AGP Executive Report

OFC U16 Soccer: Fiji kick off their Oceania Under-16 men’s campaign in Port Moresby, opening against New Caledonia on Sunday (4pm), with PNG taking on Samoa later (7pm). The tournament runs to July 25, with top finishers qualifying for next year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup. Flying Fijians Rugby: Interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula says Fiji will keep an attacking approach versus England in Liverpool but must tighten discipline, decision-making, and improve scrum and line-out after the Wales loss. Constitution Review: Fiji Disabled People’s Federation wants stronger disability rights protections, especially in education, healthcare and employment, calling to expand Section 42. Democracy Education: The Fijian Elections Office is rolling out a Political Parties Youth Module to strengthen young people’s understanding of Fiji’s democratic system. Real Estate Standards: A new mandatory Code of Conduct for licensed real estate agents starts Aug 1, with training and continuing professional development support through FNU. Sugar Sector: FSC chief calls for Sugar Cane Growers Council elections, while the Sugar Tribunal registrar urges a shift toward larger commercial farming models; farmers also push to reopen the cane railway system. Health Staffing: FPSA warns Korovou Hospital’s X-ray service disruption shows urgent need for workforce planning, competitive pay and faster recruitment. Community & Environment: Minister Lynda Tabuya backs Korovou clean-ups and early environmental education, including composting for kindergartens. Sports Development: Fiji FA expands grassroots football to Under-6s and Under-10s at its Suva festival.

England-Fiji Rugby: Steve Borthwick has named England’s XV for the Nations Championship clash in Liverpool, with Henry Slade and Guy Pepper returning to the starting side and three uncapped players—George Kloska, Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Noah Caluori—set to debut off the bench. Wales-Argentina Rugby: Wales coach Steve Tandy makes three changes for Argentina, handing Sam Costelow the 10 jersey and bringing Kane James into the matchday squad. Pacific Security: New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon says NZ is considering joining the Australia-Fiji defence pact after China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific drew sharp regional condemnation. Fiji Money Laundering: Fiji’s real estate sector is tightening anti-money laundering safeguards after concerns criminals are using cash property purchases to “clean” illicit proceeds. Aviation Links: Air Niugini will restart direct Port Moresby–Tokyo flights from July 18, restoring a key route for business and Pacific travellers. Rugby League Boost: Bank South Pacific is confirmed as a major sponsor of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Fiji among participating teams.

Juvenile Justice: A new rehabilitation home for vulnerable boys is being built at the Fiji Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre in Suva, with 24 boys (10–18) expected to receive counselling, education support and life-skills training before reintegration. Sugar Industry: Fiji’s sugar talks in Rakiraki turned tense, with police stepping in after heated exchanges during consultations on the $85 minimum cane price; farmers also renewed calls for FSC chairman Nitya Reddy to go and demanded a higher price, while FSC defended its position citing past disruptions. Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways has ended its partnership with the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA), moving toward direct deals with individual hotels and resorts as it tightens costs. Healthcare & Awareness: Rugby legend Waisale Serevi becomes PSH Hospital’s brand ambassador to promote affordable specialist care in Fiji. Transport & Energy: Government is pushing faster EV adoption after the fuel crisis, including plans for charging infrastructure and incentives. Corruption Case: FICAC confirms it has received representations from lawyers of former FBC CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and CFO Vimlesh Sagar over a vehicle procurement charge. Security: Immigration says fake Fiji work permits are “quite widespread” overseas, but none have passed border checks; police also report all 76 drug parcels washed ashore tested positive for cocaine.

Pacific Security: Pacific leaders are weighing a “very strong” joint statement condemning China’s long-range, nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific, after Tuvalu called it a grave threat to the nuclear-free Pacific and urged superpowers to stop using the region for military trials. Australia–Fiji Defence: The missile test comes as Australia pushes deeper security ties, including a new defence alliance with Fiji and a mutual defence pact with PNG now in force. Local Environment & Landcare: Former Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere urged stronger land restoration and protection of forests, rivers and farmland as key to Fiji’s long-term prosperity and cultural heritage. Banaba Mining Update: The Rabi Council of Leaders says Banaba mining plans have shifted, with Centrex no longer involved and feasibility work to be pursued with Kiribati and Nauru. Rugby League Pacific Push: Australia has pledged A$250m over 10 years to grow grassroots rugby league across Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and PNG, with a promise to explore NRL and NRLW matches in the Pacific. Sports (Football): Samoa’s men’s U16 team is set for the OFC U16 Championship in Papua New Guinea, with Fiji among their group opponents.

