AGP Executive Report

Waste Fight: Fiji rejects an Australian-backed plan to ship rubbish to burn and generate power, with officials warning Fiji must not become the Pacific’s “ashtray.” Weather & Safety: Bad weather has halted the Beqa search after a boat capsized, with three bodies recovered and two survivors treated; a coastal inundation alert remains for parts of Fiji. Climate Finance Push: Fiji is pressing for fair, accessible climate funding at Bonn, calling for practical outcomes for frontline communities and easier access for small island states. Tourism Growth Plan: Tourism Fiji urges investment beyond traditional hubs, including more mid-range hotels and attractions in other provinces; Accor and Yavu Collective also sign up to add three branded hotels by 2027. Economy Pressure: Business groups warn of slowing growth and rising costs as the Reserve Bank revises Fiji’s outlook amid fuel-driven inflation. Child Protection: New figures highlight high child labour and poverty links, renewing calls for stronger education and social support. Governance: The Electoral Commission says ballot paper changes may come next sitting, with public feedback pushing for “face and a name” layouts.

Climate Finance Push: Fiji is pressing for fair, accessible climate funding at Bonn, warning vulnerable Pacific nations need tangible outcomes, not delays, as it calls for better access, readiness support, and science-led decisions. Tourism Growth Plan: Tourism Fiji says investors should look beyond Fiji’s traditional hubs, backing more mid-range hotels and higher-end experiences in provinces like the Coral Coast to spread benefits and ease infrastructure strain. Hotel Deal Boost: Accor and Yavu Collective have signed up three new Fiji hotels under Sofitel, The Sebel and TRIBE, adding 370+ rooms by 2027 and expanding Denarau and Nadi developments. Tax Compliance for Resorts: A new digital platform aims to help accommodation providers meet FRCS VAT Monitoring System deadlines without costly hardware upgrades or extra manual reporting. Coastal Alert: Sea flooding and rough marine conditions are possible as a coastal inundation alert remains in force across parts of Fiji, with high tides expected early morning and late afternoon. Economy Watch: Fiji’s growth outlook is being squeezed by fuel-driven inflation, with stakeholders urging urgent productivity and preparedness as the Reserve Bank revises projections. Aviation Accountability: A veteran investigator has been appointed to lead a probe into a helicopter ditching off Wailoaloa, with the pilot escaping unharmed. Child Labour Warning: New figures highlight how poverty and limited education access are driving child labour risks, calling for stronger education and social protection.

ADB Crisis Support: The Asian Development Bank has approved a US$4 billion package to help countries hit by the Middle East conflict, including about US$3b requested by governments and US$1b in trade finance for energy and food imports, with Fiji named among 15 formal requesters. Aviation Safety: Fiji’s Civil Aviation Ministry has appointed veteran investigator Captain Norman Walding to lead an inquiry after a Robinson R44 helicopter ditched off Wailoaloa, Nadi; the pilot escaped unhurt. Court Pleas in Aviation Case: Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, plus ex-Fiji Airways executives and Fiji Link, are set to plead in a Lautoka court on charges tied to alleged unlawful carriage of firearms and aviation security offences. Child Protection Push: Fiji marked World Day against Child Labour with renewed calls that poverty can’t justify child work, while Government ministers also stressed stronger online safety measures for children. Drug Fight Coordination: UN security official Unaisi Vuniwaqa urged Fiji to tackle the drug crisis with a whole-of-government approach and clear SOPs for any Police-RFMF joint operations. Local Business Growth: A Lautoka couple’s coffin-making business is set to expand after support from the iTaukei Affairs Board, including a new minivan.

Aviation & Justice: Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, along with ex-Fiji Airways executives and Fiji Link, is set to plead in court next month over alleged unlawful carriage of firearms and aviation security offences. Helicopter Incident: Captain Norman Walding has been appointed to lead an investigation into a Robinson R44 helicopter ditching off Wailoaloa, Nadi, after the pilot escaped unharmed. Drugs & Policing: UN safety chief Unaisi Vuniwaqa says Fiji’s drug fight needs a whole-of-government approach, clear Police-RFMF SOPs, and stronger institutions—not just salary hikes. Child Protection: The Government says children belong in school, not workplaces, and is pushing stronger online safety measures to protect kids from exploitation. Economy & Sugar: Fiji Sugar Corporation warns sugar stocks could run out locally if mills don’t start next week, after delays at Lautoka. Climate & Energy: 350.org Pacific Climate Warriors urges Fiji and other Pacific governments to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of Bonn. Tourism & Business: iTaukei Affairs Board support is helping a Lautoka couple expand a growing coffin-making business, while Fiji Airways’ Nadi–Gold Coast direct service boosts travel links.

