AGP Executive Report

MSG Prime Minister’s Cup: Fiji’s Bula Boys booked a home final with a 2-1 win over New Caledonia, scoring through Scott Wara and Maikah Dau; they’ll face defending champions Vanuatu on Saturday. Constitution & Parliament: A Bill proposes keeping a 55-member Parliament with 33 constituency seats (including 5 maritime) and 22 party-list seats, with proportional representation rules. Cost of living pressures: FCCC fuel and LPG prices rise from Oct 1, with diesel up 20–22 cents per litre and a 4.5kg LPG cylinder up 82 cents on Viti/Vanua Levu. Energy reliability: Monasavu Dam remains above safe levels, but EFL is conserving hydro and boosting thermal generation as El Niño-driven dry conditions loom. Courts & drugs: Police say they don’t guard High Court drug exhibits; meanwhile cocaine exhibits are reported missing and linked to a wider investigation. Climate & health: WHO’s Pacific chief urges treating climate change as a health emergency, calling for aligned climate and health financing. Business & finance: Fijian Holdings reports $67m profit before tax and assets topping $1b, shifting focus to returns on investments. Local governance: Roadside vending needs FRA approval and can involve road-reserve trespass; market regulations are being standardised. Sports business: Fiji FA warns players not to turn up for IDC if on drugs as drug testing ramps up. Trade & development: China-backed Vanua Levu road upgrades are set to start before year-end, targeting 80+ km of rural roads.

Energy & Utilities: Monasavu Dam is still above safe operating levels, but Energy Fiji Limited is conserving hydro, boosting thermal generation and preparing for possible rationing if El Niño-driven dry weather extends. Transport Costs: Fiji bus operators are demanding a decision on a 22.5% fuel subsidy, warning delays and an Oct 1 fuel price rise could force service cuts. Drugs & Justice: PM Rabuka says those behind alleged tampering of $31m cocaine exhibits must be found, as questions grow over security and trust in the judiciary. Governance & Elections: Opposition challenges a three-quarter vote requirement for a Constitution Bill after the Supreme Court said two-thirds is enough; a referendum bill report also proposes longer voting periods and overseas voting arrangements. Water & Health: 8,611 rural households still rely on high-risk water sources as government expands purification and sanitation support; Fiji also faces an HIV emergency push amid rising diagnoses. Sugar Sector: Parliament hears poor coordination is hurting Fiji’s sugar industry, while concerns persist over late reporting and accountability of the Sugar Industry Tribunal. Business & Finance: Fijian Holdings Limited reports $67m profit (+11%) and assets above $1b; Westpac backs Pacific banking talent via its Future Banker program. Infrastructure & Trade: China-backed Vanua Levu road upgrades are set to start this year; Fiji and China also signal more trade and skills opportunities. Regulation: New border controls will detain, seize or destroy unsafe imported kava pending testing. Community & Tourism: Sanatan Dharm launches a finance guide; Fiji’s tourism neighbours celebrate awards, while Fiji’s own aviation and media sectors keep moving.

Fijian Holdings Limited (FHL): FHL reported a consolidated net profit before tax of $67m for FY ended 30 June 2026, up 11%, while total assets crossed $1b for the first time after major investments including the FHL Tower. Sugar sector oversight: Parliament’s Standing Committee flagged poor coordination across the Ministry of Sugar, Agriculture, Fiji Sugar Corporation and growers’ funds/councils, warning it’s worsening cane decline and costs, and called for clearer responsibilities and better information sharing. Water safety: 8,611 rural households still rely on high-risk water sources, with Government expanding purification, sanitation and drought resilience support under the High-Risk Water and Sanitation Programme. Aviation operations: Fiji Airways’ Operations Control Centre manager Nikita Narayan says the airline’s “heartbeat” role is coordinating aircraft, crew and weather to keep flights safe and efficient. Public finance & compliance: Fiji Revenue and Customs Service is owed $495.4m in tax arrears, while MPs also raised concerns about tax refund liabilities and penalties waived or written off. Health emergency pressure: Fiji is pushing harder to tackle its HIV crisis after reports of rapid spread among young people. Border controls: Unsafe imported kava can now be detained, seized or destroyed under tighter CBH border measures. Climate diplomacy: Fiji is set to “hold the line” on 1.5°C at Pre-COP31, pushing for faster climate finance access and stronger oceans action. Local business growth: Raikiwai Adventures launched jet ski operations in Nadi, aiming to create jobs as marine tourism expands.

