AGP Executive Report

Vuda waste-to-energy blocked: Fiji’s Environment Ministry has rejected the EIA for The Next Generation Holdings’ Vuda Point energy-from-waste and private port plan, saying key issues remain unresolved on waste supply (including imported waste), hazardous ash, water and public health risks, plus social, cultural, tourism and infrastructure impacts. Climate funding push: Environment and Climate Change Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji and the Pacific must have a seat at the table at global climate finance talks, warning vulnerable communities will be overlooked if they are not represented. Fuel costs hit delivery: Government says rising fuel prices are already affecting rural development work, with some borehole projects likely to be reduced as operating costs climb. Drug crackdown: Police report destroying nearly 47,400 marijuana plants in Cakaudrove operations, with dozens of arrests and seizures. Border security warning: Fiji warns the Pacific is shifting from a drug transit route to a destination, calling for stronger intelligence sharing as customs leaders meet in Natadola. Cricket development boost: India’s BCCI will send coaches and support to grow cricket in Fiji and the Maldives. Voyaging route adjusted: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is changing the Moananuiākea Voyage plan due to El Niño and storm concerns, with Fiji listed for mid-October discussions on ocean protection. Rugby pathway talk: SANZAAR is considering a “stepping stone” approach for adding Fiji and Japan to the Rugby Championship via under-20 teams. Israel-Fiji ties: Israel has reopened its embassy in Suva as relations deepen, with Fiji stressing neutrality.

Indo-Pacific Push: Quad foreign ministers in New Delhi moved from talk to action, launching maritime surveillance, critical minerals and a Fiji port-infrastructure project, while also flagging concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and “economic coercion.” Waste Fight: Fiji’s Environment Ministry rejected an Australian billionaire’s “waste colonialism” plan to ship and burn 900,000 tonnes of rubbish at Vuda Point, citing unresolved EIA gaps, hazardous ash, public health risks and tourism impacts. Public Health Law: Fiji National University urged tiered penalties in the Public Health Amendment Bill, with bigger fines for corporations and updates via regulations. Cost Pressure on Transport: Government says bus subsidy funds are being released after operators warned of a fuel-driven cash crunch, with a reported monthly shortfall of about $5m. Constitution Review: Nawaka leaders urged restoring constituency-based voting, while residents called for rights to be backed by real budget funding; another submission argued for bringing back corporal punishment. Sports (Fiji): Fiji’s women and men face key HSBC SVNS pool matches in Bordeaux, and Fiji Drua Women named a squad with ten debutants for their Super W opener.

Fiji–Israel Diplomacy: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Fiji stands to gain from Israel’s development and technology support, including health, digital transformation, cybersecurity and agriculture, while also strengthening cooperation against organised crime and illicit drugs. Corrections Service Response: Fiji Corrections Service has rejected social media claims that inmates were injured or mishandled during June 1–2 searches at the Maximum Correctional Centre, saying any issues are under internal investigation and that officers used only necessary force when an inmate resisted. Fuel Crisis Politics: Rabuka says Government has not ruled out further pay cuts for civil servants to help Fiji cope with global fuel shocks, stressing any decision would follow finance calculations. Constitution Review: At CRC consultations in Sigatoka, a Sigatoka marriage officer urged raising the legal marriage age to 21 for men and 20 for women, arguing 18 is too young for life-changing decisions. PALM Worker Welfare: Fiji is urging PALM scheme workers not to disengage from approved jobs after viral reports of a worker living rough under a Sydney bridge, with the ministry citing concerns about pastoral care and support. Sport (Suva audience): Fiji’s men’s 7s are drawn with South Africa, Kenya and Great Britain for the HSBC SVNS finale in Bordeaux, with Fiji ranked fourth heading into the weekend.

