AGP Executive Report

Education Watch: Fiji’s Year 5 and Year 7 literacy results improved in 2025, but numeracy is slipping—Year 5 numeracy stayed at 74% and Year 7 fell from 83% to 81%, as the Education Ministry pushes stronger curriculum and teaching support. School Accountability: The Ministry flagged teachers with 100-plus days absent after FEMIS data clean-ups, warning head teachers that inaccurate staffing returns can lead to wrong recruitment decisions. Exam Attendance: Of 19,000 registered Year 8 students for the 2025 external exam, 379 did not sit, prompting urgent calls to track attendance and address behaviour early. Public Safety & Health: Parliament unanimously passed the Bill to replace Pacific Theological College with Pasifika Communities University; meanwhile, the Health Ministry has started a nationwide hospital bed upgrade programme and is studying international standards for public hospitals. Justice & Crime: Fiji is moving toward implementing the Sex Offenders Register, with regulations expected to be tabled soon. Environment & Climate: Youth leaders urged faster emissions cuts and a quicker shift away from fossil fuels, while Fiji’s littering fine rises to $200 from September 1. Regional Security: Fiji launched a US$1m clean-up to remove 17 derelict vessels from Suva Harbour. Major News: A 5.5-magnitude quake hit the Fiji Islands Region, according to GFZ.

Cocaine on the coast: Police confirmed two cocaine parcels tested positive after finds in Lau and Qamea, and a third suspicious parcel washed ashore on Koro is being taken for forensic testing; residents are urged to report any suspicious packages to 1681 and not touch them. HIV surge: Fiji recorded a record 2,016 HIV diagnoses in 2025, up 27%, with young people 20–24 driving much of the rise and children affected through mother-to-child transmission. Climate push from youth: Pacific youth leaders in Suva rejected “soft commitments” and demanded faster emissions cuts, a quicker shift away from fossil fuels, and real decision-making power. Maritime clean-up: Government launched a US$1m plan to remove 17 derelict vessels from Suva Harbour, aiming to improve safety and protect the marine environment. Health system upgrades: The Ministry of Health has started a nationwide hospital bed upgrade programme, including general, paediatric, psychiatric and emergency beds. Justice and safety: Fiji is moving toward implementing a Sex Offenders Register, while a needle-exchange programme faces legal hurdles without protection for frontline workers. Elections readiness: Fiji has 707,982 registered voters as it enters the constitutional election window. Fiji Airways support: Parliament approved a FJD200m government guarantee to help the airline manage liquidity and fuel pressures.

Maritime Security: A U.S. Coast Guard cutter, Joseph Gerczak, has arrived in Suva for joint “shiprider” operations with Fiji to target illegal fishing, drug trafficking and other transnational crime in Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone under Operation Blue Pacific. Public Safety Tech: Police are expanding the Safe City CCTV push along the Suva–Nausori corridor, with 230 cameras planned for 50 sites and 97 already operating, including 75 between the Suva Bus Stand and Suva Market. Environment & Enforcement: Fiji will raise littering fixed penalties from $40 to $200 from 1 September, with councils, police and the Land Transport Authority joining a strengthened litter prevention officer network. Health Crisis: iTaukei leaders are calling for urgent legal reform as Fiji reports record HIV diagnoses, with 2025 figures showing a sharp rise and most new cases among iTaukei. Governance & Courts: The Fiji Labour Party backs PM Rabuka’s appeal after a High Court ruling quashed the COI report on Barbara Malimali’s FICAC appointment. Economy & Compliance: A mandatory asset declaration for registered sole traders has been delayed by a year, starting 1 January 2027. Sports: Rewa and Auckland City meet in the OFC Men’s Champions League semi-final in Ba, with Galaxy also set for the other semi-final.