Climate Policy at Pre-COP31: Fiji says it will “hold the line” on 1.5°C, pushing for IPCC-led science, faster climate finance access for communities, and clearer funding for climate displacement ahead of the Nadi pre-COP (Oct 5–8). Local Development Delays: Rakiraki’s Waimea satellite town, boundary extension and dump-site relocation are stalled by land tenure issues, funding constraints and agency coordination gaps. Education Funding & Accountability: FNU signed its 2026–2027 Government Grant Agreement with a $74.49m operational allocation for higher education, with the university pledging tight accountability for student and community benefits. Financial Crime Oversight: Parliament heard tax crimes make up about 86% of Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit transaction value in 2024, while MPs question the enforcement follow-through and transparency around tax penalty waivers/write-offs totalling $184.6m. Rural Power & Service Delivery: EFL outlined how rural electrification projects move from early planning and surveys to tendering and wayleaves, as rural power delays continue to draw scrutiny. Climate, Land & Livelihoods: In Nadi, Yavusania villagers are coping with floods but fighting riverbank erosion that has already claimed homes and threatens sugarcane and livelihoods. Waste Management Pressure: A Paddle of Hope cleanup found plastic at every stop, with calls to fix collection, recovery and disposal systems—not just remove rubbish. Regional Security: Fiji and Australia are ramping up defence collaboration using high-tech maritime capabilities to target drug trafficking and illegal fishing. Business & People: Westpac Fiji education grants are backing women and girls, while Fiji’s asbestos safeguards get a new training and detection partnership.

Tax & Compliance Scrutiny: MPs say Fiji’s Financial Intelligence Unit is not translating financial intelligence into clear enforcement outcomes, with tax-related offences making up about 86% of transaction value tied to disseminated cases, while many suspicious reports remain unanalysed. Revenue Transparency: A separate parliamentary debate flags $184.6m in tax penalties waived or written off in 2024-25, raising fairness and accountability questions for the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service. Health Workforce Pressure: Low numbers of medical imaging technologists are disrupting x-ray services, especially at CWM Hospital, with staffing shortages blamed for patients being turned away. Public Sector Delivery: Rural electrification projects are delayed, with incomplete works, weak monitoring and poor coordination between EFL and the Department of Energy leaving some villages without power. Climate & Disaster Funding: Fiji’s disaster agency faces a $105m funding shortfall, while leaders push for stronger climate financing as rising seas and repeated disasters drive costly relocation and protection needs. Education Reform: Cabinet endorses a 10-year Education Sector Strategic Plan (2025/26–2034/35) focused on quality teaching, equity, governance and skills. Business & Growth: Maru backs moves to allow local stock listings for mining and petroleum firms, aiming to broaden ownership and investment. Waste Crisis: Plastic waste found at every stop of the Paddle of Hope renews calls for fixing collection, recovery and disposal systems—not just clean-ups.

Climate & Media Accountability: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, calling for timely, transparent access to climate loss and damage data and stronger government/regional agency accountability, plus more support for journalists. AI for Newsrooms: A new study finds Pacific newsrooms are using AI but often without strategy or safeguards, urging regional policy and technical support to protect confidential information and editorial integrity. Constitution & Elections: NFP leader Biman Prasad says constitutional reform must not delay Fiji’s next general election, arguing any changes must not suspend the right to vote. Disaster Funding Crunch: Fiji’s NDMO faces a $105m shortfall, with only $16m allocated, as relocation and climate resilience needs balloon. Rural Power Delays: Rural electrification projects are incomplete in multiple communities due to poor coordination, weak monitoring and gaps between EFL and the Department of Energy. Education Direction: Cabinet endorsed a long-term Education Sector Strategic Plan (2025/26–2034/35) focused on quality teaching, access, TVET, governance and green skills. Energy Costs & Renewables: Parliament questioned EFL’s finances as imported fuel drives about half of revenue; EFL says fuel share should fall as solar and hydro projects progress. Agriculture Tech Gift: India handed Fiji 12 agricultural drones to boost sugarcane production efficiency. Health Infrastructure Pathway: Cabinet backed a staged redevelopment of CWM Hospital instead of rushing the $5.35b Valelevu tertiary hospital plan. Water Response: Government is deploying tanks and emergency resources as dry conditions worsen in the Western Division. Business & Finance Access for Women: SPBD opened a new Korovou branch to expand microfinance and business support for women entrepreneurs. Sports (Local Interest): Fiji Bula Boys beat PNG 2-0 in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, setting up a crucial final pool match vs New Caledonia.