Israel-Fiji diplomacy: Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka says Israel’s new embassy in Suva marks a “golden era” in ties, while also stressing Fiji will not be “militarily involved” in Israel’s conflicts. Protests and neutrality: The embassy opening drew pickets outside the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, with Rabuka reiterating the relationship is focused on development and training, not war. Drugs case in court: The ODPP rejected claims of delays in Fiji’s 2.6-tonne cocaine case, saying the six-month timeline is reasonable for a massive investigation. Custody allegations: One accused in the same case alleges repeated assaults in custody and says court-ordered medical treatment was not provided. Local politics: A new Liberation of Fiji Party has applied for registration, starting the formal objections process. Public health bill concerns: MPs warned a proposed Public Health Amendment Bill could penalise people in informal settlements that lack basic sewerage and drainage. Health push: Diabetes Fiji is urging at least $1m direct funding in the 2026-27 budget to close major service gaps. Sports and travel: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from September, and Fiji Kulas play Hong Kong in a friendly tonight.

Education & Fraud Watch: Fiji’s Ministry of Education has urged schools to stay alert after reports of a man falsely claiming to represent the Embassy of Japan, allegedly trying to collect documents and request money at Bureiwai School (Korovou) and Seaqaqa Central College. Israel–Fiji Diplomacy: Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka says Israel has “blessed” the country by opening its permanent embassy in Suva, as Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar inaugurates the mission and pledges cooperation in areas like agriculture, health and security. Public Health Funding: The Health Ministry is seeking more budget and donor support to strengthen Fiji’s response to the growing HIV crisis, including upgrades and digital health planning. Climate Commitments: Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji has submitted its third Paris climate plan (NDC), calling it ambitious but noting delivery depends on partnerships and technology support. Rural Agriculture Boost: A Ra farmer in Dama Village received a tractor and disc harrow through the iTaukei Business Support Fund to improve productivity and incomes. Sports (Fiji Rugby): Sam Matavesi and a star-studded Flying Fijians squad have been named for upcoming Nations Championship preparations.

Israel–Fiji Diplomacy: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar opened Israel’s new Suva embassy, saying it will deepen ties and deliver practical cooperation on water, renewable energy, agriculture and technology, while Fiji’s PM Rabuka called it the start of a “golden era.” Quad Focus Shift: Quad foreign ministers’ talks moved beyond China concerns as the Iran war pushed energy stability, maritime security and supply-chain resilience to the front, with India warning about chokepoints and trade impacts. Cost of Living Pressure: Fiji’s Reserve Bank warns growth is still under strain from global fuel shocks and tighter conditions, as inflation edges up with electricity and fuel tariff effects. Public Health Overhaul: Fiji is set to modernise its 90-year-old public health law, including removing a long-standing village enforcement exemption, as health leaders push faster action during outbreaks. Aviation Upgrade: Labasa Airport is set to get a remote tower system to feed live flight information to Nadi, aiming to boost safety and reliability for Vanua Levu. Business & Jobs: TISA Insurance (Fiji) officially launched in Suva as a rebrand of Capital Insurance, while Bunnings Pacific rolled out an online store giving Fijians access to 20,000+ products. Court Update: Defence in Lautoka sought interpreter access for a Hungarian drug accused facing meth charges, citing communication barriers. Community Safety: Police are investigating a suspicious package with white substances found on an island in the Lau Group. Sports & Culture: Cricket Fiji named Anushil Kumar as its new CEO; and Fiji Airways launched “BRAVE VR,” a virtual reality leadership program for aviation leaders.

Fuel and food squeeze: Vendors say rising fuel costs are pushing up prices of fresh produce across Fiji, with some vegetables now selling for double or more and fewer stalls stocked as farmers face higher diesel, water, fertiliser and labour costs. Constitution review: During consultations on the 2013 Constitution, the CRC was told to reconsider State ownership of minerals under iTaukei land, arguing landowners should control both land and resources, alongside calls for stronger protection of indigenous rights and changes to power-sharing and voting provisions. Regional energy strain: On Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands, diesel has run out and the island has borrowed fuel from a police patrol boat, while power use is restricted as deliveries are delayed and prices rise. Diplomacy in Suva: Israel’s embassy reopens in Suva today after 36 years, with talks expected with Fiji’s President, Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, and a visit planned by Israel’s foreign minister. Sports: Kenya’s Shujaa remain in the race for next season’s SVNS Division One after finishing eighth in Valladolid, sitting eighth overall ahead of Bordeaux Sevens. International spotlight: A Georgia helicopter crash killed newlyweds Dave Fiji and pilot Nikhil Nargundkar, with the bride Jesni injured and recovering.