Crime & Justice: Fiji Police Force faces a major capability squeeze, with a reported $165m funding gap in 2021-22 and 219 frontline vacancies; Parliament backs a push for digital forensics, plus calls for a formal whistleblower policy and body-worn cameras. Public Safety: Police say house break-ins may be tackled with joint police-military operations, as CCTV footage becomes more central to investigations. Environment & Enforcement: Littering fines jump fivefold from 1 September, from $40 to $200, with “litter prevention officers” and tighter tracking to prove behaviour change. Security & Tech: Suva-Nausori gets 230 new CCTV cameras, including 75 between the bus stand and market, as Police expand the Safe City network. Health: UNAIDS says Fiji records about 1,700 new HIV infections annually, with calls for scaled-up prevention, testing and treatment. Sports: Rewa and Auckland City clash in the OFC Men’s Champions League semi-final in Ba, with fans urged to rally behind Rewa. Regional Links: Fiji formally joins the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, and the US and Fiji run joint maritime security operations this week. Governance: Government defends suspending a social welfare insurance scheme after low payout rates, while iTaukei law reviews spark Opposition concerns over uncertainty.

Pacific Rugby League Partnership: Fiji has formally signed up to the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, with PM Sitiveni Rabuka and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru signing a statement of intent in Parliament, joining PNG, Samoa and Tonga in a $250m Australian-backed push for grassroots rugby league, school programs, violence prevention and more NRL/NRLW matches in the Pacific. Fiji Airways bailout debate: Parliament backed a $200m government guarantee for Fiji Airways, but MPs warned it must come with tighter cost controls and reporting as the airline faces fuel shocks and rising costs; the guarantee lifts government-backed exposure to $1.33b. Food import imbalance: PM Rabuka says Fiji imported about $1.106b in food in 2023 while exporting only $343.4m, and launched a Horizon 2030 food system plan including a $26.5m short-term investment package. HIV surge: Fiji recorded a record 2,016 new HIV diagnoses in 2025 (up 27%), with President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu calling for stronger prevention, routine testing, treatment access and stigma reduction. Public finance scrutiny: Parliament heard recurring weaknesses in financial management and oversight despite improved audit opinions, including unutilised budgets, procurement delays and incomplete asset registers. Maritime security: Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, as regional surveillance against illegal fishing ramped up.

Pacific Rugby League Partnership: Fiji has officially signed up to the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, with Australian Rugby League Commission boss Peter Beattie in Suva for the Statement of Intent signing in Parliament, backed by a $250m Australian investment and a wider $600m push for school and grassroots rugby league across the region. Fiji Airways Fuel Shock: Parliament approved a $200m government guarantee for Fiji Airways over three years to manage a major fuel bill surge, while MPs also questioned the airline’s cost-cutting—especially economy meal quality and passenger experience. HIV Surge: Fiji recorded a record 2,016 HIV diagnoses in 2025, up 27% from 2024, with young people hardest hit—prompting calls for stronger prevention, testing and early treatment. High Court on FICAC Inquiry: Fiji’s High Court declared the Commission of Inquiry report into FICAC null and void, citing bias and natural justice failures, as PM Rabuka refused to concede defeat in the Malimali case. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, covering about 27.5 million sq km and monitoring 3,000+ fishing vessels. Regional Climate Loss and Damage: Solomon Islands is drafting its first National Loss and Damage Policy and Investment Roadmap, turning climate evidence into priorities for action and finance. Court Devices for Journalist: The High Court ordered the release of seven electronic devices seized from British-Fiji journalist Charlie Charters after legal challenges over the handling of the case. Fiji Electoral Act School Campaign Row: Education Minister Aseri Radrodro told NFP’s Kamal Iyer to read the Electoral Act on campaigning in educational institutions, as the school-premises debate continues.

Aviation Finance: Government will seek Parliament’s approval for a $200m guarantee covering Fiji Airways’ additional borrowings from Aug 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029, including a request to exempt the airline from paying a guarantee fee. Border & Security: Fiji Revenue and Customs, with Australia, has launched new CCTV capability and a multi-purpose room at Nadi Airport to strengthen real-time surveillance and threat response. Immigration Modernisation: A $14.8m budget boost will streamline passports and immigration, including 100,000 blank passport books, upgrades to online applications, and Advance Passenger Information/PNR screening. Weather Watch: Heavy rain alerts remain for Viti Levu, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Kadavu and nearby islands, with warnings of flash flooding, flooded crossings and slippery roads. Public Health: Fiji reports a rapidly escalating HIV epidemic, with about 90% of new diagnoses in 2025 among iTaukei and many cases among young people. Education & Safety: Education Minister Aseri Radrodro calls for zero tolerance for bullying and urges parents to report concerns through school heads. Energy Savings: Kadavu’s Vunisea power station is set to cut diesel use sharply after a solar hybrid upgrade, saving about $336,000 a year. Local Economy: Food Processors Fiji commissioned a $635,000 processing centre in Batiri, Dreketi, to add value to local produce and support jobs in Vanua Levu.

