AGP Executive Report

Climate Action: Pacific Pre-COP31 closed in Fiji with leaders urging faster emissions cuts, easier access to climate finance and a stronger focus on oceans. UN climate chief Simon Stiell says next month’s COP31 must turn promises into practical results. US Allegations: Fiji is asking Washington to provide evidence of alleged bribery by Fiji-based Chinese official Zhao Fugang so local authorities can assess the claims. Zhao denies wrongdoing and says he was not given a chance to respond. Fiji Day: Monday, October 12, is now an official public holiday; celebrations for Fiji’s 56th Independence anniversary will take place on Saturday. Water Supply: El Niño-linked dry conditions have prompted emergency water deliveries to some maritime communities, with officials preparing for shortages to continue. Football: Fiji FA says 22 of 162 players tested at the Inter-District Championship returned positive drug-test results, including two for alcohol, and warns of suspensions.

Pre-COP31: Talks in Nadi ended with new pledges for practical climate action, including Fiji’s US$10 million for the Pacific Resilience Facility and plans to advance electrification and ocean protection. But the facility remains US$320 million short of its minimum target, as Pacific leaders press for funding to reach communities. Fiji–US Relations: The US has barred Fiji-based businessman Zhao Fugang and his family over alleged corruption linked to China; Zhao denies the claims, says he was not given a chance to respond, and has not been charged. Political Tensions: The NFP says it will lodge a police complaint over alleged racist and violent threats by teachers’ union general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga. Separately, opposition figures continue to question the legality of the December 9 referendum date announced by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Football: Rewa meet Navua and Ba face Labasa in Saturday’s FMF IDC semi-finals. Health: Dr Aalisha Sahukhan has been appointed permanent secretary for Health and Medical Services.

US Sanctions: Washington has barred Fiji-based Chinese official Zhao Fugang and his family from entering the US, alleging he paid bribes to advance Chinese government, business and criminal interests. Zhao’s lawyers say they will seek clarity on the allegations. Referendum: Fiji’s Electoral Commission and Elections Office have begun preparations for the December 9 constitutional referendum, with postal voting applications open. Water Supply: Water is being trucked to drought-hit Yanuca Island, while the Water Authority plans to seek funding for a permanent extension to Dramasi, where some residents rise at 2am to collect water. Climate Finance: Pacific leaders are seeking at least US$500 million for a regional resilience fund as they press for faster, more accessible climate support; Fiji has pledged US$10 million. Trade: A Fiji expo in Port Moresby is showcasing local businesses and tourism as the two countries work to rebuild commercial ties. Education: Applications are open for FENC Fiji’s 2026 support scheme, which aims to assist up to 7,000 children from families in need.

Referendum Dispute: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says he only announced the dates and deadlines for Fiji’s December 9 referendum, not the campaign period. Coalition partners and the Opposition argue the announcement is premature while the Constitution Amendment Bill remains under review. Climate Action: At Pre-COP31 in Fiji, leaders urged countries to turn promises into action. The ADB says current adaptation funding meets only 26% of the Pacific’s projected annual needs; new pledges of about $15 million leave the region’s resilience fund well short of its targets. Regional Cooperation: Nepal proposed a “Sagarmatha to the Sea” partnership linking Himalayan and Pacific communities facing climate threats. Football: Rewa became the first team through to the FMF IDC semifinals, while six players who tested positive for drugs will be suspended pending disciplinary proceedings. Community: Vanuabalavu families are gathering in Suva for their three-yearly festival, with 17 villages raising funds for local projects and celebrating Lauan culture.

Climate Finance in Focus: Fiji has pledged US$10 million over five years to the Pacific Resilience Facility, backing Pacific-led efforts to cope with climate impacts ahead of COP31, while Australia also announced $3m for resilient coastlines and riverbanks. Water Crisis Response: Emergency water supplies are being shipped to Malau and Cikobia in Vanua Levu as El Niño-linked dry conditions continue, with authorities urging careful water use. Pre-COP31 Push for 1.5°C: Pacific leaders and ministers at Fiji and Tuvalu pre-COP talks demanded faster emissions cuts and warned that every fraction of warming increases loss and damage risks. Referendum Tensions: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says he only set writ, polling and results dates for the Dec 9 referendum and insists the process is within the law, as coalition partners question the fast-tracked approach. Community Safety: Police in the Northern Division flagged drugs, rising HIV cases, teenage pregnancies and youth crime, calling for stronger community partnerships beyond policing. Sports & Community Spirit: Vodafone Fiji Bati visited boys at Colo-i-Suva Farm, while Fiji’s Bulikula named a 23-player World Cup squad and Navua kicked off the IDC with a 3-0 win. Local Culture: Vanuabalavu Festival begins in Suva today, bringing together all 17 villages for three days of culture, fundraising and development.