Palestine Embassy Protest: The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa says it will picket Fiji’s High Commission in Wellington and the Consulate in Auckland on June 2, protesting Israel’s planned opening of its first Pacific embassy in Suva, with organisers linking Fiji’s ties to Israel to Gaza and wider regional actions. Fuel Prices & Relief: People’s Alliance Party president Ratu Josefa Dimuri rejects blame on Government for fuel hikes, saying global conflict and fuel markets are driving costs, and urges relief options such as easier access to FNPF funds. Constitutional Court Fight: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s challenge to a High Court ruling is set to move to the Court of Appeal after he sought a stay; the matter is adjourned to June 8. Energy & Climate Focus: Pacific officials assess the Middle East energy crisis’s impact ahead of the 2026 Forum Economic Ministers Meeting, while preparations for COP31 ramp up and Pacific media training targets better weather and climate reporting. Roads & Waste: Lautoka gets composting support to cut landfill waste, and the Land Transport Authority warns of speed-camera maintenance causing temporary road disruptions. Sports: Australia’s sevens teams sent a warning ahead of Bordeaux after winning both men’s and women’s titles in Valladolid; Fiji’s next rugby focus is the Flying Fijians squad naming for Wales.

Fuel shock: Fiji’s fuel and LPG prices jump again from June 1, with diesel up to 77–80 cents a litre and petrol around 80 cents, while a 12kg LPG cylinder rises by $9.02 on Viti Levu/Vanua Levu—prompting Opposition calls to remove fuel taxes. Cost of living pressure: Opposition MP Ketan Lal says higher diesel will lift food and transport costs nationwide, as households feel the squeeze. Minimum wage debate: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says any move toward an $8 minimum wage must follow a formal review process, as the FTUC pushes for a living wage. Marine rules: A four-month ban on fishing, sale, transport and export of kawakawa (grouper) and donu (coral trout) starts today, with stock rules for vendors. Fisheries income: Beche-de-mer harvesting is extended by eight months to support rural and maritime livelihoods. WTO support: Fiji ratifies an agreement to access WTO legal advice and representation, aimed at helping trade-dependent sectors. Aviation plan: Cabinet backs a pathway to build Fiji’s sovereign aviation capability for security, disaster response and outer-island transport. COVID update: Fiji records 128 new COVID-19 cases, with active cases rising to 12,814. Election prep: The Elections Office flags election information management and public trust as key challenges ahead of the next General Election. Tourism scrutiny: Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka says reforms aim to spread tourism benefits beyond urban areas, including community and marine area participation. Pacific ties: Voyaging and ocean protection leaders gather on Rapa Nui to strengthen cultural links and high-seas conservation.

Education & Discipline: Fiji’s Education Bill 2025 has dropped a corporal punishment clause after public consultation concerns, with the Education Minister saying discipline is still covered under other laws and processes. Public Health: World No Tobacco Day warnings in Macuata say tobacco is killing about 1,200 people a year and that nicotine/tar in suki can be higher than cigarettes, with officials urging action to stop youth turning to harder substances. Economy Watch: The Reserve Bank of Fiji flags rising global energy costs as a major risk, pointing to fuel and food pressures feeding inflation and household cost-of-living stress. Regional Security & Trade: The Quad foreign ministers’ New Delhi meeting produced a Fiji port infrastructure push, with Suva and Lautoka named for early ports, alongside maritime surveillance and critical minerals cooperation. Border & Governance Reforms: New Immigration Amendment Bill measures include advanced traveller screening systems and streamlined visa categories, while a Fiji Police Bill sets up a disciplinary tribunal to strengthen accountability. Sports (Fiji): Fijiana beat South Africa 17-12 at Spain 7s, with Reapi Ulunisau scoring her 100th sevens try; in football, the BiC Fiji FACT pools are set with Labasa facing Rewa, Suva and Navua in Pool A.

