AGP Executive Report

Maritime Security: Fiji Navy says it’s keeping an increased presence in the Lau Group as multi-agency operations continue to remove suspected illicit drugs from communities and boost surveillance, with Commander Captain Timoci Natuva stressing the focus is on removing drugs, raising awareness and gathering local intelligence. Defence Boost: Japan has handed Fiji three patrol boats worth about $6m to strengthen maritime surveillance, law enforcement at sea, and search-and-rescue capacity. Drug Case in Focus: A report says Dickson Peng allegedly hid in Nadi airport’s departure lounge after being served a revised Departure Prohibition Order, with authorities alleging a $23m tax fraud dating back to 2019. Constitution Review: Former AG Graham Leung told the Constitutional Review Commission that immunity for past coups should remain, but anyone involved in a future coup should face prosecution and be barred from politics. Politics & Rights: Former AG lawyer Graham Leung also defended Fiji’s secular state, calling for stronger constitutional recognition of Indigenous rights and better protection for the iTaukei language. Regional Diplomacy: PM Matthew Wale called for a stronger, more effective Melanesian Spearhead Group after talks with PNG PM James Marape in Port Moresby. Rugby Nations Championship: Flying Fijians ramp up for their opener against Wales in Cardiff, while Wales coach Steve Tandy warns Fiji’s unpredictability could make things “chaotic.”

Pacific Security & China Watch: Australia and Vanuatu have finally signed the watered-down Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, worth $500m, after months of sovereignty concerns—while Vanuatu says it will not allow any foreign military base or militarisation of critical infrastructure, and will consult Australia on third-party involvement. Regional Drills in Hawaii: Fiji joined RIMPAC as Indonesian marines took part in air assault and urban combat training, with 30 countries participating across the Hawaiian operating area. Fiji Governance & Accountability: The Fiji Law Society is pushing for an independent Ombudsman and electoral reforms, and is also calling to abolish or strip FICAC of prosecutorial powers as part of the Constitution Review Commission process. RFMF Budget Backlash: Fiji’s military has hit back at a 9% cut to its 2026–27 budget, arguing its role in tackling drugs and corruption is vital to national life. Maritime Safety Boost: Japan has handed over three patrol boats to strengthen Fiji’s maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and enforcement of maritime sovereignty. Local Economy & Flood Risk: Nadi businesses want the $3m Nadi River Flood Alleviation Project funding moved from planning to construction, citing decades of repeated flooding. Sugar Season Starts: Fiji’s three sugar mills will begin crushing on July 1, with farmers still focused on whether cane prices can cover rising costs. Taxi Fares: A temporary taxi fare adjustment starts July 1, but drivers want a permanent fare review. Sports: Ba Women opened the OFC Women’s Champions League with a 6-0 win over Henderson Eels in Honiara.

Flying Fijians Rugby: Former England No.8 Nathan Hughes says the “door is always open” as he waits for his Fiji debut, after being named in the Flying Fijians’ wider Nations Championship squad but left out of the 32-man group announced by interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula. Sports Development: Queen Victoria School fly-half Jone Raibevu has earned a spot in the Fijian Drua Development Squad after progressing through the Drua Foundation’s scouting and junior pathway. Community Sport: Sisters Aaliyah and Amaya Taylor launched the inaugural Bula Softball Camp at Albert Park, urging more girls to try the sport through FASANOC’s Try a New Sport programme. Youth & Safety Through Sport: U.S Embassy official Strader Payton backed Taekwondo for discipline, confidence and respect after joining a skills session at the same Try a Sport programme. Health Budget: The Fiji Medical Association welcomed higher health funding in the 2026–2027 Budget but warned of funding cuts to key services and shortages in senior medical roles. Public Finance: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel said Fiji’s public debt has nearly tripled over the past decade, rising from about $4b in 2016 to nearly $12b. Suva Policy Push: Government will establish the Ocean of Peace Institute in Suva, with $50,000 set aside for the preparatory phase in the 2026–2027 Budget. Rural Power: Fiji’s rural electrification push gained momentum as the Rural Electrification Fund Board approved new renewable projects, including Koro Island’s Stage 2b rollout. Security & Regional Support: Fiji’s RFMF has deployed 50 personnel to assist the Solomon Islands with restoring security and stability. Women’s Pageant: Five contestants will vie for the 2026 Miss Vodafone GoldnWater Carnival crown, with organisers positioning the event as leadership and confidence-building for young women. Agriculture Tension: National Farmers Union says sugarcane farmers will refuse to harvest from today over the guaranteed cane price staying at $85 a tonne, setting up a standoff ahead of the crushing season. Education & Work Conditions: The Fiji Teachers Union slammed the Budget as a “betrayal” of workers, pointing to reduced employer FNPF contributions and ongoing teacher staffing and retention concerns. Police Message: Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu urged officers to stay professional and resilient amid criticism, during a family church service in Suva.

