AGP Executive Report

Vuda waste-to-energy fight: Fiji’s Department of Environment has rejected The Next Generation Holdings’ Vuda Point energy-from-waste and private port plan, saying the EIA failed legal and technical standards over unresolved issues including imported waste, hazardous ash, public health, water, roads/port impacts, and tourism and social risks; Appeal deadline: TNG has until July 3 to appeal to the Environmental Tribunal, with the Ministry saying there’s no resubmission pathway; Fuel pressure on services: Government warns rising fuel prices are already affecting rural development delivery, with some borehole projects likely to be cut back as operating costs rise; Transport support: Finance says bus fare subsidy funds are being released for operators after cash-flow concerns, with payments due to be processed through the e-ticketing system; Drug crackdown: Police in Cakaudrove report destroying nearly 47,400 marijuana plants in coordinated operations, alongside arrests and seizures; Politics and election talk: PAP candidate Filimoni Vosarogo backs PM Sitiveni Rabuka and says fuel-price pain will likely be a campaign issue driven by global conflict; Regional security: Fiji warns the Pacific is shifting from a drug transit route to a destination, as customs leaders meet in Natadola for border-security and trade cooperation.

Waste & Health: Fiji has rejected an Australian billionaire’s “waste colonialism” plan to ship non-recyclable rubbish to Vuda Point and burn it for energy, after the Department of Environment turned down the EIA over unresolved issues including project scale, imported waste, hazardous ash, water and public health risks, plus tourism, road/port impacts and the economic case. Public Service Costs: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says civil servants’ pay cuts are not decided, but could be considered later if finance calculations require it, as fuel-price pressure continues. Transport Crunch: Bus operators warn of a widening fuel-driven shortfall, with deficits expected to reach about $5m a month by June, threatening service reductions. Community Learning: A new Cuvu Community Learning Centre is opening to help students tackle literacy and numeracy gaps, homework support and exam preparation, aiming to reduce dropouts. Regional Security: NZDF and NZ Customs backed maritime surveillance patrols in Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands’ EEZs to deter serious organised crime and support fisheries protection. Diplomacy & Climate: Israel opened its Suva embassy, with Fiji saying the partnership could support climate resilience, renewable energy and water security—while protests were held outside. Sports (SVNS): Fiji’s men and women face tough pool matches at the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Bordeaux, with games live on FBC TV. Rugby Economy: Drua says it contributed about $108m to Fiji’s GDP in 2025, up from earlier estimates, calling the club a national economic asset.

Israel–Fiji Diplomacy: Fiji has officially opened Israel’s embassy in Suva, with PM Sitiveni Rabuka calling it the start of a “golden era” and stressing the partnership will focus on development, training and security cooperation—not military involvement—after protests outside the opening. Fuel Crisis Watch: Rabuka says Government has not ruled out further pay cuts for civil servants to cushion global fuel shocks, but any move would follow Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel’s calculations. Constitution Review: A Sigatoka resident urged the Constitution Review Commission to raise the marriage age to 21 for men and 20 for women, arguing 18 is too young for life-changing decisions. Public Health Funding: Diabetes Fiji is calling for at least $1m in direct government funding in the 2026–27 Budget to close gaps in diabetes care, especially in rural and maritime areas. Regional Climate & Oceans: Over 30 island nations met in Tokyo for an ocean summit pushing for financing, practical technology and stronger action against climate impacts and marine pollution.

Israel-Fiji Diplomacy: Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar wrapped a “historic” visit by inaugurating Israel’s new Suva embassy, touring Fiji’s armed forces HQ, and meeting regional leaders as Fiji stresses neutrality and Rabuka says ties are “purely based on bilateral” cooperation. Security & Drugs: Rabuka says talks could include cyber and early-detection tools to help Fiji fight methamphetamine trafficking and organised crime, while Fiji hosts Pacific customs leaders warning the drug trade is shifting from transit to destination. Regional Connectivity: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September 2026 (twice weekly), adding 10,000+ seats annually to boost tourism, trade and people-to-people links. Local Governance & Faith: Fiji’s Constitution review again hears calls for Fiji to be declared a Christian State and for President appointment powers to return to the Great Council of Chiefs. Sports Pathways: PNG football officials say domestic clubs now have clearer routes to the OFC Champions League, but urge players to step up to professional standards.