Pre-COP31 Climate Push: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Talia warned world leaders not to turn COP31 into “another talk shop” after a frontline visit to Funafuti, where land sits just metres above sea level. Climate Finance Frustration: Pacific leaders also complained that adaptation money is too slow, too small, and comes with tough conditions, while a Pre-COP panel heard that disability groups are being shut out by inaccessible grant rules and formats. Human Cost of Heat: UN climate chief Simon Stiell told delegates that every degree of warming raises preterm birth risk by 5% and gestational diabetes by 7%, calling extreme heat a growing pregnancy “fault line.” Fiji Politics & Courts: CDD said Fiji’s Government draft constitution is a downgrade from the CRC version, and the High Court ordered firearms and ammunition from a cocaine case moved to the RFMF for safekeeping. Sports: Fiji’s Pre-COP week also brought Rugby League World Cup squad announcements, including New Zealand’s star-led roster and Cook Islands selections featuring Valentine Holmes.

Tuvalu pre-COP tensions: Tuvalu leaders toured climate-hit sites with world delegations, but an adviser accused Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese of disrespect and “taking over” sovereignty during the visit. COP31 push in Fiji: Fiji’s climate minister Lynda Tabuya says pre-COP must deliver action, not “talk shop” promises, with priorities including keeping 1.5°C in reach, faster climate finance, and putting the ocean at the centre. Climate finance demands: Pacific disability advocates at the Nadi stakeholder programme called for disability justice in climate decisions and access to climate funds. Fossil fuel transition pressure: Pacific leaders warned the fossil-fuel phase-out deal must not be left open for renegotiation. Fiji referendum date set: PM Rabuka announced Fiji’s constitutional referendum for 9 December 2026. Court cocaine probe: Fiji Police are investigating missing cocaine worth over $50m and transferring court exhibits to the military for custody. Water shortage help: Hygiene supplies were donated to Batiki District School as diarrhoea cases rise amid low water supplies. Housing milestone: 269 Waidamudamu tenants received 99-year lease documents. Rugby league boost: Fiji Bati forward Jacob Saifiti is cleared for the World Cup opener after serving a suspension.

Climate diplomacy in Fiji: Pre-COP31 talks opened in Nadi and Tuvalu ahead of COP31 in Türkiye, with Fiji pushing three priorities: keep 1.5°C within reach, deliver climate finance to communities, and put the ocean at the centre of negotiations. Extreme heat and pregnancy risks: UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned at a Suva event that extreme heat is becoming a “potentially fatal” threat to pregnant women and newborns, citing a Wellcome survey showing rising heat-linked complications. Fiji carbon markets push: Fiji launched a five-year, $5.2m plan (2026–2030) to prepare for participation in international carbon markets under the Paris Agreement, aiming for its first carbon trade by 2030. Teachers’ call for support: Fiji Teachers Union says World Teachers’ Day must translate into fair pay, better working conditions, and retention measures as teacher migration to Australia and New Zealand threatens classroom gaps. Police probe cocaine missing from court: Investigators are tracing financial transactions involving a former senior judicial officer and her husband after two cocaine thefts worth over $50m from the Suva court exhibit room. Local water stress: Macuata-i-Wai villagers say a month-long water shortage is forcing them to buy water from the mainland at extra cost while waiting on WAF assistance.

Pre-COP31 Climate Push: Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka urged urgent action to keep 1.5°C within reach as UN pre-COP talks opened in Nadi, with Pacific leaders pressing for stronger climate finance, faster renewables and ocean protection. Pacific “Red Lines”: Climate advocates set five demands for negotiators, including no false solutions, a fossil fuel phase-out, no new extraction without consent, protecting the living planet, and no monetising non-economic loss. Finance Frustration: Australia was urged to use its COP31 role to close the climate finance gap, with campaigners warning Pacific countries face huge disaster costs while fossil fuel interests keep expanding. Human Cost of Heat: UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned extreme heat is increasingly endangering pregnant women and newborns, calling it a new faultline in the climate crisis. Fiji Referendum Timeline: Fiji’s government says a constitutional referendum could be held on 9 December and campaigning for the general election will be suspended, but the Centre for Democracy and Dialogue says the legal conditions aren’t met. Fiji Day Prep: RFMF rehearsals for Fiji Day in Suva will include blank gunfire and artillery sounds, with no emergency. Sports & Local Wins: Fiji’s Bula Boys won the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup and Fiji FA will pay $1,000 each to players and officials; in rugby league, Fiji named Jacob Saifiti in its World Cup squad.