Border Security Upgrade: Fiji Revenue and Customs and the Australian Border Force have opened new CCTV capability and a multi-purpose room at Nadi International Airport to strengthen real-time surveillance and help detect transnational crime. Immigration Modernisation: A $14.8m budget boost will streamline passport services, add 100,000 blank passport books, upgrade online applications, and roll out Advance Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record plus a new border management system. Health Focus: Fiji says HIV remains a major public health emergency, with about 90% of new 2025 diagnoses among iTaukei and rising infections among young people; UniFiji launched an HIV prevention campaign. Climate and Politics: Australia’s A$20m bill to host a COP31 pre-summit in Fiji has sparked a political fight in Canberra over costs and priorities. Weather Alert: Heavy Rain Alert stays in force for Viti Levu and outer islands, with warnings of flash flooding and dangerous road conditions. Energy Savings: Kadavu’s Vunisea power station is set to cut diesel use sharply after a solar hybrid upgrade, saving about $336,000 a year. Local Economy: Food Processors Fiji commissioned a $635,000 Batiri processing centre in Dreketi to reduce spoilage and add value for Vanua Levu farmers. Road Safety Follow-up: Assistant Minister Naisa Tuinaceva says he will follow up with the Roads Authority on the proposed Sote-Namalata bridge after students’ daily river crossings. Education and Democracy: The NFP alleges the Education Minister is misrepresenting the Electoral Act by restricting political use of school halls.

HIV Response: Fiji’s HIV crisis is worsening fast, with 2016 new diagnoses in 2025 (up from 245 in 2022) and two-thirds of cases among 20–34-year-olds, while the Ministry says iTaukei people make up about 90% of new diagnoses; the University of Fiji also launched a campus HIV prevention campaign urging youth to “Know Your Status,” plus officials renewed calls for harm-reduction measures like a needle and syringe programme. Border Security: Fiji is upgrading Nadi Airport security with new CCTV capability and a control room, backed by Australia, to strengthen detection and response to transnational crime. Courts & Corruption Oversight: The High Court has quashed the Commission of Inquiry report into the Malimali appointment, ruling the inquiry became unlawful after January 31, 2025 and that applicants were denied natural justice. Sports & Youth: Commonwealth Games winners Taniela Rainibogi and Jasmine Daunakamakama will receive cash rewards; meanwhile, Adi Narayan’s Boxing Commission term has expired as the minister moves to appoint a new chair. Maritime Safety: Two Lau sea emergencies have highlighted gaps in Fiji’s search and rescue response, especially communication and prevention. Drug Treatment: Fiji opened its first structured residential drug recovery centre for teenage boys in Lautoka, with a 12-week programme and a push for family and community support after treatment. India 80th Independence Day: Indian missions worldwide marked the day with the Suryapath Tiranga relay, starting in Suva and moving east-to-west across time zones.