Israel–Fiji Diplomacy: Israel’s FM Gideon Sa’ar opened Israel’s new embassy in Suva, with PM Sitiveni Rabuka calling it a “golden era” and pointing to deals on national security cooperation and diplomatic training, as pro-Palestine groups protest the move outside the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre. Fuel and Security: PM Rabuka says Israel can help Fiji tackle organised crime and drugs, while Israel’s FM also blamed Iran for Middle East tensions driving global fuel shocks. Public Health Enforcement: A Public Health Amendment Bill would remove a long-standing exemption that left villages outside national enforcement, aiming to speed responses to outbreaks like dengue and leptospirosis. Aviation Upgrade: Labasa Airport is set for a Pacific-first remote tower system to improve real-time flight coordination with Nadi. Digital and Trade: Fiji is training officials to use satellite data for land monitoring, while Commerce and Standards Australia push a national standards framework to boost market access. Local Economy: Bunnings Pacific launches an online store for 20,000+ products delivered across Fiji. Community Safety: Police investigate a suspicious white substance package found in the Lau Group. Regional Media: PNG hosts the Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focused on resilient regional storytelling.

Public Health Law Change: Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill would remove a near-century-old exemption that kept health enforcement out of villages, after officials said gaps have left iTaukei communities bearing most leptospirosis and dengue cases and inspectors couldn’t legally enter during COVID-19. Security & Crime: Police are investigating a suspicious package with white substances found on an island in the Lau Group; residents are urged not to handle such items and to report immediately. Health in Schools: The fight against non-communicable diseases is being pushed into schools, with officials warning obesity and diabetes are starting earlier and calling for healthier food environments for children. Diplomacy: PM Sitiveni Rabuka hailed the opening of Israel’s embassy in Suva as a “golden era,” while Pasifika for Palestine Australia and APAN condemned the move over Gaza-related concerns. Trade & Exports: Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiasi Ditoka says export growth depends on consistent local supply and improved standards, with planned visits to Australia and New Zealand. Regional Governance: Oceania Customs Organisation has appointed Fiji’s Laisiana Tugaga as Head of Secretariat, the first Fijian to lead the role. Energy Resilience: Solar Scholars training installed PV systems in Sigatoka and Lautoka to help communities cut fuel strain and keep power during outages.

Israel–Fiji Diplomacy: Israel’s embassy in Suva is set to reopen today after a 36-year gap, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expected to meet President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and PM Sitiveni Rabuka during the opening through Wednesday. Protest in the Pacific: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa plans pickets in Wellington and Auckland against the Suva embassy opening, accusing Fiji of deepening ties with Israel. Fiji Governance in Court: A constitutional powers dispute involving Fiji’s top offices heads to the Court of Appeal after PM Rabuka seeks a stay of a High Court ruling; the matter is set for June 8. Budget & Security Focus: Fiji’s 2026–2027 budget will prioritise national security, including a National Security Council and a proposed National Intelligence Agency. Environment & Waste: A Lautoka composting push says more than half of Fiji’s landfill waste could be diverted through composting, cutting pollution and protecting marine life. Sports (Fiji link): Kenya 7s face Fiji and South Africa in Bordeaux as the HSBC SVNS final leg approaches.

Constitutional showdown: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has asked the Court of Appeal to pause a High Court ruling in a dispute over the powers of Fiji’s top offices, with the case adjourned to June 8. Tourism overhaul: Fiji has enacted the Tourism Act 2026, replacing the old Hotel and Guest Houses law and bringing a wider, modern framework for hotels, tour operators, community tourism and short-term stays. Living wage debate: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says any push toward an $8 minimum wage must follow a formal review process, as unions argue for a living wage that matches rising costs. Drug testing results: Rabuka confirmed all Government MPs who took part in voluntary drug testing returned negative results, with the remaining MPs to be tested this week. Fuel pressure response: Dialogue Fiji is urging a temporary reduction in fuel duties after pump prices rose, saying government tax revenue has climbed alongside costs. Environment and fisheries: Composting could cut Fiji landfill waste by more than half; and a four-month Kawakawa/Donu ban starts today to protect breeding fish. Infrastructure and services: FRA warns vandalism, theft and accidents are damaging road assets on the Labasa–Savusavu Highway, while 4,200+ residents in southern Taveuni remain without reliable water for over a decade. Climate risk: Sea-level rise could cost Fiji up to 2.6% of GDP annually without major action. Sports: Fiji’s 7s are drawn in a tough Bordeaux pool alongside South Africa, Great Britain and Kenya.