Pacific Pre-COP31: Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka says “doing nothing” on climate change is a choice, urging leaders in Nadi to listen to frontline communities and act on the 1.5°C promise. Tuvalu climate reality check: Leaders visiting Tuvalu will see the damage firsthand after a 2024 marine heatwave killed about 99.9% of coral, with sea-level rise already threatening habitability. Climate pressure on fossil fuels: Australia and Turkey face fresh criticism for hosting COP31 talks while still backing coal, as Pacific leaders and rights groups demand faster fossil-fuel cuts and real climate finance. Water crisis at home: In Dramasi, women are waking at 2–3am to collect contaminated water as drought dries up creeks, raising hygiene and food security worries. Elections outreach: Fiji Elections Office launches Phase 2 “Your Election, your Say” voter outreach, sending teams across Fiji and to Fijians overseas for registration support and accurate information. Maritime security: Fiji plans to receive Australian uncrewed surface craft for surveillance up to 40 nautical miles to help police and customs tackle drugs. Sports: Jake White is reported as a leading contender for Fiji’s 2027 Rugby World Cup head coach role; Ba win the Extra Futsal Fiji Cup after beating Labasa 4-1.

Cane Price Pressure: Fiji cane farmers are demanding clarity from Government on whether the $85-per-tonne price will rise, warning rising production costs and fuel hikes make the current rate unsustainable. Education & Health: A nationwide free eye screening has found vision problems affecting thousands of children, with 43,000 screened across 80-plus schools in the Western Division and free glasses provided. Maritime Security: Fiji is set to strengthen sea surveillance with Australian-supplied uncrewed surface craft, aiming to monitor up to 40 nautical miles to help Police and Customs tackle drugs and other illegal activity. Women & Digital Jobs: The Ministry for Women says internet access alone isn’t enough—rural women still lack devices, data and skills to turn connectivity into income, pushing for training and better digital tools. Constitution Debate: Fiji Labour leader Mahendra Chaudhry says the Constitution Amendment Bill was rushed and MPs didn’t get enough time to scrutinise it properly. Climate Frontline: Pre-COP31 in Nadi is bringing community voices to the climate table, while Tuvalu leaders highlight how coral ecosystems are being wiped out by climate change. Road Safety: Two fatal crashes in Fiji’s Northern Division are being linked to alcohol, with police warning of the impact ahead of the festive season. BLV Restored: Parliament has restored the Bose Levu Vakaturaga as a standalone institution, giving chiefs a renewed role in national affairs. Sports: Fiji’s Bula Boys won the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup 1-0 over Vanuatu, with Thomas Dunn scoring early at HFC Bank Stadium.

MSG Prime Minister’s Cup: Fiji’s Bula Boys won their first title in the revived tournament, beating Vanuatu 1-0 in Suva with Thomas Dunn scoring in the 10th minute as Roy Krishna and coach Stephane Auvray credited a tighter, more compact second-half plan. Constitution & referendum: Parliament advanced the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 after a second reading, with a Joint Parliamentary Select Committee and public consultation ahead of a possible referendum where Fijians will vote on one question—whether to support the proposed Constitution. Climate talks in Fiji: World powers and Pacific leaders are set to meet in Nadi for pre-COP31 discussions, pushing for 1.5°C, stronger adaptation support and ocean-focused action ahead of COP31 in Antalya. Drugs probe in Suva: Police are investigating a major cocaine evidence theft from the Suva High Court registry, where seized cocaine packages were reportedly replaced with flour, with officials saying the investigation targets those responsible for managing exhibits. El Niño impacts: Emergency drinking water was delivered to Cikobia District School after tanks hit critically low levels, giving a 24-day buffer while government water cartage is arranged. Youth & community: A Walk With Me interfaith youth concert in Suva urged young people to respect differences, use their voices wisely online, and build a more united Fiji. Maritime powers: Parliament passed the Maritime Powers Bill 2026, expanding legal authority for authorised officers to stop, board, search and detain vessels at sea. Sports & youth development: Suva U16 girls beat Australia’s Thornleigh Thunder 7-0, while Fiji’s flag bearers for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics were named as swimmer Grace Khelan and triathlete Josiah Croker.

