AGP Executive Report

Transport Leadership: Land Transport Authority CEO Irimaia Rokosawa has resigned effective Sept 11, with Makitalena Drova appointed Acting CEO while the board recruits a substantive replacement. Youth & Skills: Youth and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru says rural training centre expansion depends on more funding, but a partnership with the Methodist Church aims to bring training closer to outer-island communities. Health Funding Scrutiny: A parliamentary committee is questioning Fiji’s health system funding, including reliance on foreign aid under an Australia treaty-linked partnership, and whether hospital priorities match urgent needs. Anti-Drugs Push: Acting PM Manoa Kamikamica launched UCB Life FM 87.8, urging the station and wider society to tackle youth drug vulnerability beyond enforcement. Tuna Sustainability: Fisheries Minister Kalaveti Vodo Ravu opened the inaugural Fiji Tuna Symposium, backing stronger government-private-civil partnership to lift economic returns while protecting marine resources. Air Connectivity & Trade: Fiji Airways will launch direct Western Sydney–Nadi flights from March 2027, adding 53,000+ seats annually to support tourism and diaspora links. Sports & Local Economy: Taveuni Rugby Union faces a $25,000 cost to host five remaining Skipper Cup home matches, but Merchant Finance sponsorship is easing match-day expenses. Legal Case Update: Lawyers for Biman Prasad plan another stay application at the High Court over alleged nondisclosure of evidence, with trial set to continue Monday. Sports Governance: Fiji FA issued a warning to clubs after an accreditation dispute involving Ba officials, fining coach Ravinesh Kumar and issuing a final warning.

Aviation & Trade Links: Fiji Airways will launch direct Western Sydney International–Nadi flights from 19 March 2027, adding three weekly services and more than 53,000 seats annually—aimed at boosting tourism and making it easier for the Pacific diaspora to connect with home. Transport Leadership: Land Transport Authority CEO Irimaia Rokosawa has resigned effective immediately to join family abroad; LTA’s board has named Makitalena Drova as Acting CEO while it recruits a substantive replacement. Health Funding Scrutiny: A parliamentary committee questioned Fiji’s reliance on foreign aid for health, including how Australian support will be used and whether urgent needs like Colonial War Memorial Hospital emergency overcrowding are being prioritised. Public Safety & Drugs: Police seized illicit drugs and cash believed to be proceeds of crime across divisions, including a Ba chase where suspected marijuana was allegedly dropped. Fraud Warning: Fijian Holdings Limited warned the public about an unauthorised online investment scheme using its name and logo, urging people not to transfer funds or share personal details. Media & Civic Trust: Government provided $27,000 to the Fiji Media Association for the Pacific Media Summit 2026, with ministers stressing the role of investigative journalism and digital innovation in tackling misinformation. Education & Skills Pipeline: TSLS scholarship intakes for 2027 will pause for several programmes as the government reassesses workforce needs, while some PhD cost-sharing options remain available. Governance & Oversight: Fiji Council of Social Services says proposed police and electoral reforms still fall short on independent oversight, including concerns over broad police powers and internal handling of rights complaints. Hospitality Appointments: Vuli Cakacaka has been appointed General Manager of Nanuku Resort Fiji, tasked with leading operations and building on the resort’s luxury, culture-led guest experience.

Health & Finance: Bank of South Pacific and BSP Life pledged $100,000 to the Fiji Cancer Society, bringing a GeneX machine for faster, on-site cervical cancer screening and support for the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme. Startups & Innovation: HFC Bank sponsored a further $50,000 for the Fiji Innovation Hub, backing mentoring and programmes for early-stage entrepreneurs including Uni Hackathon and the Start-up World Cup. Jobs & Skills: Fiji is moving to grow its workforce and protect against brain drain as the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union expands overseas study support from 2029, with scholarship return requirements and bonding for public servants. Agriculture & Rural Risk: Farmers say stray animals are causing serious crop losses and complain the response system is too slow; the Brands and Pounds Act is being reviewed to give authorities more power to act quickly. Education & Pay: Fiji Teachers Union urges focus as Term 3 begins, while still pushing for resolution of salary stoppages affecting 134 teachers. Tourism & Connectivity: Fiji Airways’ new Nadi–Western Sydney International route from March 2027 is expected to boost trade and SME travel links, alongside tourism. Public Safety & Crime: Fiji Police are running a parallel financial investigation into two alleged domestic human trafficking cases, examining possible proceeds and related offences. Regional Policy: Fiji is set to work with Australia under Vuvale Union to build business standards so local firms can access the Australian market fairly.