High Court COI Ruling: Fiji’s High Court has quashed the Commission of Inquiry report into the Malimali appointment, saying the COI became unlawful after it continued past Jan 31, 2025 and denied applicants natural justice. HIV Response Push: Uni Fiji launched an HIV Prevention, Care and Awareness Campaign, with officials urging young people to “Know Your Status,” while government and UNAIDS warn laws are restricting harm-reduction measures like clean needle and syringe access. Youth Drug Treatment: Fiji opened its first structured residential drug recovery centre for teenage boys in Lautoka, a 12-week programme aimed at treatment plus family and community support. Maritime Safety Gaps: Two sea emergencies in Lau highlighted weaknesses in Fiji’s search-and-rescue response, including communication and prevention, with funding and fuel still a challenge. Regional Policy & Climate Adaptation: A new push for managed retreat as climate adaptation is gaining ground, with Fiji’s Vunidogoloa cited among places facing hard choices. Visa Pathway: New Zealand has set out requirements for a special resident visa for citizens of Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga and Tuvalu, including age limits, job or partner support, and English literacy. Maritime Security Boost: The US handed Fiji three new seven-metre rigid-hull inflatable boats and a ramp to strengthen action against drug trafficking and illegal fishing, plus search-and-rescue. Digital Sovereignty: FNU is set to host a national IT conference on “From Vanua to Virtual,” focusing on building a secure, trusted digital future for Pacific communities.

Court Ruling: Fiji’s High Court has quashed the Commission of Inquiry report into Barbara Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner, declaring it null and void and saying the process breached natural justice and fairness. Police & Media Rights: A High Court hearing is set after police re-seized seven devices from British journalist Charlie Charters’ team, despite an earlier order to return them. Maritime Security: The US handed Fiji three new seven-metre rigid-hull inflatable boats and a ramp to boost operations against drug trafficking and illegal fishing. Health & Training: Fiji National University has begun building a $9.8m medical simulation centre to strengthen clinical training. Social Crisis: Fiji says drug addiction is driving homelessness and rising HIV risk, and calls for more than rehab alone. Sports: Education Minister Aseri Radrodro urged secondary schools in the Deans semi-finals to play with discipline and respect. Boxing: Sydney-based boxing trainer Lepani Wilson called for the Fiji Boxing Commission chair to resign over overseas bout release issues. Football Politics: Oceania Football Confederation backed FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, but New Zealand withdrew support and wants an independent review. Regional Diplomacy: Biden met Pacific leaders for a second summit, promising new infrastructure funding and recognition for Cook Islands and Niue.

High Court Ruling: Fiji’s High Court has declared the Commission of Inquiry report into Barbara Malimali’s appointment null and void, saying it was unlawful and breached natural justice by failing to give criticised parties a fair chance to respond. Maritime Security Boost: The US has handed Fiji three new seven-metre rigid-hull inflatable boats and a ramp to strengthen operations against drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and improve search-and-rescue and fisheries enforcement. Regional Unity Under Strain: Pacific leaders head to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with divisions over how to respond to China’s missile test still unresolved. Football Governance Fallout: Oceania’s football body backs FIFA president Gianni Infantino, while New Zealand has withdrawn support and calls for an independent review of FIFA’s FFE plan. Public Health Push: Fiji rolls out HIV PrEP nationwide and is expanding its HIV response, as officials warn the outbreak is a public health emergency. Tourism Workforce Pressure: Fiji says it needs at least 100,000 hospitality workers to meet demand, urging more local training and career pathways. Justice Sector Funding: Fiji’s Law Reform Commission chief says the justice budget won’t meet growing needs as it takes on major legislative reviews.

HIV Prevention: Fiji has rolled out HIV PrEP nationwide, now available free through HIV hubs in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa and select clinics, with UNAIDS urging regular testing and clear messaging that PrEP prevents HIV, not treat it. Renewables Push: Fiji National University, with the International Solar Alliance, is preparing a National Solar Energy Roadmap aimed at cutting diesel reliance, including household solar, mini-grids for maritime regions and grid-connected plants. Marine Bill Clash: Former AG Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum warns the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill could face a constitutional challenge, arguing it may diminish rights tied to land and leases—raising alarms for tourism investors and lenders. Tourism Workforce: Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka says Fiji can’t build its tourism future while trained hospitality workers keep leaving overseas for better pay and opportunities. Regional Diplomacy: Fiji and India are looking to deepen development cooperation, while Korea and Fiji met in Seoul to focus on energy supply chains and closer bilateral ties. Energy Security: Fiji and Malaysia discussed strategic fuel reserves and offshore storage to strengthen resilience against supply disruptions. Drug Rehab: A dedicated children’s drug rehabilitation facility is set to open in Lautoka this month, expanding treatment and long-term support beyond Suva. Sports & Culture: Sam V and Signature Choir dominated the 2026 Pacific Music Awards, and Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa fundraising ramps up ahead of a planned 2028 reopening.