Fijiana Rugby (Spain 7s): Fiji’s women beat South Africa 17-12 in their final pool match, with Reapi Ulunisau scoring her 100th try for the national side. Cost of Living & Energy: The Reserve Bank of Fiji warns rising global energy costs are a major risk, feeding into inflation through higher fuel, food and transport prices. Border & Travel Reform: Fiji’s Immigration Amendment Bill introduces pre-arrival screening using advanced passenger information systems, streamlines visa categories, and tightens data rules. Police Bill 2026: A new Fiji Police Force Disciplinary Tribunal will review disciplinary decisions, aiming to boost accountability and public trust. Tourism Bill 2026: The passed law sets clearer government responsibilities and coordination across agencies, promising more certainty for investors. Regional Security (Drugs): Pacific leaders are stepping up cooperation to stop illicit drugs moving through ocean routes, with Fiji and neighbours facing growing cartel pressure. Football (BiC Fiji FACT): Labasa and Rewa headline Pool A after the draw for the June 19-21 tournament in Labasa. Sports Development: Badminton Fiji says professionalism at grassroots level is key, citing improved discipline at the Secondary Schools Championship. Adoption Update: Fiji’s new adoption law is now fully operational, allowing more than 500 pending cases to be lodged in court. Organised Crime Alert: New Zealand and others are alarmed by a transnational gang killing linked to the “Coconut Cartel,” with arrests reported across the region.

Quad Ports Push: India, the US, Australia and Japan say they will jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji after their New Delhi foreign ministers’ meeting, alongside new maritime surveillance and critical minerals/energy initiatives—moves Fiji youth groups say could reshape jobs and trade across the Pacific. Power Reliability: Fiji’s power grid is under strain, with unplanned electricity outages rising from 1,656 (2024) to 1,829 (2025), though average restoration time improved slightly; Energy Fiji Limited outlined a $522.66m capital plan to strengthen and expand capacity. Fijiana 7s Start: Fiji’s women kicked off their Spain 7s campaign with a 26-19 win over the USA, with tries from Silika Qalo, Verenaisi Divavutu and Miriana Talatoka helping secure the victory. Schools Swimming: Yat Sen Secondary School and Drasa Avenue School lead the medal tally after day one of Fiji’s National Schools Swimming Championships in Suva. Education Staffing: Parliament was told 202 registered teachers are still awaiting placement as of May 25, with the biggest gap in early childhood education. Sports—Drua Update: Manasa Mataele scored a hat-trick but the Fijian Drua still fell 45-24 to the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: PNG PM James Marape says Australia’s expanded presence at the Lombrum naval base won’t mean foreign bases, stressing the facilities remain sovereign PNG. Regional Youth & Jobs: Pacific youth back the Quad “Ports of the Future” push, saying better connectivity could open long-term work and trade opportunities—if projects are implemented well. Climate & Shipping: Pacific ministers meet in Majuro to shift shipping away from diesel toward low-carbon transport, with plans for national action plans and possible Green Climate Fund support. Power Reliability: Energy Fiji Limited data shows unplanned electricity outages rose from 1,656 (2024) to 1,829 (2025), even as average restoration times improved; EFL also outlined a $522.66m grid upgrade plan. Education Staffing: Parliament hears 202 registered teachers are still awaiting placement, with 128 in early childhood education. Local Culture & Leadership: Fiji marks Ratu Sukuna Day with calls for unity and leadership rooted in duty and service. Media Recognition: FBC journalist Sainiani Boila wins a regional award for climate reporting on coastal erosion impacts in Lau. Sports (Suva): Badminton Fiji Secondary Schools Championship begins in Suva, with Yat Sen and Drasa Avenue aiming to defend titles. International (Fiji ties): Israel is expected to open a resident embassy in Suva as diplomatic cooperation deepens.