Aviation & trade links: Fiji Airways’ new Nadi–Western Sydney International route from March 2027 is being welcomed as a boost for both business travel and “bleisure” tourism, with extra seats and easier access for Western Sydney travellers. Health funding: BSP and BSP Life pledge $100,000 to the Fiji Cancer Society, bringing a GeneX machine to strengthen on-site cervical cancer screening and faster results under the national elimination programme. Crime & finance: Fiji Police say a parallel financial investigation is underway into two domestic human trafficking cases, with the Anti-Money Laundering Unit looking at possible proceeds and related offences. Consumer protection: The Consumer Council warns about overseas job and migration scams after cases involving online recruiters taking upfront fees and then going silent. Mental health: Empower Pacific reports 169 people supported for attempted suicide or self-harm in the first seven months, urging earlier identification and better psychosocial support. Agriculture & land: Calls are growing for a national land-use plan to protect flat farmland for sugar and agriculture as housing and commercial development expand. Regional business policy: Fiji will work with Australia under the Vuvale Union to lift local standards so Fiji firms can compete fairly in the Australian market. Public trust online: Fiji’s Online Safety Commissioner and Law Reform Commissioner urge people to verify information before sharing, as misinformation spreads faster with AI. Disability education: Aspen Medical Foundation launches the 2027 Fiji Disability Scholarship for health-related university study, with applications closing Nov 15. Transport regulation: A taxi driver urges authorities to crack down on illegal pari operators and create a legal taxi solution for late-night demand.

Taxi & fares: A Nausori taxi driver is urging authorities to crack down on illegal pari operators but also open a legal solution for late-night demand, while taxi operators push to keep current fares for three more months and warn a cut could force drivers off the road. FNPF compliance: The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation says more than $8m in unpaid Fiji National Provident Fund contributions remains, urging employers to use the amnesty before Oct 31. Transport & local business: A new taxi base opened in Kinoya Village under a co-operative model, with 30 permits planned to boost indigenous entrepreneurship. Climate & health: Fiji’s health officials say climate change is already harming Pacific health and argue for stronger, disaster-ready health systems and dedicated climate funding. Nuclear-free stance: Fiji says its Vuvale Union Treaty won’t stop it questioning Australia on emissions, and it does not expect nuclear submarine hubs despite AUKUS-linked concerns. Tourism & aviation: Fiji Airways expands Australia links with Western Sydney flights from March 2027, adding direct capacity for travellers and tourism. Business growth: ZAR Logistics backs InsideOut Fiji’s Australia/NZ tour, while Kavalicious Fiji eyes export growth for value-added kava products. Labour & rights: Ram Sami & Sons workers remain on strike over collective agreement terms, and FWRM warns proposed electoral penalties could disproportionately harm women’s political participation.

Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways will launch direct Nadi–Western Sydney International flights from March 19, 2027, with three services weekly (Mon/Fri/Sun) using Boeing 737 MAX 8, adding 53,000+ seats annually and targeting surging Australian demand. Local Transport & Jobs: A new taxi base in Kinoya (Vunikoro Co-operative) opens with space for up to 30 taxis, with permits to follow—aimed at boosting indigenous entrepreneurship. Roads & Community Costs: Uciwai residents in Nadi say repeated repairs haven’t fixed a deteriorating road and are pushing for a lasting solution as dust affects families and students. Taxi Industry Pressure: Taxi operators are asking the Competition and Consumer Commission to keep current fares for three months, warning a cut from October 1 could force drivers off the road. Women’s Political Rights: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement warns proposed electoral penalties could disproportionately harm women and interfere with the right to vote, calling for clear definitions and due process. Labour Dispute: Ram Sami & Sons workers remain on strike for a sixth day over collective agreement terms, overtime and workplace conditions. Business Growth: Kavalicious Fiji is seeking to scale production and export value-added kava products like cookies beyond Fiji. Hospitality Appointments: Nanuku Resort Fiji names Vuli Cakacaka as General Manager, continuing its push for personalised luxury.

Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways will launch direct flights to Western Sydney International from March 19, 2027, with three weekly services (Mon/Fri/Sun) adding 53,000+ seats annually and boosting access for Sydney’s growing Fijian community and the tourism pipeline. Transport Digital Payments: Fiji’s eTransport system adds QR Pay for bus fares, letting passengers scan codes from the eTransport app (with offline wallet support) and pay via linked Digicel myCash and Vodafone M-PAiSA wallets. Governance & Courts: Two separate defamation cases are before Fiji’s High Court, involving an Opposition MP and a Cabinet minister, with allegations tied to Pacific Polytech finances and Fiji Holdings dividend payments. Anti-Corruption: FICAC is back in court over a disclosure dispute in the Biman Prasad matter, with an investigating officer expected to answer questions on witness statements. Politics & Foreign Funding: The Centre for Democracy and Dialogue warns proposed political financing changes could allow unlimited foreign donations, potentially funding entire campaigns. Energy & Jobs: EPC Renewables and partners outline the Yaqara solar-plus-storage project (22MW/40MWh first stage, then 120MW/200MWh), aimed at cutting diesel reliance and supporting local traineeships. Sports & Community: Nanuku Resort Fiji appoints Vuli Cakacaka as General Manager; and Fiji’s veterans football tournament returns with 15 teams competing in Ba. Education & Payroll Controls: The Education Ministry investigates 13 suspected “ghost” teachers after payroll verification, while a separate salary stoppage issue continues to be addressed.

Pacific diplomacy & China-Taiwan tensions: At the Palau-hosted Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, China’s envoy warned of “consequences” after Taiwan’s attendance, but Pacific leaders pushed back on Beijing’s “wolf warrior diplomacy” approach. Workforce & leadership: Fiji’s top public service leadership says managers should understand younger employees’ expectations, not label them “difficult,” as younger staff bring faster work and strong tech skills. Energy investment: EPC Renewables and Cobra signed deals for Fiji’s Yaqara solar-plus-storage build, starting with 22MW solar plus 40MWh batteries, aiming to cut diesel reliance and create jobs. Sugar reform pressure: Government scrutiny is intensifying over sugar subsidies and falling cane tonnage, with calls for structural reform across the value chain and tighter support targeting. Anti-corruption court wrangle: FICAC is back in court over whether it can tender witness statements in the Biman Prasad trial, with defence arguing disclosure and timing issues. Digital transport payments: Fiji launched QR code bus fare payments via the eTransport app, adding cardless options and offline wallet support to boost access. Education payroll controls: The Education Ministry is investigating 13 suspected “ghost” teachers after payroll checks, while teacher salary disruptions continue to ripple through the system. Public health: New Zealand is urged to strengthen its response to Fiji’s rapidly escalating HIV epidemic, framed as a regional health security issue.

Public Transport Payments: Fiji’s e-Ticketing app now supports QR code payments, with Digicel myCash transfers into the app and Vodafone M-PAiSA top-ups, aiming to make bus travel easier. HIV Response: New Zealand is being urged to step up support as Fiji’s HIV epidemic accelerates, with researchers warning it’s now a regional health security issue. Election Funding Rules: Fiji Labour and SODELPA oppose proposed electoral law changes that would remove the $10,000 donation cap and allow more overseas donations, warning of undue influence and corruption risks. Public Service Leadership: PM Rabuka tells senior public servants that power and positions are temporary, urging stewardship of institutions. Tax & Border Controls: Parliament scrutinises how Fiji Revenue and Customs will enforce tax rules if disputes involve foreign military activity, while a new departure-order system targets gaps that could let major tax debtors leave. Rheumatic Heart Disease Care: Doctors call for more patient-centred counselling and better treatment support to improve medication adherence. Sugar & Farming Tech: Fiji Sugar Corporation is moving toward spray drone services to help non-sugar and cane farmers where tractors struggle. Energy Investment: EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra sign on for a solar-plus-battery project with Energy Fiji, targeting commercial operations by 2029. Teachers’ Salary Crisis: Government steps in to ensure 118 affected teachers get paid immediately, with remaining cases still being verified. Corruption Court Update: Suva Magistrates Court hears arguments on FICAC’s bid to add former elections official Mohammed Saneem as a witness in the Biman Prasad trial. Climate Push: Pacific leaders reaffirm the 1.5°C goal and press for COP31 climate finance and renewables support.

Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders at a Palau summit urged COP31 to deliver real money for clean energy and resilience, warning that fossil-fuel import costs and worsening impacts are squeezing island economies. Solar Investment: EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra signed with Energy Fiji Ltd to develop the Yaqara solar-plus-battery project (22MW/40MWh first stage; 120MW/200MWh second), targeting PPA finalisation by early 2027 and operations by 2029. Teachers’ Pay Crisis: PM Rabuka ordered urgent action to get 134 affected teachers paid after a payroll stoppage; 118 are set for a special pay run today, while 16 still await contract verification. Anti-Corruption Court Case: FICAC is seeking to add former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem as a witness in the Biman Prasad trial, with the magistrate criticising late additions. Health Expansion: Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Heart Hospital will extend specialised cardiac services to adults and adolescents, adding angiograms and scans. Border & Customs Tech: Fiji’s immigration and customs modernisation with Australia’s MERIT system is moving ahead, raising sovereignty and data-security concerns. Animal Health Preparedness: Fiji trained 26 Para-Vets to strengthen early detection and biosecurity for livestock disease threats. Community & Business: The Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North raised $341,015.75 gross, with charity funds earmarked for Northern health and community projects.

Teacher Pay Fallout: Fiji’s Ministry of Education is processing salaries for 118 teachers affected by last week’s pay stoppage via a special pay run today, but questions remain over when the remaining 16 will be paid, with a press conference expected to clarify details. Community Relief: A separate community appeal, “$5 for Our Teachers,” has raised $5,148.01 toward a $33,500 target to provide emergency top-up support to verified affected teachers while the Government resolves the underlying issue. COP31 Push: Fiji is urging stronger Pacific participation in COP31-related discussions, with Tuvalu highlighted as a key platform to get global leaders engaged and ensure climate priorities translate into funding and action. Border & Sovereignty: Fiji Revenue and Customs Service warns that Australia-funded border upgrades under the Vuvale Union/Veitacini Treaty must deliver measurable outcomes and protect Fiji’s sovereignty, including how passenger risk checks and sensitive revenue data are handled. Foreign Exchange Crackdown: The Reserve Bank of Fiji reiterates that only licensed dealers can provide money-changing services, warning the public that unlicensed operators expose them to fraud and loss. Pacific Climate Cost: Pacific leaders are hearing that going beyond 1.5°C could hit tuna access fees and coastal fisheries, threatening both government revenue and food security.

Border Security & Sovereignty: Fiji Revenue and Customs Service CEO Udit Singh says Australia’s $1.5b-plus Vuvale Union/Veitacini Treaty support must deliver measurable outcomes, with clear owners, timelines and safeguards for Fiji’s customs, revenue tech and sovereignty. Immigration Systems: Fiji’s MERIT border management upgrade is set to replace the current IBMS, with Australia funding the system and training; passenger info will be shared up to 72 hours before boarding. Foreign Exchange Crackdown: The Reserve Bank of Fiji warns the public that unlicensed FX dealing is a criminal offence, urging transactions only with authorised banks and dealers. Sugar Sector Monitoring: Fiji Sugar Corporation plans GPS tracking for locomotives from next year to curb cane-carting delays linked to driver misconduct. Education Payroll Disruptions: 134 teachers missed Pay 18 due to late permanent appointment documents, while 13 “ghost employees” were found in a Ministry payroll check. Tourism Demand: Fiji Airways logged its strongest booking day in 75 years, with 14,000+ bookings, as visitor arrivals topped 100,000 in July. Climate & Food Security: Pacific leaders warn 1.5°C overshoot will hit tuna revenues and coastal catches, while El Niño threatens drought, flooding and water stress. Youth & Skills: A Nadi training programme urges graduates to turn skills into livelihoods, with Youth Grant applications opening next day. Sports Finance Hurdle: Fiji National Rugby League eyes an NRL 9s trip but faces a $15,000 bond per player.

RBF Enforcement: The Reserve Bank of Fiji has warned the public to use only licensed foreign exchange dealers, saying some businesses and individuals are operating without the required licence—an offence that can leave customers exposed to fraud, losses and no legal protection. Tourism Demand: Fiji Airways logged its strongest booking day in 75 years, with more than 14,000 bookings in a day, as visitor arrivals topped 100,000 monthly for the first time and travel demand keeps climbing. Climate Finance: Canada pledged US$12.3m over five years to expand access to climate finance via the Pacific Resilience Facility, including adaptation, disaster readiness and loss-and-damage support for communities. Regional Policy Push: Fiji’s foreign affairs minister says Pacific economies can become wealthier by coordinating trade and development priorities through the Pacific Islands Forum. Education Payroll Shock: Payroll checks found 13 “ghost employees” in the Education Ministry and stopped salaries for 134 teachers after appointment documents were not processed on time. Security Treaty Questions: Fiji lawmakers raised concerns about how cyberattacks and hybrid warfare would trigger mutual defence obligations under the proposed Ocean of Peace Alliance. Pacific Food & Culture: The FFA and SPC launched the “Tuna Bites” campaign to celebrate World Tuna Day with a Fiji-led culinary competition highlighting tuna’s role in food security and livelihoods.