Fiji Budget Focus: The Coalition Government’s 2026–2027 National Budget is rolling out major spending on everyday services and long-term upgrades, including $291m for water and wastewater to benefit more than 520,000 people, cut leakage, and expand treatment capacity. Cost of Living Debate: The Fiji Labour Party says the Budget leaves workers behind, criticising reduced employer FNPF contributions and arguing there’s little relief for families facing rising prices. Social Protection: Welfare recipients say a $211m social protection package helps, but living costs mean support should go further. Early Learning Boost: ECE Week in Suva highlights increased funding for early childhood education, with $34.176m allocated for 2026–2027. Jobs and Skills: Two young chefs graduate from FNU’s culinary programme after overcoming tough commutes and lack of bus fare. Sports Investment: Government also plans to make it easier for businesses to sponsor sport by lowering the threshold to $100,000, aiming to grow grassroots pathways. Justice and Accountability: More funding is set for key institutions including the Judiciary, Parliament, Legal Aid, and the anti-corruption commission. Foreign Affairs: Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs gets $56.6m to strengthen missions and trade links. Fisheries and Forestry: Fishers in Labasa welcome $28.4m for fisheries, while forestry gets $25.7m with a shift toward maritime pine development and downstream processing. Security Budgets: Police and the RFMF face reduced allocations, with the focus on vacancies, border protection, and counter-narcotics.

National Budget 2026-2027: Economists say the Coalition Budget restores fiscal stability and business confidence, but doesn’t deliver enough cost-of-living relief for households, with calls for VAT cuts and stronger welfare support. Agriculture Funding: Northern non-sugar farmers welcomed $102m for agriculture, including research, extension, mechanisation, farm access roads and support for export crops like yaqona, dalo, ginger, spices, cocoa and dairy. Accountability in Farm Aid: Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna says tighter monitoring will improve how recipients use taxpayer funds, alongside more training and support for women and youth in farming. Security Budgets: The RFMF received $152.6m (down 9.1%) as the PM links cuts to peacekeeping withdrawal, while Fiji Police got $226m (down 5.95%) with recruitment phase plans continuing and a focus on filling vacancies. Early Learning Boost: $34.176m is earmarked for early childhood education to improve readiness and resources. Immigration & Borders: Immigration’s $14.8m includes $5m for 100,000 passport books and continued anti-trafficking work, plus upgrades to screening systems. Infrastructure & Services: $20m targets congestion relief on major roads, and Fiji Airports tested night-time crash response at Nausori. Water & Land: Lands and Mineral Resources will drill 88 groundwater sites and push land reforms and digitisation despite a lower allocation. Renewables & Maritime: Fiji is set to accelerate renewables with a major $2b investment plan, and the government is taking steps to safeguard shipping services if operators threaten to suspend routes. Sports (Fiji connection): Taveuni and Rewa have qualified for the Skipper Cup, and Navua booked the Fiji FACT final after beating Lautoka 2-1 on extra time.

Pacific Climate Summit: Fiji and other Pacific jurisdictions backed a joint statement from the inaugural Pacific Climate Summit, stressing shared climate impacts and a push to strengthen adaptation and resilience through deeper regional cooperation. Fiji FACT final set: Ba edged Labasa 1-0 in extra time to book the grand final, while Navua beat Lautoka 2-1 after extra time; the final is set for 3pm tomorrow at Subrail Park, Labasa. Tourism tax row: Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association says it was not consulted on the new 5% Tourism Services Tax meant to support Fiji Airways, while Government says the levy should be absorbed by operators and not passed to visitors. Budget support for airline and services: Fiji Airways welcomed Budget support; meanwhile, a Nadi resident hopes higher Water Authority and Roads funding will ease rural transport and water shortages. Drug busts in Lau: Police and RFMF recovered nearly 60 drug parcels across islands including Munia, Kadavu and Beqa, urging people not to handle suspicious items and to report tips to 1681. Regional security ties: USARPAC officials in Suva restored a WWII unit citation for Fiji’s 3FIR, highlighting ongoing defence links.