Gender & Police Reform: A new Gender Barrier Assessment Project Report urges Fiji Police to set 30% gender quotas for recruitment and leadership, reopen a driving school and kindergarten, fix uniform issues, and create anonymous complaint channels. Traditional Governance: Professor Wadan Narsey says the Great Council of Chiefs should expand to include more women and “commoners,” proposing limited Senate seats rather than overriding power. Pacific Security: China’s submarine-launched nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific has drawn sharp condemnation from Australia and Solomon Islands leaders, with NATO also raising concerns as the test followed hours after Australia and Fiji signed a defence agreement. Courtroom Accountability: Two Fiji Police officers who failed to appear in an “Imran Khan” drug case had bench warrants cancelled after they appeared in court, while a civilian police staff warrant remains active. Health & Compliance: The FCCC warned three pharmacies for operating without a registered pharmacist on duty, after a nationwide audit found 67 of 70 fully compliant. Local Water Crisis: About 20 Vunivere families in Seaqaqa have been without reliable water for two weeks, affecting school and farming. Sports: Baby Flying Fijians beat Spain 29-26 in the U20 World Rugby Championship; Fiji Pearls Spirit Series preparations continue despite Kalesi Tawake’s injury.

Pacific Security: China’s long-range submarine missile test in the South Pacific has drawn sharp condemnation, with Australia calling it “destabilising” and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale saying it was “not the act of a friend”. Fiji says it received advance notice, while regional leaders link the timing to Australia and Fiji’s new defence and security arrangements. Fiji-Australia Alliance: In Suva, Rabuka and Albanese signed the Vuvale Union and Ocean of Peace Alliance, with Rabuka stressing Fiji’s sovereignty is secure and built on dialogue and international law. Local Impact: Taveuni is facing a fuel shortage and shipping disruption affecting tourism, farming and essential services. Elections Watch: The Fiji Elections Office warns against misinformation about the voter register and says false claims could lead to fines or jail. Rugby Nations Championship: Fiji play England in Liverpool on Saturday (2:10pm BST), with England making call-ups due to injuries. Sports & Culture: USP research targets climate-resilient taro farming for Pacific growers.

Pacific Security Shock: China test-fired a long-range, nuclear-capable missile from a submarine into the South Pacific with a dummy warhead, landing near the Tuvalu area, hours after Australia and Fiji signed the Vuvale Union and Ocean of Peace defence and security treaties—prompting sharp condemnation from Australia and New Zealand, while China insists it was “routine” and consistent with international law. Local Fallout in Fiji: Fiji’s leaders and defence officials played down claims the pact was aimed at China, saying Fiji received advisory notice and that the agreements are about elevating cooperation and “friends to all, enemies to none.” Regional Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese is also pushing ahead with further Pacific security talks, including a bid to finalise a Solomon Islands security deal within months. Suva Development Push: In Suva, Albanese opened the revamped Vuvale Skills Hub and backed Fiji’s ship repair ambitions, while Australia pledged over FJ$1.57b for the Vuvale Union, plus FJ$35m for Fiji rugby and a new Ocean of Peace Centre. Governance & Economy: Fiji’s Elections Office warned of fines up to $50,000 and jail for false election claims, and FRCS reported $3.226b net revenue with one month left to hit its $3.37b target.

Pacific Security: China test-fired a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine into the South Pacific, landing in the nuclear-free zone, drawing sharp protests from Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Fiji-Australia Defence Deal: The missile launch came hours after Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance in Suva, with mutual defence commitments and over A$1b in Australian investment over 10 years. Regional Reaction: Canberra called the test “destabilising” and New Zealand said it was “deeply concerning,” while China insisted it was routine training and urged neighbours not to “overinterpret.” Politics at Home (Australia): Australian PM Anthony Albanese apologised after a podcast “shag, marry, date” joke involving Kylie Minogue sparked backlash. Rugby (Fiji-Wales): Wales closed in on the World Rugby top 10 after beating Fiji 39-24 in Cardiff, with Fiji now just a few points behind.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Australia and Fiji have signed the Ocean of Peace mutual defence alliance and the Vuvale Union agreement in Suva, with PM Anthony Albanese calling it a major step as the “permanent contest” with China looms. Regional Environment: Fiji co-led key talks on the global plastics treaty’s means of implementation in Nairobi, pushing for predictable finance and support for Small Island Developing States. Rugby (Flying Fijians): Fiji’s Nations Championship opener ended in a 39-24 loss to Wales in Cardiff; Semi Radradra and Tim Hoyt are out for six weeks, with Virimi Vakatawa and Luke Tagi drafted in, while coaches say Fiji must cut careless play. Domestic Rugby: Fiji Rugby Union urges players to respect referees after abuse incidents in the Vodafone Vanua Cup. Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways is cutting costs after a FJD150m fuel hit, while government discussions include route and frequency optimisation. Sugar & Farming: Cane harvesting payments rise from $3 to $5 a tonne, plus a $96k farm road boosts access for Bua farmers; mechanisation is highlighted as key to keeping cane farming viable. Business & Community: MSME expos in Labasa are helping entrepreneurs grow via digital marketing and new partnerships, and a Tavua carnival is building leadership for young women.