Cocaine-for-flour scandal: Nearly 40kg of cocaine seized in Fiji and stored as court evidence at the Suva High Court Registry was replaced with flour after going missing, with police saying forensic tests found the exhibits were tampered with and investigation focuses on those managing the exhibits. Constitution next steps: Parliament’s Constitution Amendment Bill 2026 has advanced after a second-reading vote, with a 30-day public consultation period by a Joint Parliamentary Select Committee before a third reading in November, and a referendum expected only if the Bill clears a two-thirds MP threshold. Referendum rules clarified: The National Referendum Bill passed unanimously, with voters set to vote on one question—whether to support the proposed Constitution—after the Constitution Bill is approved. Maritime enforcement powers: The Maritime Powers Bill 2026 passed, giving authorised officers clearer authority to stop, board, search, detain and arrest at sea to support coordinated action across agencies. Climate and water relief: Emergency drinking water was delivered to Cikobia District School as El Niño-linked dry conditions left tanks critically low. Ageing policy: Fiji is preparing a National Ageing Policy 2026–2035 after consultations, aiming for longer, healthier and more dignified lives. MSG football: The Bula Boys play Vanuatu in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final today in Suva, while the women’s final is set for later. Pre-COP31 push: Fiji expects around 36 ministerial-level representatives for pre-COP talks to build consensus ahead of COP31.

Constitution Debate: Fiji’s Constitution Amendment Bill 2026 cleared its second reading after the Government secured the required 35 votes, with 38 MPs backing it; a 30-day public consultation period now follows before a Special Committee reports back on 2 November, with a referendum only if the third-reading threshold is met. Anti-Corruption Shake-up: Parliament’s proposed changes to repeal FICAC are drawing fresh calls for clarity on what will replace the anti-corruption watchdog, with Transparency and Integrity Fiji warning Fiji must keep an independent, properly resourced system. Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: World powers are set to meet in Nadi from Oct 5-8 ahead of COP31 in Turkey, as Pacific leaders push for stronger action on 1.5°C, climate finance, and ocean impacts—plus a Tuvalu visit to show sea-level rise realities. HIV Response: Niue health officials say the risk to the wider public remains low after two HIV cases were confirmed, with treatment and public health measures already underway. Cost Pressures: Fiji’s Competition and Consumer Commission warns higher fuel and shipping costs could lift prices for many imported goods, with delivery times lengthening as vessels take longer routes. Sports—MSG Cup Final: Fiji’s Bula Boys face Vanuatu in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final in Suva after a 1-0 loss in the round-robin.

Pre-COP Climate Push: Pacific leaders and negotiators are in Fiji and Tuvalu ahead of COP31, urging countries to keep 1.5°C within reach as a new “Limiting Overshoot” report warns the world is set to cross 1.5°C soon. Constitution Bill Scrutiny: Fiji Parliament is set to debate and vote on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, with a special committee proposed to review it and a referendum framework already passed—though opposition MPs say key referendum rules still look unclear. Court Cocaine Fallout: Chief Justice Salesi Temo confirms major security and chain-of-custody measures after cocaine exhibits went missing or were tampered with, while Fiji Police launch a nationwide audit of drugs and cash in custody. HIV Emergency Response: Parliament has passed a needle exchange law to roll out harm-reduction services, described as a “lifeline” as Fiji’s HIV emergency worsens. Regional Connectivity: Tuvalu expands transport and digital links with subsidised Fiji airfares and cheaper internet access. Aviation & Sports: Fiji Airways plans major 2027 seat growth, while Suva eyes a strong Skipper Cup performance against Taveuni and Fiji books the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final after beating New Caledonia 2-1.

HIV Response: Parliament has passed Fiji’s HIV/AIDS (Amendment) Bill 2026, creating a legal framework for harm-reduction programmes including sterile needle and syringe distribution, condoms, and PrEP/PEP, as Fiji recorded 2,016 new HIV diagnoses in 2025. Drugs Crackdown: The Counter Narcotics Bill 2026 was passed unanimously, setting up a Counter-Narcotics Bureau and new powers for search, seizure and covert operations, with narco-terrorism now an offence carrying life imprisonment. Court Security Shock: Police say 32kg of cocaine evidence at Suva High Court was replaced with flour, with a further 7kg already missing, triggering an investigation into tampering and people linked to exhibit management. Traditional Governance: Parliament unanimously passed the Bose Levu Vakaturaga Bill 2026, giving the Great Council of Chiefs a new statutory framework and safeguards for iTaukei rights and political impartiality. Election Rules: The Fiji Electoral Commission adopted Campaign Limitations Rules 2026, restricting use of state resources and government premises for campaigning ahead of the General Election. Pre-COP Integrity Push: Transparency International urged Pacific governments to press for independent ethics and conflict-of-interest safeguards ahead of COP31, with Fiji hosting a Pre-COP Leaders’ event. Climate Action at Home: A Reverend paddled around Viti Levu to spotlight single-use plastic pollution ahead of Pre-COP31, linking ocean waste to climate impacts.