Fuel Shock: Fiji’s fuel prices jump again from June 1, with diesel up as much as 77–80 cents a litre and petrol around 80 cents, while LPG also rises sharply—hitting households and transport costs hard. Opposition Push: Opposition MP Ketan Lal calls for fuel tax removal, arguing higher diesel costs will flow into food and essential services. Waste-to-Energy Debate: Ratu Qativi Robert Cromb backs a proposed Vuda waste-to-energy project, saying Fiji can’t keep relying on diesel and open landfills. Marine Livelihoods: The beche-de-mer harvesting season is extended by eight months to Jan 31, 2027, with officials citing about $4.1m already earned by resource-owning communities. Fishing Rules: A seasonal ban on kawakawa (grouper) and donu (coral trout) starts today, running June 1 to Sept 30, 2026. COVID Update: Fiji reports 128 new COVID-19 cases, with 173 recoveries and two deaths classified as non-COVID. Quad Ports Plan: Fiji is set to be the first Pacific beneficiary of a Quad-led port infrastructure pilot, with Suva and Lautoka flagged for upgrades. Health Access: 73 Fijians receive free eye surgeries in Labasa, restoring sight for cataract and laser patients. Customs Security: Fiji hosts the Oceania Customs Organisation conference next month, focusing on border protection and trade facilitation amid organised crime threats.

Quad Ports & Indo-Pacific Security: Quad foreign ministers in New Delhi backed a “ports of the future” push, including a Fiji port infrastructure plan, alongside maritime surveillance, energy security and critical minerals cooperation. Digital Agriculture Rollout: Fiji is moving from pilots to nationwide e-agriculture, with $115m allocated for digital farming, market access and capital support—while officials warn rural connectivity and skills gaps could slow delivery. Tourism Law Update: Fiji’s Tourism Bill 2026 passed, aiming for clearer accountability and stronger investor confidence through defined responsibilities and cross-agency coordination. Police Bill Reform: The Fiji Police Bill 2026 will set up a disciplinary tribunal to improve fairness, transparency and appeal pathways, alongside stronger community policing. Immigration Modernisation: New amendment bills target upgraded border screening and travel document rules, including tougher penalties for passport offences. Regional Trade Leadership: Laisiana Tugaga becomes the first Fijian to lead the Oceania Customs Organisation secretariat from June 1. Sports & Youth: Fiji named a 22-member U18 women’s handball squad for a world championship debut; badminton Fiji stresses professionalism at schools. Protest Watch: Pro-Palestine groups plan coordinated protests in Suva and across New Zealand over Israel’s first Pacific embassy opening.

Organised Crime Watch: New Zealand-based experts warn a gang-linked killing across Samoa, Vietnam and Cambodia signals deeper, better-funded organised crime networks moving through Pacific routes, with reports of large payments for hits. Border & Travel Security: Fiji’s Immigration and travel document reforms move to modernise screening and strengthen penalties, including new rules for passports and travel certificates. Customs Leadership: Fiji’s Laisiana Tugaga has been appointed Head of Secretariat of the Oceania Customs Organisation, the first Fijian to lead the body. Drugs & Youth: Deputy PM Viliame Gavoka says drugs are eroding discipline and hope, calling for action beyond police work across families, schools and faith groups. AI in Government: PM Rabuka admits his generation is least equipped for AI, but says AI is being built into civil service training. Economy & Jobs: A $115m push targets cutting import reliance via digital agriculture, while the Mahogany Industry Bill 2026 aims to give landowners a bigger, fairer share. Quad Ports: Quad nations plan Fiji port upgrades and new maritime/energy initiatives, framed as practical infrastructure for Pacific priorities. Sports: Fiji’s women’s U18 handball squad is set for the world stage in Romania, and Fiji FACT pools are drawn for Labasa’s tournament.

Quad Ports Deal for Fiji: US, Australia, India and Japan say they will jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji, alongside new maritime surveillance and Indo-Pacific initiatives, as China warns against “bloc confrontation.” Power Reliability in Parliament: Energy Fiji Limited reported unplanned outages rising from 1,656 (2024) to 1,829 (2025), even as average restoration times improved; EFL also outlined a $522.66m grid upgrade plan. Youth, Jobs and Ports: Pacific youth groups say the “Ports of the Future” push could reshape jobs and trade, but warn outcomes depend on implementation and election choices. Teacher Shortage Watch: 202 registered teachers are still awaiting placement in Fiji schools, with early childhood education the biggest gap. Rehabilitation Funding Clarified: Government says the Yellow Ribbon Program is a rehabilitation framework, with funding and spending tracking close to allocations. Crime and Reintegration Law: A newly passed Criminal Records Bill aims to remove barriers from minor offences to help people access work, including overseas schemes. Energy Costs Pressure: Reserve Bank of Fiji warns fuel and global tensions are feeding inflation and could lift living costs further. Ratu Sukuna Day Unity Call: Leaders urged Fijians to embrace unity and duty, tying Ratu Sukuna’s legacy to today’s social and moral challenges.