Pacific Security Diplomacy: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived in Fiji to seal the Vuvale Union security pact with Sitiveni Rabuka, then heads to the Solomon Islands for talks with Matthew Wale on a new comprehensive treaty—part of a three-day Pacific blitz aimed at strengthening ties and countering China’s influence. Nations Championship Rugby (Fiji): Fiji fell 39-24 to Wales in Cardiff, with captain Tevita Ikanivere saying the team played its style but lacked patience and paid for missed chances; Fiji now turn to matches against England in Liverpool and Scotland in Edinburgh. Nations Championship Rugby (England): England’s Nations opener ended in a 45-21 loss to South Africa, with George Furbank ruled out after emergency appendicitis surgery; supporters are already criticising coach Steve Borthwick after the fifth straight defeat. Health Services: Tailevu residents are expected to regain X-ray services at Korovou Hospital by end of year after upgrades and staffing work. Sugar Industry Support: Fiji’s manual harvester price rises from $3 to $5 per tonne, with patrols planned to protect cane farmers and committee visits starting Wednesday. Crime & Safety: Police report rising cattle theft in Tailevu and urge community tips via the call centre.

Pacific Security Diplomacy: Australian PM Anthony Albanese is set to travel to Suva to sign the Vuvale Union with Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka, with talks also expected to feed into a wider Pacific security push as Beijing’s influence remains a key concern. Fiji Politics & Accountability: The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission urges constitutional changes to tighten rules around future coup instigators, recommending limits on presidential pardons/clemency for those involved. Fiji Economy & Budget: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says Fiji faces a $1b deficit and rising debt, but will protect households by avoiding tax hikes or subsidy cuts, while prioritising major capital works in roads, water, health and airports. Nations Championship Rugby (Fiji): Wales beat Fiji 39-24 in Cardiff, with Jac Morgan scoring twice; Fiji’s Semi Radradra left injured early, and Fiji next face England in Liverpool and Scotland in Edinburgh. Regional Business Voice: Fiji’s private sector calls for more mining investment and clearer accountability on excise tax revenue, while also flagging skills shortages and the need for easier business conditions.

Rugby Nations Championship: Fiji’s “home” opener vs Wales is set for Cardiff City Stadium today (2.10pm BST), with Wales urging fans to turn up despite a closed stand and off-field pay-dispute fallout. Injury shock (England): England’s George Furbank is ruled out of the South Africa clash with appendicitis, potentially affecting their July Tests including Fiji and Argentina. Tournament spotlight: The new Nations Championship kicks off with north-vs-south pools and a finals weekend at Twickenham later this year, with Fiji and Japan staging their summer “home” games in Britain for bigger gates. Fiji rugby at home: The Fiji Rugby Union launched its 2026 domestic competitions, including the Skipper Cup, Marama Cup, Vodafone Vanua and Royal Tea Ranadi. Suva/Forum politics: A Pacific Islands Forum mission report questions the credibility of New Caledonia’s referendum process, raising legitimacy concerns ahead of leaders’ discussions in Suva. Local infrastructure: Fiji Roads Authority says detailed designs for the Labasa bypass bridge and town bridge are nearing final stages, targeting completion by September end.