Maritime Security Boost: The U.S. has handed Fiji four new patrol boats and a boat ramp to strengthen the Navy’s ability to combat illegal fishing and drug trafficking. Pre-COP31 Security: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says Fiji is ready to host world leaders in Nadi, with Australia and New Zealand funding logistics and a multi-agency centre coordinating VVIP movements. Ocean Governance & Fisheries: Forum foreign ministers in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries, back the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy, and secure maritime boundaries. Energy Diplomacy: Korea and Fiji held talks in Seoul focused on energy supply chains, healthcare cooperation, and climate engagement. Sugar Workforce Pressure: Rabuka warns Australia’s longer-term jobs could leave Fiji’s sugar industry short of workers. Sugar Industry Fight: The NFU rejects proposals to close western mills and shift production, saying growers need clarity on long-term plans. Teachers Pay Crisis: Shopkeepers and the Fiji Teachers Association warn teachers are being forced to buy on credit due to salary delays, with industrial action possible. Marine Bill Warning: Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill could undermine constitutional protections and put hotel investments at risk. Renewables Push: BAT has launched Fiji’s first solar-powered factory, and Rabuka urged more private investment in renewable energy. Child Rehab Facility: Lautoka will open a dedicated drug rehabilitation centre for children this month. Transport Costs: Taxi operators are furious at the FCCC’s plan to end the interim fare adjustment and return to the 2011 distance rate.

Diplomacy & Trade: Fiji has reopened its High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, with the government saying it will boost energy security, diversify trade, attract investment and strengthen ASEAN links. Climate Pressure: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities are bearing the brunt of the triple planetary crisis, pushing for stronger regional action ahead of COP31. Regional Climate Push: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push, including more climate finance, renewable energy investment and Pacific-led Pre-COP meetings. Agriculture Exports: Fiji’s ginger exports are performing strongly, and the Agriculture Minister urged farmers to diversify beyond single crops; kava exports also remain robust. Health Access: International Solar Alliance funding is improving vaccination and cold storage at Beqa nursing services, cutting delays for mothers and families. Tourism Risk: Former AG Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum warned Fiji’s Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill could unsettle tourism investors and lenders. Immigration: New Zealand says only Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga and Tuvalu citizens can register for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot. Politics & Courts: Biman Prasad’s trial was vacated as FICAC moves to amend charges, with a new plea set in Suva. COVID Update: Fiji reported 13 new COVID deaths, including three who had received their second jab. Sports: Rewa FC reignited its OFC Men’s Champions League campaign with a 4-2 win over Tupapa Maraerenga.

Climate & diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional push for climate action ahead of COP31, urging more climate finance, renewables investment and Pacific-led momentum through Pre-COP31 meetings. Security & missiles: Australia joined a US-led call for at least 24 hours’ notice before long-range missile launches, rebuking China’s South Pacific test and stressing transparency and sovereignty. Environment & resilience: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities “bear the brunt” of the triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution—at SPREP’s Samoa Executive Board meeting. Digital risks: A Fiji academic cautioned that big tech cable landing stations could become “resource extraction disguised as investment,” raising concerns over land, water and power demands. Fiji governance & courts: FICAC’s case against former DPM Biman Prasad continues as the Suva Magistrates’ Court vacated the trial to allow amended charges; Prasad pleaded not guilty to the changes. Health & partnerships: Fiji Airways and Cure Kids Fiji say 819 people—716 pregnant mothers and 103 children—have benefited from healthcare programmes, using air links to reach remote communities. Energy security: Fiji is exploring fuel security cooperation with Malaysia and PETRONAS, including possible oil storage and stockpiling arrangements. Youth & politics: The National Youth Council says broken trust in politicians is driving declining youth voter turnout. Sports: Rewa FC revived their OFC Champions League campaign with a 4-2 win over Tupapa Maraerenga.