Climate & Energy Push: Fiji climate warriors are urging Pacific governments to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of Bonn, arguing the region must lead the shift away from coal, oil and gas. Fuel Crisis Resilience: A Fiji Business Disaster Resilience Council webinar warns companies to prepare for fuel disruptions with real contingency plans, not just generators, using an assess–prepare–respond–recover approach. Local Economy & Jobs: Ra leaders are calling on Government to explore local oil extraction to reduce reliance on imported fuel and create opportunities, while also urging value-added use of local resources. Tourism & Investment: AHICE Fiji’s conference in Nadi drew a record crowd and highlighted major hotel deals, including Accor’s plan to bring more brands into Fiji via Yavu Collective. Courts & Governance: Fiji’s High Court rejected PM Rabuka’s bid to stall the reappointment process for former anti-corruption chief Barbara Malimali. Sports: Suva FC kick off the BiC Fiji FACT opener against defending champions Labasa, setting up a tough start for the campaign.

Sports Development: Minister backs a proposed Seals Swim Club Academy, pitching Fiji as a regional hub for coach education and competitive swimming. Local Economy & Jobs: Ra leaders are urged to diversify and add value to resources to create work for young people, not just rely on what’s already there. Fuel Crisis Preparedness: Former NDMO director Vasiti Soko tells businesses to assess, prepare, respond and recover—because fuel shortages are an operations problem, not only a cost issue. Governance & Accountability: Fiji’s High Court rejects PM Rabuka’s bid to stall the Malimali anti-corruption ruling, while the Electoral Commission says it won’t monitor Government spending without formal complaints. Environment & Waste: A $305m plan proposes three waste-to-energy facilities to cut landfill expansion and generate power. Community Support: Eight new fishing licences are issued in Rotuma to help fishers operate commercially while protecting marine resources. Regional Diplomacy: Philippines opens its resident embassy in Fiji, marking a new chapter in bilateral ties. Travel & Trade: Fiji Airways launches direct Nadi–Gold Coast flights, boosting connectivity for tourism and business.

Election Watch: The Electoral Commission says it won’t monitor Government spending before the next general election unless formal complaints are lodged, after former FICAC commissioner Barbara Malimali questioned election-linked roadworks and handouts. Online Safety: Communications Minister Ioane Naivalurua says talks are ongoing on a possible Fiji ban on pornography websites, with enforcement and whether laws are needed expected to be discussed. Maritime Safety: MSAF has banned all vessels under 15 metres from operating in areas under severe weather warnings, urging strict compliance as rough seas persist. Drug Probe: Police and the Navy are investigating whether multiple suspected drug packages found near Ogea Island in Lau came from one offshore drop or several dumping points, with patrols intensified. Tourism & Hotels: Accor and Fiji’s Yavu Collective announce three new hotels in Fiji under Sofitel, TRIBE and The Sebel, including Sofitel Fiji Vatu Talei opening in early 2027. Energy Resilience: Pacific communities and the Philippines are turning to community-owned solar as fuel shocks expose dependence on imported diesel. Human Rights: Amnesty International says allegations of police and military brutality in Fiji leading to the death of Sakiasi Ose Radravu fit historic patterns, calling for swift independent accountability. Economy & Governance: Former Finance Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum warns operating costs are crowding out development, while Unity Fiji’s Savenaca Narube urges Fiji to move beyond ethnic political framing.

Maritime Safety: MSAF has banned all vessels under 15 metres from operating in areas hit by severe weather warnings, including parts of the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, Viti Levu’s southern coast, Lau and Lomaiviti, Kadavu and nearby waters, urging strict compliance and caution for other craft. Tourism & Air Links: Fiji Airways has launched direct Gold Coast–Nadi flights three times weekly, and Tourism Fiji is rolling out a Gold Coast marketing push next month to target families, weddings and honeymoon travellers. Regional Migration & Borders: Immigration leaders in Suva marked 30 years of the Pacific Immigration Development Community, calling for modern border systems and faster information sharing as migration pressures rise. Economy & Governance Debate: Former Finance Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum warned operating costs have surged to $3.9b, crowding out infrastructure spending, while others argue governance failures are behind persistent poverty. Drugs at Sea: Authorities are investigating whether multiple drug packages found near Ogea Island came from one offshore drop or several dumping points, with patrols intensified across Lau. Human Rights Scrutiny: Amnesty International says allegations of police and military brutality in Fiji match historic patterns after the death of Sakiasi Ose Radravu, calling for swift, independent accountability. Tourism Investment: AHICE Fiji’s tourism conference highlights a need for about 4,000 new hotel rooms to hit 2027 targets, with Fiji’s visitor numbers and earnings continuing to grow.