National Budget Fallout: Fiji’s 2026-2027 Budget is drawing sharp pushback from unions and industry, with the FTUC saying workers got no fresh relief while businesses were prioritised, and the Fijian Teachers Association warning teacher exodus will hurt learning after no salary increase. Health Sector Support: The Government says doctors and nurses will get improved overtime funding to tackle long delays and help retain staff, alongside a major $647m health allocation including a $500m hospital transformation and Fiji’s first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM. Tourism Tax Fight: The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association rejects a proposed 5% tourism services tax to support Fiji Airways, warning it could raise costs, trigger disputes and damage Fiji’s competitiveness. Civil Service Pay Limits: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the Coalition can’t afford civil servant pay rises, citing fiscal responsibility. Disaster Preparedness: A national disaster risk official urges stronger community preparedness as flooding shows climate impacts are worsening.

Fiji Budget Watch: Fiji’s 2026–2027 National Budget totals $4.87b, with strict cost controls and a projected $1.07b deficit, as the government tackles public debt, the fuel crisis and cost-of-living pressure. Health Overhaul: The budget backs a $500m hospital transformation, including Fiji’s first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM Hospital (up to 60 patients daily), plus upgrades to primary care and plans for a new tertiary hospital. Education Staffing: Education Minister Aseri Radrodro says teacher retention remains a major challenge despite a record $883m education allocation, with welfare and support measures aimed at keeping teachers in schools. FNPF Returns: FNPF members will receive a 9.5% interest crediting rate, but the fund chief warns it won’t be consistent every year due to global uncertainty. Fuel Relief: Government signals major fuel price reductions from July after global oil prices eased. Suva Port Upgrade: Work is set to begin on an approximately $1.5b redevelopment of Suva Port to boost capacity and strengthen Fiji’s role as a regional trans-shipment hub. Water Security: Fiji will receive $291m for water and wastewater upgrades, targeting major reductions in leakage and improved reliability for households. Drug Fight Funding: Police get $226.5m in the budget; the commissioner says operations and the drug crackdown won’t be affected, with more support for narcotics and border inspection facilities. Sports & Community: Flying Fijians’ Semi Radradra says he’s ready for the Nations Championship opener in Cardiff, while Hand Ball Fiji launches a nationwide recruitment drive for U17 and U19 teams ahead of the IHF Trophy Oceania. Ocean Protection: Fiji joins an international effort to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone,” calling for precautionary safeguards against threats like deep-sea mining.

Public Finance Warning: Fiji’s Finance Ministry says Government should avoid taking on any more debt for the next two years, warning debt levels could reach about $10b by end-July and that “room” for further borrowing is “almost non-existent,” urging fiscal consolidation and a shift toward infrastructure, social protection and better services. Election Timeline: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the next general election is due between Dec 24, 2026 and early Feb 2027, unless Parliament legislates a delay or an earlier poll is triggered. Tourism Leadership: Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association elects Josephine Moffat as its first female president at its AGM in Denarau. Budget Push for Kids: UNICEF urges Fiji to prioritise early childhood, maternal and child health, education and child protection in the 2026-2027 budget, linking it to long-term economic gains. Health Supplies Concern: Diabetes Fiji warns of shortages of diabetic consumables at health facilities and calls for budget action to protect patient care. Immigration Upgrade: Fiji is moving passport renewals online, expected to start in the next financial year, with first-time applicants still needing biometrics in person. Sugar Cane Pressure: Sugar cane farmers demand the guaranteed cane price rise from $85 to $110 a tonne after higher harvesting and cartage costs take effect. Women and Safety: FWCC and the Ministry of Women say they’re aware of suspected human and sex trafficking victims, while a separate report highlights domestic violence stigma for women in leadership. Regional Security Talk: Australia says it’s open to a Pacific-wide security deal if it matches regional priorities, amid concerns about China’s growing role.