Health & Safety: Cabinet endorsed a National Asbestos Profile and tougher asbestos safeguards, including training for OHS inspectors and a pilot using handheld asbestos detection devices. Health Infrastructure: Government will pursue a staged redevelopment of Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital after the Valelevu tertiary hospital plan was costed at about $5.35b, to keep services running while upgrading key facilities. Disaster Readiness: NDMO is pushing for bigger international climate financing as communities face rising seas, damaged infrastructure and repeated disasters. Water Security: As dry conditions worsen in the Western Division, the Government is deploying water tanks, mobilising emergency resources and reallocating funding via WAF and NDMO. Energy Transition: Energy Fiji Limited faced questions over fuel costs and consumer deposit reporting; EFL says fuel is ~52% of revenue now, targeting lower shares as renewables expand, while it also weighs agro-solar options and solar land/tariff constraints. Climate Implementation: Fiji was selected for the BRIDGE initiative to turn climate pledges into funded projects, with a focus on renewable power access for rural Kadavu. Business & Finance: SPBD opened a new Korovou branch to boost financial and business support for women. Agriculture: India donated 12 drones to Fiji Sugar Corporation to introduce drone spraying technology and train local operators. Sports & Economy: Fiji’s Bula Boys face PNG in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup as they chase their first win, with implications for tournament momentum and local interest.

Energy & Utilities: Energy Fiji Limited faces scrutiny over how it reports consumer security deposits and the interest paid to customers, with calls for clearer dollar-and-cents breakdowns; EFL says interest is calculated quarterly and credited to electricity accounts, and it will improve future reporting. Women & Finance: South Pacific Business Development Microfinance opens a new Korovou branch to boost financial and business support for women in Tailevu North, with a focus on training, mentoring and market access. Climate Finance & Energy Access: Fiji is selected for the COP31 Climate Implementation Bridge (BRIDGE) pilot, aiming to turn climate pledges into funded projects, including renewable energy for rural communities like Kadavu. Agriculture Modernisation: India donates 12 agricultural drones to Fiji Sugar Corporation to introduce drone spraying technology, with Indian trainers expected to support local operators. Security & Policy: Fiji launches Counter Terrorism Strategy 2026–2030 to target criminal and financial networks that could be exploited for terrorism, stressing constitutional, rights-based measures. Health & Infrastructure: Cabinet backs a staged redevelopment of Colonial War Memorial Hospital instead of the larger Valelevu plan, with the first phase estimated at about $1.4b. Business Performance: RB Patel Group reports $13.3m net profit and a 3.5c final dividend, while Vision Group flags faster approvals as a key business constraint. Governance & Skills: Higher Education Commission develops a Recognition of Prior Learning pathway to formally recognise skills gained through work, especially for rural communities. Sports & Community: Tickets for the 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship go on sale Monday, and the Bula Business House Futsal Championship highlights growing opportunities for women in sport. Regional Climate Reporting: Pacific editors adopt the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, pushing for stronger coverage of climate harms beyond just financial impacts.

Counter-Terrorism Strategy: Fiji launched its Counter Terrorism Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to disrupt criminal and financial networks that could be exploited for terrorism, while stressing constitutional rights and non-discrimination. Health Infrastructure: Cabinet backed a staged redevelopment of Colonial War Memorial Hospital instead of the $5.35b Valelevu tertiary plan, to upgrade services while keeping operations running. Sugar Industry Tech: India donated 12 agricultural drones to Fiji Sugar Corporation to introduce drone spraying and boost cane productivity, with Indian trainers to support local operators. Climate Finance Pipeline: Fiji was selected for the COP31 Climate Implementation Bridge (BRIDGE) pilot to turn climate pledges into investment-ready renewable energy projects, including grid-disconnected Kadavu. Solar Land Debate: Energy Fiji says land and tariff constraints are slowing large-scale solar expansion, while discussions push for solar designs that also support farming or livestock. Inflation & Reserves: Fiji’s inflation rose to 7.6% in August; the RBF kept the policy rate at 0.25% and flagged El Niño risks, with foreign reserves at a record $3.9b. Business Results: RB Patel Group reported $13.3m net profit and a 3.5c final dividend, citing cost pressures and competition. Jobs & Skills: The Higher Education Commission is developing Recognition of Prior Learning to formally recognise village and work-based skills, and the NFP urged clearer education-to-employment pathways and stronger job security. Immigration Access: A new Nakasi Immigration Office opened to bring passport and citizenship services closer to the Nausori–Suva corridor. Sports & Youth: FMF Inter-District Championship tickets go on sale Monday, and the MSG Games charter was endorsed for the first 2029 Melanesian Spearhead Group Games.