Economy Under Strain: Fiji’s Reserve Bank and IMF-linked warnings are piling up as growth is cut to 1.5%, inflation is set to rise above 6%, and debt sits around $11.4–$11.7b, with stakeholders saying approvals and fiscal choices are choking momentum. Public Finance Pressure: Former Finance Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says Cabinet and ministerial costs are crowding out investment, while others call for redirecting money away from commissions and toward targeted help. Election Spending Scrutiny: Former FICAC commissioner Barbara Malimali and opposition leaders want the Electoral Commission to review pre-election infrastructure and handouts, warning of vote-buying risks. Police Accountability: Fiji’s top detective Serupepeli Neiko has been directed to go on leave as prosecutors review alleged corruption, amid renewed calls to suspend joint Police-RFMF operations after deaths in custody. Health Services: Government plans 10 eco-mortuaries after Kadavu claims about a baby’s body being kept in an ice-filled esky, with solar-powered backup and delays tied to legal approvals. Tourism & Investment: AHICE Fiji’s tourism investment conference draws 400+ delegates in Nadi, while Fiji Airways backs the Fijian Flying Circus on an Australian tour. Crime & Security: Police investigate suspected cocaine packages found near Ogea, as regional leaders push tougher cross-border crime cooperation.

Eco-mortuaries Plan: Fiji will install 10 solar-powered eco-mortuaries after Kadavu families alleged a baby’s body was kept on ice in an esky, with the Health Ministry setting aside $NZ7.7m and noting power limits may delay full operation. Economy Under Strain: At the State of the Fijian Economy Dialogue, the Reserve Bank cut growth forecasts to 1.5% and speakers warned debt risks, weaker buffers and rising living costs are squeezing Fiji ahead of the June 27 budget. Rights and Policing: An NGO coalition is calling for an immediate suspension of joint RFMF-Police operations, citing deaths in custody and allegations of torture, and demanding independent, public investigations. Tourism & Travel Moves: Fiji Airways is backing the Fijian Flying Circus on its first Australian tour, while Korean Air signals a possible return to Nadi after a seven-year break—raising competitive pressure concerns. Crime and Borders: Pacific immigration leaders flagged human trafficking, migrant smuggling, fraudulent documents and cyber-enabled crime as growing cross-border threats. Community Wins: A revived Nasaseru Pool tourism project is restarting through community effort, and 10 Ra families received a new water project.

Economy Pressure: Fiji’s Reserve Bank cut its 2026 growth forecast to 1.5% as fuel prices, inflation and softer spending bite, with inflation now expected to top 6% by year-end. Urgency Call: Fiscal Review Committee chair Richard Naidu says government has expert advice and options but isn’t acting fast enough to lift growth and tackle poverty, debt and weak productivity. Public Health & Tourism: Parliament’s Public Health Amendment Bill 2026 could tighten rules on “nuisance” noise and other issues, raising concerns for resorts hosting concerts and festivals. Land & Constitution: Fiji’s land law review reaches the final stage for State Lands Act and Land Use Act, while constitutional reform and a referendum push continue after the High Court/threshold changes. Justice Update: PM Rabuka accepts the High Court dismissal in the Malimali case and will appeal to the Court of Appeal. Security Operations: Police-RFMF joint taskforce says it targets more than drugs and stresses verifying intel before deployments. Climate Adaptation: Fiji’s coastal resilience plan pairs seawalls with mangrove restoration to protect villages as sea levels rise. Sports (Fiji-linked): Fiji’s climate and economy headlines sit alongside regional rugby and football updates, including Fiji’s role in upcoming Nations Championship fixtures and OFC VAR rollout across Pacific islands.

Economy Under Pressure: Fiji’s growth outlook has been cut to 1.5% for 2026 as tourism momentum cools, fuel costs rise, and inflation is expected to push above 6%, with the IMF also warning of slower growth and higher living costs. Urgent Governance Call: Fiscal Review Committee chair Richard Naidu says Fiji has advice and solutions ready, but government is not acting fast enough on poverty, debt, and infrastructure replacement. Court Battle Over FICAC: PM Sitiveni Rabuka’s bid to pause a High Court ruling in the Barbara Malimali case was rejected; he will now take it to the Court of Appeal. Public Safety & Accountability: Police and military brutality allegations tied to the death of Sakiasi Ose Radravu are under investigation, with the minister ordering a thorough, fair probe. Cybercrime Push: Fiji is strengthening cybercrime laws and regional coordination, with a Pacific handbook nearing completion after PILON meetings in Nadi. Land & Community Issues: Land law reviews reach the final stage, while Lomaiviti islands continue to battle water shortages and Nasinu launches “Return and Earn” to cut litter. Tourism Regulation: Proposed Public Health Act changes could tighten rules on noise from hotels and resorts hosting events.