Taxi fares up from July 1: The FCCC has approved a temporary increase to distance-based taxi charges, with the drop charge rising from 10 cents to 14 cents per 100 metres (and higher for some airport taxis), citing global fuel costs. Budget pressure on services: Fiji’s Teachers Union is pushing for a 15% pay rise, with Education Minister Aseri Radrodro saying it’s included in the 2026-27 budget submission. Transport and jobs under strain: Goundar Shipping is urging relief in the National Budget as fuel and operating costs squeeze the maritime sector. Police resourcing and accountability: The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre says police need more resources and training, while also alleging a culture that protects abusive officers. Political update: The Registrar has approved the NeXTGEN Alliance Party, making it Fiji’s ninth registered political party. Climate and health support: A new parenting app (Bebbo Pacific) was launched, and Fiji will recruit more doctors after a civil service hiring freeze exemption. Sport and community: Saints Super Netball squads were named for August, and Fiji FACT semis set up a big Labasa vs Ba showdown in Labasa.

Drug Threat & Community Vigilance: Great Council of Chiefs chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula urged Macuata residents to “guard your shores” as Fiji faces growing illicit drug finds, warning no province will be spared and calling for village and family action. Maritime Crackdown in Lau: A multi-agency operation with the Fiji Navy, Police, FRCS and the US Coast Guard is continuing in Lau waters, with patrols, inspections and shoreline searches as suspected drug-linked substances are collected for further investigation. Shipping Disruption Risk: Interlink Shipping has threatened to suspend services, citing unresolved safety and regulatory delays plus a crisis-level shortage of qualified crew; MSAF says it has already engaged stakeholders and insists recruitment must follow legal processes. Fuel Pressure & Policy Debate: Opposition MP Jone Usamate wants VAT and duties on fuel removed for three months, arguing government tax choices are keeping prices high despite global oil shocks. Economic Outlook: Fiji’s 2026 growth forecast has been cut to 1.5% from 3% as fuel prices, inflation and geopolitical tensions bite. Renewables Push: The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission warns slow renewable investment leaves power vulnerable to global fuel shocks, urging faster clean-energy spending. Health Workforce Move: Fiji’s Health Ministry will recruit newly qualified medical interns as Medical Officers after a hiring-freeze exemption, aiming to complete appointments by August. Domestic Violence Update: FWCC reports 558 new domestic violence cases from January to May, with repeat counselling showing recovery often needs ongoing support. Immigration Services Upgrade: New immigration offices are planned for Nakasi and Rakiraki, alongside digital passport renewals and expanded border security in the next budget cycle. Sport & National Pride: Flying Fijians depart for the UK ahead of the Nations Championship opener against Wales on July 4, while Fiji FACT semis set Lautoka vs Navua and Labasa vs Ba.

Economic Outlook: Fiji’s 2026 growth forecast has been cut from 3% to 1.5% as fuel prices, inflation and Middle East tensions bite, with tourism and remittances still offering some support. Energy Security: The Competition and Consumer Commission warns Fiji’s slow shift to renewables leaves power prices exposed to global fuel shocks, urging faster renewable investment. Renewables Push: The Sugar Ministry has rolled out Starlink and a new vehicle for rural services in Labasa, aiming to improve farm support and communications. People First Budget: The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is calling for a more people-centred national budget, saying vulnerable families are still struggling as domestic violence dominates its caseload. Court Update: The High Court in Suva has rejected a former MSAF boss’s challenge to his dismissal. Justice in the Meth Case: “King Khan” faces sentencing next Tuesday after being convicted of meth possession; the court will decide whether he gets jail or a suspended sentence. Disaster Inclusion: Disability groups say evacuation centres and disaster planning still aren’t accessible enough, putting people with disabilities at higher risk. Sports: Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby future is over after NZ Rugby rejected rescue plans; meanwhile, Fiji Drua says World Rugby funding ends on 30 June.

Maritime Labour Pressure: Goundar Shipping threatens to suspend services unless Fiji urgently fixes long-standing seafarer employment conditions, accusing instability and political interference at the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji. Land & Water Compensation: Government says Nasarava water catchment compensation for Labasa landowners is being finalised, with payment expected by June 30 after invoice processing and mesne profit figures are confirmed. Tax Fraud Scrutiny: FRCS chief Udit Singh links a $23m tax fraud case to past leadership changes, while questions remain over why an accused store owner left Fiji despite a stop departure order. Renewables & Power Costs: The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission warns delays in renewable energy investment leave Energy Fiji exposed to global fuel price shocks, pushing costs onto consumers. Indigenous Rights Bill: The Great Council of Chiefs says the proposed Rights of Indigenous Peoples Bill doesn’t adequately protect free, prior and informed consent for customary land decisions. Public Health Readiness: Experts call for stronger disease surveillance and investment in medical laboratories, warning outbreaks can quickly affect travel and trade. Drug Crisis Alarm: A Lau paramount chief questions the value of international security pacts as suspected drug packages wash up on coastal communities. Police Accountability Push: FCOSS calls for a Commission of Inquiry into the Fiji Police Force after a death allegedly linked to police brutality. Sports Spotlight: Ba and Labasa set for Fiji FACT semis, with Labasa’s Uqe rising through the ranks; Ba Women depart for the OFC Women’s Champions League in the Solomon Islands.