Climate & Media: Pacific editors and newsroom leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, pledging stronger reporting on climate harms beyond money—economic, cultural and social impacts already hitting communities. Corporate Performance: Vision Group flagged $375m in annual revenue and urged faster government approvals to reduce costly delays; RB Patel Group Limited posted $13.3m net profit and declared a 3.5c final dividend. Security & Health: Fiji launched its Counter Terrorism Strategy 2026–2030, focusing on disrupting criminal and financial networks; President Ratu Naiqama linked Fiji’s meth trade to the HIV emergency, urging UN-backed action on shared interdiction. Economy Watch: Inflation rose to 7.6% in August as food, energy and kava prices climbed, while foreign reserves hit a record $3.9b. Agriculture & Jobs: India gifted 12 agricultural drones to boost Fiji’s sugarcane production; SPBD Microfinance opened a new Korovou branch for women entrepreneurs. Sports & Regional Planning: MSG Games Charter endorsed for the first MSG Games in 2029 on a four-year cycle. Public Services: Nakasi Immigration Office opened to bring passport and citizenship services closer to the Nausori–Suva corridor.

Banking & Skills: Westpac Pacific launched its six-month “Future Banker” development series for emerging banking professionals in Fiji and Papua New Guinea, with a practical curriculum and a first cohort already graduating/near completion. Immigration Services: A new Nakasi Immigration Office opened to bring passport and citizenship services closer to people along the Nausori–Suva corridor, with a second office in Rakiraki nearing completion. Food Safety: Consumers are urged to be vigilant after maggots were found in BBQ bought from a Valelevu roadside stall, with advice to stop eating, preserve packaging, and report for refunds and investigations. Landowners & Commerce: Fijian Holding Limited broke ground on a $17m CBayview commercial development in Tacirua, featuring leasable office/retail space plus facilities for landowner-run small businesses. Microfinance Expansion: SPBD Microfinance opened its 11th branch in Korovou, targeting women entrepreneurs and household income growth. Public Finance Watch: Fiji’s foreign reserves hit a record $3.9bn, while inflation rose to 7.6% and the Reserve Bank kept the policy rate at 0.25%, warning prices may stay high. Trade & Tourism: Fiji will host a Trade and Tourism Expo in Port Moresby (Oct 7–9) to connect Fijian businesses with PNG buyers and investors.

Airport Taxis: Nadi International Airport taxi operators are pushing the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission for a fare jump, proposing to double the running rate from $1.50 to $3 per kilometre, citing airport charges, vehicle standards, licensing, insurance, maintenance and long driver hours. Health Supply: Concerns are growing over sterile water shortages at some public hospitals and smaller health centres, with the Health Minister urging facilities to use available alternatives like normal saline when sterile water isn’t on hand. Payments Modernisation: BRED Bank Fiji says it has completed migration of all active Visa and private-label cards to BPC’s cloud-based SmartVista platform, adding broader international card acceptance and AI fraud management. Rugby Development Fees: Fiji Rugby Union is seeking training and development compensation from overseas clubs when Fijian players move internationally, via World Rugby rules and a player release commission. Climate & Sea-Level Rise: Fiji is taking its Ocean of Peace Declaration to the UN General Assembly, calling for stronger action and climate finance as small islands secure a UN-backed “presumption in favour of continued statehood” amid rising seas. Tourism Access: Fiji’s tourism sector is rolling out beach access mats and ocean-capable wheelchairs to improve experiences for visitors with mobility challenges. Foreign Policy & Security: PM Rabuka says Fiji is in ongoing talks with partners to strengthen EEZ surveillance to tackle drug trafficking, with Australia support considered where needed. Business & Trade Links: PIF and CARICOM have formalised a partnership to advance shared SIDS priorities, aiming for closer coordination at the UN. Regional Flights: Fiji Airways has relaunched direct Nadi–Nouméa flights, adding capacity as New Caledonia tourism rebuilds after the 2024 unrest. Mining Update: Lion One reports high-grade gold results from underground drilling at its Tuvatu project in Fiji.

Foreign Reserves Surge: Fiji’s foreign reserves hit a record $3.9b, covering 5.5 months of retained imports and giving a stronger buffer against global shocks. Climate Finance Push: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says Fiji is working with bilateral and regional partners to boost EEZ surveillance to fight drug trafficking, while Solomon Islands’ PM Matthew Wale and Pacific climate envoys in New York are urging faster, fairer, more accessible grant-based climate funding for vulnerable states. COP31 Financing Debate: Turkey’s Erdogan warned climate action can’t move at the same pace without closing financing and technology gaps as COP31 preparations ramp up. Pacific Media & Governance: Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica says Fiji should avoid overregulating media and focus on trust, while Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Declaration calling for stronger journalism and 1.5°C action. Banking & Jobs: Westpac backs Pacific talent via its Future Banker programme, and BSP Financial Group shares jumped 8.07% on the ASX. Local Business: Value City opened in Seaqaqa creating five jobs, and Jacks reopened its Damodar City store after a near-$1m revamp. Energy & Community: A solar project in Yadrana, Lakeba will power 100 homes and add street lighting and Starlink connectivity.

