Budget Debate: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel pushed back on calls to cut Cabinet and ministers’ salaries, arguing savings would be small and harder choices are needed; Opposition MPs also challenged the 2026–2027 budget over a projected $1b deficit and rising debt, while Prof Biman Prasad said four years isn’t enough to unwind inherited problems. Jobs & Skills: ILO education chief Naren Prasad urged Fiji to shift from GDP-only thinking to job-centred growth to curb labour shortages, skills gaps and migration; Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh blamed the skills crunch on the decline of technical and vocational education and said colleges and apprenticeships are being reopened/expanded. Sugar Transition: Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo said sugar dependence must end and backed coffee, cocoa, pineapple and vanilla with seedlings and processing plans, as MPs renewed calls for a sustainable new model. Rural Water Push: Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau said $10m is earmarked for boreholes and rural water projects to close service gaps. Governance & Rights: Fiji’s Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission opened its first Northern office in Labasa to improve access to justice. Business & Finance: UTOF announced a record $9.19m interim dividend for 126,000+ investors; Vodafone Fiji clarified M-PAiSA transfer fees (free for first three transfers daily). Tourism & Aviation: Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka defended the tourism service tax as support for Fiji Airways and wider tourism connectivity. Security & Drugs: Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu called for a bigger RFMF role in the drug fight, citing joint police-military operations.