Fuel & Cost of Living: The Reserve Bank of Fiji warns rising global fuel prices are feeding inflation and could push up electricity tariffs and household costs further. Education Staffing: Parliament hears 202 registered teachers are still awaiting placement, including 128 in early childhood education. Jobs & Justice: The Criminal Records Bill 2026 clears the way to expunge minor offences so people can access local and overseas work, including PALM and RSE. Police Reform: Parliament fast-tracks the Fiji Police Bill 2026 to update powers for serious and organised crime, drugs, cyber offending and transnational networks. Ratu Sukuna Day: Fiji marks Ratu Sukuna Day with calls for unity and leadership based on duty, not privilege, as leaders also warn about illegal drugs. Transnational Crime: Fiji confirms two Samoan nationals linked to a “Coconut Cartel” killing transited through Nadi, with forensic document labs planned in Nadi and Suva. Diplomacy: Israel is set to open a resident embassy in Suva, following Fiji’s Jerusalem embassy move. Tourism & Culture: Fiji pushes cultural values alongside modernization, while the tourism sector also faces pressure from the fuel crisis.

Climate Resilience: Fiji has launched a $15.4m early warning push (EW4All) to reach about 416,000 people, targeting remote and high-risk communities with better access to hazard alerts, including support for women, people with disabilities and the elderly. Tourism Overhaul: Parliament passed the Tourism Bill 2026, replacing outdated rules with a new National Tourism Council, national standards and a Tourism Fund aimed at protecting culture and spreading benefits to village homestays and local operators. Fuel Pressure Relief: Government says it is preparing extra measures to cushion households and businesses from rising fuel costs, with June fuel prices set by the regulator and a support package being finalised for Cabinet. Quad Boost for Fiji Infrastructure: Australia, India, Japan and the US agreed to jointly build a port in Fiji and back wider cooperation on energy security and critical minerals, with Fiji also weighing Suva Port, a convention centre and Nausori Airport upgrades under potential partner support. Parliament Scrutiny: Opposition MPs questioned a $500k grant to the School Management Association of Fiji, after the Education Ministry said it lacked detailed information on what was achieved with earlier tranches. Youth Politics Debate: The National Youth Council is calling for retirement age and term limits for politicians, arguing it could improve leadership fitness and create more space for younger voices.

Quad Ports of the Future: Fiji is set to be first in line for upgrades under a new Quad ports partnership, with Suva and Lautoka named as the initial focus—though Fiji says no specific port project is “agreed” yet and work is still at an early “root cause” stage. Aviation & Security: Cabinet has endorsed a plan for Fiji to own a sovereign aircraft fleet to strengthen maritime surveillance, disaster response and outer-island passenger and cargo services. Climate-Resilient Business Finance: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund will back Fiji and Pacific small businesses with financing and technical support, targeting blue/green and climate-resilient sectors. Power Supply Assurance: PM Rabuka says Fiji’s power supply will not be affected after EFL deferred nationwide rationing, with the main issue described as logistics costs. Election Integrity: Ministers warn fake news offenders ahead of the 2026 election, after Meta shut down two Facebook accounts linked to false targeting. Fisheries Earnings: Sea cucumber exports are back, bringing over $4m to coastal communities and $2.7m in export value since February. Sports & Youth: Badminton Fiji’s secondary schools tournament starts today in Suva, while Tolu Young won three golds at the Oceania Aquatics Championships. Court Update: Court set August trial dates for former finance minister Biman Prasad over alleged disclosure failures.

Quad Ports Deal for Fiji: Australia, India, Japan and the US unveiled the “Quad Ports of the Future Partnership,” with Fiji as the pilot, aiming to upgrade port capacity, boost maritime surveillance and support wider trade and undersea cable resilience. Indo-Pacific Security Push: The same Quad meeting in New Delhi backed an Indo-Pacific maritime surveillance plan and a “common operating picture,” plus cooperation on critical minerals and energy security, while China warned against bloc-style moves. Fuel Relief and Power Worries: Fiji expects external fuel assistance from June/July, and EFL has deferred planned nationwide power rationing after a temporary fuel surcharge approval—though conservation is still urged. Cane Sector Fuel Subsidy: Cabinet will consider a fuel subsidy proposal for sugarcane truck drivers and mechanical harvester operators ahead of the 2026 crushing season. Crime and Borders: New Zealand’s Customs Minister says the Pacific can’t “arrest” its way out of organised crime and needs better laws, supports and border strengthening. Rehabilitation Law: Parliament passed the Criminal Records Bill 2025 to give rehabilitated offenders a second chance at work and overseas opportunities. Media Safety: META shut down Facebook accounts tied to misinformation ahead of Fiji’s 2026 election, with authorities urging people to report false content. Pacific Media Summit: Fiji will host the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu in September 2026.