HIV Emergency: Fiji has declared a national emergency after HIV infections surged, with 2,016 new diagnoses recorded in 2025 and UNAIDS estimating a 12-fold rise since 2010, prompting an intensified response and expanded testing. Constitution & Governance: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says specialist reviews will cover constitution and legal reform, the economy, defence and national security, plus a forensic look at FijiFirst spending as public finances come under pressure. Media & Democracy: At the Pacific Media Summit, Fiji’s PM backed “Constructive Pacific Journalism” while Fiji Times editor Fred Wesley warned that press freedom must be actively exercised, not just restored. Women’s Safety Online: The ARETO Face Forward initiative launches in Fiji to protect women political candidates and leaders from real-time online abuse across major social platforms. Regional Sport: The MSG Games Charter has been endorsed, clearing the way for the inaugural MSG Games in 2029 and a four-year cycle. Business & Trade: BRED Bank opened a new Suva headquarters, reiterating Fiji as its South Pacific growth base; meanwhile, a Sigatoka couple’s garage-to-export model is sending produce to New Zealand and Japan. Health Services: Sanjeevani Heart Hospital in Fiji completed its first adult free cardiac mission, delivering 64 interventions and 232 free consultations. Tourism Access: A new workshop is pushing disability-inclusive tourism training in Nadi to remove barriers for travellers and workers.

Agribusiness Tech Deal: Onside has acquired Christchurch software firm Assura to expand its agriculture operational intelligence platform, adding configurable workflows for contractor management, biosecurity, health and safety, and quality assurance—supporting 60,000+ users across six countries including Fiji. Public Finance & Governance: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka says specialist reviews will cover constitution and legal reform, the economy, defence and national security, plus a forensic look at FijiFirst spending, amid concerns public finances and debt are straining a small economy. Media Freedom & Skills: Rabuka used the Pacific Media Summit to call for “constructive Pacific journalism” and launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism at Fiji National University, aiming to strengthen independent, responsible reporting and digital innovation. Women’s Digital Safety: The Ministry for Women launched the ARETO Face Forward Initiative to protect women political candidates from online abuse via automated scanning, filtering, bot blocking and threat recording. Market Security Upgrade: UN Women and UNDP-backed Market for Change is funding 50 CCTV cameras and public address systems for eight municipal markets in Central Division to improve safety, deter theft and support faster incident response. Banking Expansion: BRED Bank opened its new Suva headquarters, reiterating Fiji as its South Pacific growth base and a focus on jobs and accessible banking. Tourism & Hospitality: Six Senses Fiji partnered with Haydenshapes to expand its surfboard fleet on Malolo Island, adding new models and a direct-booking surf package. Sports—MSG Prime Minister’s Cup: Fiji’s Bula Boys and Kulas face must-win pressure after mixed starts, with Fiji set to play PNG in the men’s competition and Solomon Islands in the women’s tonight.

Constitution Reform Scrutiny: Fiji’s Constitution Review Commission report and draft Constitution have been tabled in Parliament, with the Centre for Democracy and Dialogue urging deeper public scrutiny—especially around proposals that could reduce direct citizen control via an unelected Senate. UN Funding Pressure: A UN budget liquidity crisis could delay agreed development and climate work reaching the Pacific, raising risks for Fiji and neighbours. Climate Accountability for Pacific Media: UNODC is pushing Pacific journalists to probe how climate and disaster funds are managed, stressing integrity must be built into preparedness from the start. Labour Mobility Boost: Australia has listed 10 countries eligible for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, including Fiji, signalling more structured pathways for workers and remittances. Business & Finance Moves: Merchant Finance has relocated its Taveuni branch to Waiyevo to improve access, while BRED Bank Fiji highlights SME support as Fiji seeks stronger regional and global market links. Transport Cost Crunch: Fiji bus operators are calling for urgent reinstatement of 22.5% government support as fuel prices squeeze services. Tourism & Sports Economy: SPTO and partners launched a Pacific yachting strategy to grow charter tourism and improve data; Fiji Rugby is also exploring a South Africa home Test in Western Australia to lift tourism and economic spillovers.