Pacific Food & Livelihoods: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with one-day tuna dish contests across eight Pacific countries including Fiji, broadcast to spotlight tuna’s role in food security and jobs. Climate Finance & Resilience: Canada pledged US$12.3m over five years to expand access to climate funding via the Pacific Resilience Facility, supporting adaptation, disaster response and loss and damage, while also discussing stronger Fiji–Canada fisheries cooperation. Fiji Travel Demand: Fiji Airways logged its strongest booking day in 75 years, topping 14,000 bookings, as visitor arrivals in July exceeded 100,000 for the first time and the airline expands. Regional Climate Push: Pacific leaders at the PIF in Palau backed urgent action to keep 1.5°C alive, improve climate finance access and elevate ocean-climate priorities, endorsing the Belau Declaration. Security & Law: Fiji’s proposed Ocean of Peace Alliance faces questions over whether cyberattacks and hybrid warfare would trigger mutual defence obligations, with legal and enforcement powers still unclear. Education Payroll Shock: 134 teachers missed pay after appointment documents weren’t processed on time, alongside 13 “ghost employees” found in Education Ministry payroll checks. Labour Mobility Scam: Police are investigating alleged $50,000 Australia job scam targeting 500 Fijians, warning people to verify overseas work offers. Business & Inclusion: BSP says digital tech is key to financial inclusion, citing rapid growth in internet and mobile banking and its USSD Wantok Wallet. Local Business: Vanua Coffee opened a Nadi café to expand markets for Fiji-grown cacao, creating jobs and boosting local chocolate sales.

Overseas Work Scam: Police are investigating two people after they allegedly collected about $50,000 from 500 Fijians with promises of jobs in Australia, charging $100 each via a fake labour-hire setup under the PALM scheme—Employment PS Maritino Nemani urged people to verify offers and remember Government PALM placements have no fees. Public Payroll Integrity: Fiji’s Education Ministry says it found 13 “ghost employees” and stopped salaries for 134 officers after payroll checks tied to Auditor-General concerns, with issues linked to appointment documentation not being updated in FEMIS. FNPF Enforcement: FNPF warns employers owing about $9.8m across 2,446 cases could face legal action after an amnesty period ends, including possible airport travel blocks. Labour Rights Clash: Ram Sami & Sons workers’ strike enters a second day as the National Union of Workers accuses the company of undermining the right to strike and recruiting replacements. Business & Finance Access: South Pacific Stock Exchange CEO Sheraj Obeyesekere says ordinary Fijians can invest in shares without being wealthy, with 21 listed companies and daily trading. Tourism Funding Move: Fiji’s temporary Tourism Services Tax (from Sept 1) targets hotels, tour operators and cruise firms to help Fiji Airways amid rising fuel costs. Local Cocoa Market: Vanua Coffee opens in Nadi to sell Fiji-grown cacao and chocolate, creating jobs and expanding farmer market access. Health Costs & Impact: Fiji’s rheumatic heart disease programme reports 4,984 people living with RHD and rising deaths, pushing for earlier detection and better follow-up care.

Fiji Tourism & Aviation: Fiji introduced a temporary Tourism Services Tax from 1 September 2026, adding 5% to qualifying hotels, tour operators and cruises (with bookings made before 1 September exempt), aimed at easing pressure on Fiji Airways amid rising fuel costs. FNPF Compliance: The FNPF warned employers that unpaid contributions totalling about $9.8m across 2,446 employers could trigger legal action after the amnesty ends, including possible airport travel blocks. Labour & Rights: Ram Sami & Sons workers’ strike entered its second day as the National Union of Workers accused the company of undermining the right to strike via replacement hiring and foreign worker permits. Trade & Business Costs: A Basic Tariff Literacy Toolkit was launched to help Fiji businesses better understand how regulated prices are set and how to engage in tariff decisions. Health & Human Capital: Fiji launched a paediatric cardiac surgical mission with international specialists, while a new RHD report put the number of people living with rheumatic heart disease at 4,984 and flagged rising deaths. Regional Climate Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed urgent action to keep 1.5°C alive and called for more climate finance and faster fossil-fuel transition—setting the tone for COP31.