Cybercrime Alert: INTERPOL warns Fiji and the Pacific face a fast-growing cyber threat, with scams, ransomware, phishing and AI deepfakes targeting countries with limited cybersecurity resources. Fuel, Food “Triple Shock”: Pacific finance ministers meet in Majuro as global instability drives higher fuel and import costs and worsens food vulnerability, with Fiji diesel prices up sharply and low dam levels raising power-supply worries. Drug Crisis on Remote Coasts: Cocaine bricks keep washing up, including 1kg “Tesla” marked loads near Komo Island and more finds reported on nearby islands, fuelling fears of cartels using Fiji as a Pacific hub. Youth Climate Voice: Registrations open for Pacific Youth Talanoa 2 in Suva on 15 July, pushing young people’s priorities into climate talks ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Fiji Sugar Delay: The crushing season is postponed after FSC struggles to secure enough cane supply and harvesting gangs, with the sugar minister blaming misinformation and political influence. Police Accountability: A decision on 11 police officers is expected after ODPP’s two-stage review, including an independent consultant assessment in July. Nations Championship Rugby: Maro Itoje is rested for England’s Nations Championship opener, while Fiji’s Flying Fijians call up Sikeli Rabitu after Vinaya Habosi’s injury. Fiji FACT Semis: Labasa’s Merril Nand expects a sell-out at Subrail Park as the Fiji FACT semi-finals and final kick off this weekend.

Fiji Youth Online Safety: Fiji’s Social Media Age Deferment Taskforce met in Suva to push a bill setting the minimum age for social media use at 16, with the Online Safety Commission and Fiji Law Reform Commission working toward tabling legislation in Parliament later this year. Drug Trafficking & Security: In Lau, repeated drug wash-ups have raised fresh alarms over Fiji’s maritime surveillance, with police investigating 62 suspected drug parcels found near Ogea and Munia/Mabula in June. Public Service Pay Pressure: The Fiji Teachers Union says the fuel crisis can’t be used to block civil servant salary increases in the 2026-2027 Budget, urging COLA, progression payments, merit increments and equity/retention pay. Constitutional Review Watch: The Fiji Constitutional Review Commission says it’s on track to deliver its report and draft amended Constitution by September 1, rejecting claims the process is being rushed for political reasons. Vanua Calls for Drug Powers: Traditional leader Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara urges government to empower coastal communities with legal backing, resources and drug-testing kits to tackle trafficking at source. Sea Turtle Protection: Fisheries officials in Suva reviewed draft sea turtle monitoring protocols and priority maps to strengthen data collection and conservation planning as threats like bycatch and illegal harvesting continue.

Drug Crisis: Fiji police are testing dozens of “white substance” parcels washed up across the Lau group and other islands, after earlier cocaine was confirmed from a Kadavu find; residents are urged not to open suspicious items and to report them immediately. Courts: The Supreme Court will hear the State’s appeal in the long-running cocaine case of Fiji-Canadian Joshua Aziz Rahman on August 6, after a Court of Appeal quashed his conviction and ordered a retrial. Sugar Industry: Low sign-ups for the Master Award Growers Agreement are delaying cane harvesting, even as Government pushes a $5m fuel subsidy to cut costs for growers and cane transport. Local Governance: Rakiraki Town Council told Parliament’s committee that Vaileka Creek’s drainage neglect and worsening upstream conditions are driving repeat flooding. Youth & Democracy: Dialogue Fiji and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung urged Pacific youth to take ownership of democracy, warning they remain underrepresented in formal governance. Climate & Diplomacy: Fiji’s climate negotiators hit back at attempts to sideline climate science at Bonn, saying “blocking references to science” undermines equity for vulnerable communities. Business & Trade: Fiji urged New Zealand firms to deepen ties and invest as trade reforms roll out, including a National Single Window push to simplify doing business. Tourism (MICE): Tourism Fiji’s new CEO Dr Paresh Pant says Fiji is ramping up its MICE push, especially for Australia and New Zealand markets.