Constitution Review: Fiji’s Constitutional Review Commission has rejected claims the 2013 Constitution review is being rushed, saying it ran wide public consultations and that concerns focused on specific chapters rather than the whole document. Military Accountability: The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is urging removal of military immunity provisions and tighter limits on RFMF powers, arguing the current setup weakens accountability and civilian control. Regional Diplomacy: Australian PM Anthony Albanese will visit Suva from July 5–7 for Vuvale Partnership talks with PM Sitiveni Rabuka, with a focus on youth opportunities and Pacific security. Skills for Jobs: Australia is funding Fiji’s refurbished Vuvale Skills Hub in Walu Bay, with AUD$229.5m (FJD$359.8m) to help bridge Fiji’s skills gaps and support employment outcomes at home. Sugar Security: After years of cane farm arson, a Labasa grower says police protection helped him harvest again, while the wider crushing-season pressure continues. Rugby Spotlight: Fiji’s Flying Fijians open the Nations Championship against Wales in Cardiff on July 4, with Fiji aiming to start strong in the new north-versus-south format.

Nations Championship kick-off: Fiji’s Flying Fijians open their new World Rugby Nations Championship campaign against Wales in Cardiff, with Wales making six changes and Louis Rees-Zammit back on the wing for the clash. Pacific security diplomacy: Australian PM Anthony Albanese begins a three-day Pacific trip, arriving in Suva to meet PM Sitiveni Rabuka and sign the Vuvale Union agreement, before heading to the Solomon Islands to progress a new treaty with Honiara. Regional governance push: Pacific Islands Forum Troika leaders meet in Fiji ahead of the 55th Leaders Meeting in Palau, focusing on implementing the Suva Agreement, regional architecture reforms and COP31 preparations. Constitutional accountability debate: Rewa Chief Ro Naulu Mataitini backs the RFMF call to remove constitutional immunity, saying it shifts responsibility to government to pursue accountability. Business and jobs: A newly formed PNG-Fiji Business Council says it will help small businesses reach new markets, create employment and review trade frameworks. Women in business: SPBD launches its Businesswoman of the Year Awards in Suva, with nominations open to recognise women entrepreneurs across Fiji. Energy and disaster readiness: Construction starts on Fiji’s largest 3.25MW solar farm at Nadi Airport, and a new $3.4m Northern warehouse in Labasa aims to speed up disaster response. Court update: Bail has been extended for two Chinese nationals charged with meth offences in Lautoka, with the next pre-trial conference set for July 24.

Constitutional Reform: RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai has backed removing Fiji’s coup immunity clause, arguing it creates a “two-tier legal system” and that lasting peace needs accountability and a truth-and-reconciliation process. Anti-Corruption & Elections: The Electoral Commission rejected Mohammed Saneem’s bid for an independent investigation into Elections Office officials, saying it falls under the Constitutional Offices Commission; meanwhile, a Suva lawyer urged CRC changes to FICAC, including removing its prosecutorial powers. Sugar Crisis & Harvest: Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna says Government may still import sugar if shortages bite, while urging cane farmers to harvest now; he also defended keeping a $5m fuel support package and a $3/tonne manual harvesting subsidy as Labasa mill targets about 610,000 tonnes for the 2026 season. Maritime Disruption: A contingency ferry arrangement is in place for the Natovi–Taveuni route to keep Taveuni produce moving amid shipping disruptions. Security & Crime: Cabinet approved a National Joint Enforcement Centre led by Police to coordinate intelligence and operations against organised crime and illicit drugs. Tourism & Jobs: Tourism Fiji CEO Paresh Pant says Fiji’s hotel pipeline is expanding beyond luxury into mid-range options, while a Yasawa tourism training push has helped youths secure jobs. Sports (Fiji): Flying Fijians named a strong side for the Wales opener, with Semi Radradra recalled.

Rugby Nations Championship: Wales’ Steve Tandy says there’s “no hangover” after a match-fees dispute was resolved, naming his side for Fiji at Cardiff City Stadium with Louis Rees-Zammit back on the wing and six changes made. Fiji Sports Council: Rovereto Nayacalevu has been appointed Fiji Sports Council chairperson, with a new board taking over after the previous board’s term ended. Maritime lifeline under strain: Shipping disruption is hitting Taveuni hard, with fuel and food shortages reported; the Government has activated a contingency vessel, LCT Saint Mary, to restore the Natovi–Taveuni route. Budget pressure: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel defends Fiji’s $1b deficit, saying the Government avoided cutting essential services and reduced operational spending instead. Water security: Cabinet approved a 10-year integrated water plan to improve water governance, monitoring, and watershed protection. Regional diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum Troika leaders met in Suva to push governance reforms and a stronger united Pacific voice ahead of Palau’s leaders meeting. Women’s football: Hekari Women rallied to beat Ba 3-1 in the OFC Women’s Champions League. Suva sport: The Suva Marathon Club launched the 2026 Rexona Suva Marathon for August 8.