Fuel Relief Funding Clarified: Australia’s extra AUD$30m (FJD$47m) grant to Fiji will not be ring-fenced for direct fuel cash, but pooled into the government’s consolidated fund and allocated by national priorities, with access tied to public finance and economic resilience reforms. School Levies Under Fire: The Fiji Teachers Association is urging Government to suspend school levies as families struggle with rising fuel, fares and food, warning levies could push students out of school. Tourism Overhaul: Parliament has passed the Tourism Bill 2026, replacing outdated laws with a new framework including a National Tourism Council, national standards and a Tourism Fund, with stronger protection for culture and community-based tourism. Climate Early Warnings Boost: Fiji launched a US$15.4m early warning initiative to reach high-risk communities, including women and people with disabilities, with support from the Green Climate Fund. Crime Response Upgrade: Fiji is establishing document forensic labs in Nadi and Suva to detect fake passports and forged travel documents after a transnational murder case involving Samoan nationals. Quad Ports Push: Australia, India, Japan and the US agreed to jointly build a port in Fiji as part of renewed Quad cooperation on infrastructure, energy security and critical minerals. Parliament Scrutiny: MPs questioned how $450,000 for the School Management Association of Fiji was spent, with the Education Minister saying detailed information would come later.

Transnational Crime Probe: Samoa Police say two Samoan nationals detained in Vietnam over the alleged shooting death of a Sydney man are linked to a “first of its kind” suspected transnational murder-for-hire operation, with Fiji Immigration still confirming their travel history. Parliament Accountability: Opposition MPs questioned Education Minister Aseri Radrodro over a $500,000 grant to the School Management Association of Fiji, after he said he lacked detailed information on outcomes from multiple funding tranches. Youth Politics: National Youth Council president Laisani Sapo says politicians should face a retirement age and term limits, arguing fairness since civil servants retire at 60. Fuel Cost Relief: Government says it’s preparing more measures to cushion households and businesses from rising global fuel costs, with new June fuel prices expected from the regulator. Tourism Overhaul: Parliament passed the Tourism Bill 2026, creating a National Tourism Council, national standards and a Tourism Fund, with a stronger focus on village homestays and cultural protection. Quad Port Push: Australia, India, Japan and the US agreed to jointly build a port in Fiji and signed pacts on critical minerals and energy security, while Fiji’s PM says Suva Port, a convention centre and Nausori Airport expansion are being considered for support. Corporate Transparency Law: Amendments to Fiji’s companies legislation are set to strengthen beneficial ownership rules to help prevent misuse of entities for money laundering and terrorist financing. Economy Watch: Inflation rose to 1.8% in April after deflation, driven by higher fuel, food and kava prices, as the Reserve Bank kept its policy rate unchanged. Disability Demand: The Frank Hilton Organisation says demand for specialised child support is surging, with a sharp rise in assessments and caseloads over the past three years. Local Economy & Livelihoods: Sea cucumber exports and earnings have climbed since the fishery reopened, while a Suva market vendor warns rising fuel, electricity and grocery prices are squeezing families and small businesses.

Quad Ports Deal for Fiji: Australia, India, Japan and the US have unveiled the “Quad Ports of the Future Partnership,” with Fiji as the pilot case—aimed at upgrading port capacity, boosting trade links and strengthening maritime surveillance, with the work tied to broader Indo-Pacific security and energy moves. Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance: The Quad also launched an integrated maritime monitoring initiative, bringing India into wider surveillance cooperation and starting with the Indian Ocean, while China warned against “exclusive” blocs. Fiji Elections Office Update: The Elections Office is projecting about 750,000 registered voters for the next General Election, with outreach ongoing across Fiji and mobile registration for elderly and sick voters. Fuel Crisis Pushback: The Fiji Trades Union Congress says workers should not pay for the fuel crisis through reduced FNPF contributions, calling instead for wage support. Ammunition Finds Reassurance: Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua says recent bullet and ammunition discoveries pose no security threat, with investigations continuing after voluntary surrenders. Criminal Records Bill Passed: Parliament unanimously passed the Criminal Records Bill 2025 to help rehabilitated offenders get a second chance at work and overseas opportunities. Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu: The 8th Pacific Media Summit will be held in Savusavu from 21–25 September 2026, focusing on reaching remote communities and digital innovation.