minister meetings. Fiji Police Funding & Treaty Support: The Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union Treaty is set to ease pressure on the Fiji Police Force with long-term support and a 10-year police uplift programme. Digital Sugar Upgrade: The Sugar Cane Growers Fund launches a Digital Management System and smart chatbot with ADB support, aiming to cut costs, improve transparency, and boost financial inclusion for growers, including women and vulnerable groups. Universal Connectivity for Remote Lau: Digicel Fiji and TAF sign a Universal Service Obligation contract to extend mobile and digital access to Lau communities, using satellite Wi-Fi powered by Starlink. FNPF Amnesty Results: FNPF reports $2.8m recovered from legacy employer contribution debt, with about $8m still outstanding as the amnesty campaign runs to 31 October. Health & Child Protection: Fiji reports 1 in 50 children may have rheumatic heart disease, urging early detection; a support programme highlights screening progress. Governance & Justice: A former court officer is jailed for three years for $3,100 fraud, while a separate case sees FICAC change its stance on a disputed document in the Prasad trial. Trade & Diplomacy: Fiji and the UAE plan to explore new trade and investment opportunities, including a possible embassy in Suva. Sports & Business Spotlight: Fiji Bati names a 40-member extended Rugby League World Cup squad featuring NRL and Super League players, adding momentum for sports-linked local interest.

Universal Connectivity: Digicel Fiji and the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji signed a Universal Service Obligation deal to connect underserved Lau communities using satellite Wi-Fi powered by Starlink, with firewalls to block harmful content. Banking Leadership: BSP announced Michael Nacola’s move to a newly created Deputy Country Head role for BSP Fiji, while Maikash Ali’s corporate and institutional banking leadership expands. Health & Cost of Care: Fiji’s rheumatic heart disease programme reports that 1 in 50 children could be affected, with early screening and follow-up urged as RHD can develop silently and drive major annual costs. Trade Readiness: Fiji Rice Limited says exports are on hold because rice quality and a three-month shelf life aren’t yet export-ready for sea freight. Crime & Security Funding: Fiji received $284m to strengthen enforcement against transnational drug networks, including a national joint enforcement centre and specialist Australian support. Court Watch: Fiji’s Supreme Court ordered FBC to pay $150,000 damages to Dr Shanjivan Padarath over a 2016 defamatory report. Labour Dispute: Ram Sami & Sons workers in Nasinu are on strike after stalled collective agreement talks, with the company citing financial constraints and using temporary staff during the action. Climate Finance Speed-Up: Green Climate Fund reforms aim to cut Pacific project approval and accreditation to a nine-month target. Pre-COP Push: PM Rabuka backs Fiji’s role hosting pre-COP climate talks ahead of COP31 in Türkiye.

Climate & Resilience: A new UNEP assessment warns the world will overshoot the 1.5°C warming goal within years, putting Pacific food, water and coastal safety at risk, with scientists flagging tuna shifts and major losses for island economies. Churches & Waste: Fiji’s churches are being urged to turn faith into action through practical recycling and waste-management commitments, with a Vaka Forum set to tackle stigma and move beyond box-ticking. Governance & Transparency: SEEP says taxpayers funded Fiji’s Constitutional Review Commission process and deserve the full report publicly, not partial releases. Health & Policy: Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica says climate change is now a public health and economic threat, calling for research that translates into better hospital planning and regional cooperation. National ID & Services: Cabinet has approved Fiji’s proposed National ID system, aimed at reducing document hassles for banking and government services, with Parliament expected to consider it later this year or early next. Tourism Tax: Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax will spare existing holiday bookings, easing concern from travel agents while the levy continues for new bookings from 1 September. Pacific Security: Leaders are pushing for stronger political will and coordination to tackle transnational crime, drugs, cyber threats and online harms, with calls to streamline intelligence-sharing barriers. US-Pacific Deal: The US announced a $150m package at the Pacific Islands Forum, including fuel security support and infrastructure plans, with Tonga singled out for data centre and cloud upgrades. Business & Courts: University of Fiji students are seeking clarity and possible external audit over $19m in fees and its financial links to the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, while a corruption trial hears a dispute over whether company documents are admissible.

Tourism & aviation: Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax will spare existing holiday bookings, easing pressure on travellers, but airline costs remain a concern for the sector. Climate diplomacy & costs: Australia is facing backlash over spending millions on high-end accommodation for COP31 pre-talks in Fiji, even as UN warnings say the world is on track to exceed 1.5°C warming soon. Pacific security & crime: Pacific leaders pushed for stronger political backing and legal frameworks to speed intelligence-sharing against transnational organised crime, while Australia floated a $600m maritime crackdown package to curb drugs moving through the region. Regional resilience finance: Tonga called the Pacific Resilience Facility a “game-changer” and urged partners to fully capitalise it, as PRF prepares to showcase community projects ahead of pre-COP meetings. Governance & data: Fiji and partners are focusing on learning data to strengthen education systems across the Pacific, alongside calls for transparency in Fiji’s constitutional review process. Business & connectivity: Fiji launched a National Universal Service push for reliable high-speed internet in remote communities, and TotalEnergies relaunches a directly operated service station in Nabua.