Ocean Protection: French Polynesia plans to expand its fully protected “no-take” marine areas, banning more human activity across a wider swath of the already massive protected zone. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, Pacific-wide tsunami advisories were issued; Fiji is listed, while New Zealand says there’s no threat to Aotearoa. Health Budget: Fiji’s Health Minister says frontline pay—salaries, allowances and overtime—must be fully funded in the 2026-2027 budget to prevent disruptions and staff burnout. Environment & Waste: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya warns Fiji can’t call itself climate resilient while pollution and poor waste management keep harming rivers, reefs and ecosystems. Drugs & Policing: Police investigate suspected illicit drugs after sealed containers were found floating near Ogea Island in Lau, with substances sent for lab testing. Digital Security: India’s High Commissioner met Fiji’s policing and communications minister to strengthen cybersecurity, law enforcement and digital resilience. HIV + Drugs Response: The Fiji Medical Association says the HIV outbreak and drug crisis need a whole-of-government, whole-of-society plan, not healthcare alone. Constitution Review: The CRC hears calls to constitutionally protect Sunday as a day for worship and family rest. Business Spotlight: Organisers expect strong turnout for Fiji’s 2026 Prime Minister’s International Business Awards.

Addiction & health: A senior Methodist minister, Rev Wilfred Regunamada, is publicly sharing his kava addiction recovery journey, urging others to seek both medical and spiritual help. Disaster preparedness: Pacific agencies are on alert after a powerful 7.8 quake off the Philippines, with tsunami advisories covering Fiji and much of the region. Environment & waste: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji can’t call itself climate resilient while pollution and poor waste management keep damaging rivers, reefs and ecosystems. Drugs & policing: Police are investigating suspected meth after sealed containers with a white substance were found drifting near Ogea Island in Lau—another alarming find in the area. Constitution talks: The Constitution Review Commission hears calls to constitutionally protect Sunday as a day for worship and family, with businesses closing except for essential services. Public health response: The Fiji Medical Association warns Fiji’s HIV outbreak and drug crisis can’t be solved by healthcare alone and calls for a whole-of-government approach. Local development: Housing upgrades have been commissioned for 74 Tavela families in Nadi, improving roads, drainage, water and sanitation. Business & governance: Organisers expect strong interest in the 2026 Prime Minister’s International Business Awards, with attendance projected to top 700. Regional connectivity: Fiji Airways will resume direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September.

SVNS Rugby: South Africa’s Blitzboks defended their HSBC SVNS World Championship crown in Bordeaux, beating Fiji 14-12 in the quarter-finals before falling to France 21-12 in the semis, while Springbok Sevens star Tristan Leyds was named 2026 SVNS Player of the Year, edging out Fiji’s Vuiviwa Naduvalo. Fiji Rugby Stakes: Fiji’s women’s sevens side pushed Canada to the brink in Bordeaux, but Canada won 29-14 to reach the Cup semis, setting up a New Zealand clash. Shujaa Survival Fight: Kenya’s Shujaa face an anxious wait after a winless Bordeaux pool run left them fighting for promotion to Division One, with their fate now depending on other results. Environment & Health: Fiji’s Department of Environment rejected a Vuda waste-to-energy incinerator proposal, while Parliament heard environmental health officers are facing abuse and assault as they protect communities. Waste Push: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya urged behaviour change on World Environment Day, launching a national plastics inventory and waste strategy. Maritime Security: Japan will provide four vessels to boost Fiji’s maritime surveillance as drug trafficking threats grow. Climate Cooperation: Fiji-linked climate work continues as Australia’s Chris Bowen leads Bonn energy security talks ahead of COP31, with Pacific priorities front and centre. Aviation: Philippine Airlines announced it will join oneworld in 2027, with Fiji Airways listed among the alliance members. Public Health Partnership: Fiji National University and GX Foundation signed an MoU to strengthen public health training and youth development.

Waste-to-energy fight: Fiji has rejected an Australian billionaire-backed $1.4b Vuda waste incinerator, saying the environmental impact statement failed legal and technical standards, with unresolved issues still on the table. Public health push: GX Foundation and Fiji National University have signed an MoU to boost public health and youth training, while Parliament heard environmental health officers face abuse and even assault as they carry out inspections under the Public Health Amendment Bill. Environment and climate: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya urged tougher waste habits as Fiji launches a National Integrated Waste Management and Pollution Control Strategy and its first National Plastics Inventory; in Yasawa-i-Rara, coastal erosion is worsening since 2019 and residents are calling for urgent adaptation support. Maritime security: Japan will provide four vessels to strengthen Fiji’s maritime surveillance as drug trafficking threats grow, alongside fast-tracked anti-narcotics legislation. Sports (Fiji in focus): Fiji’s Reapi Ulunisau scored as Canada beat Fiji 29-14 to reach rugby sevens semifinals in Bordeaux; Fiji also featured in the Blitzboks’ World Sevens Championship run, and FBC will broadcast the Fiji Surf Pro live. Transport costs: Taxi operators are calling for government relief as fuel prices and costs bite hard, with fares unchanged since 2011.