AGP Executive Report

HIV & TB Crisis for Kids: Save the Children Fiji says a two-month-old baby is living with both HIV and tuberculosis, with 438 TB cases recorded as of 31 August and 182 also living with HIV; the group warns urgent action is needed on prevention, testing, antenatal care and treatment. Constitution Shake-up: Fiji’s Constitution Review Commission report will be tabled in a special Parliament sitting next Tuesday (22 Sept), with first and second readings of the Constitution Amendment Bill expected at month-end; the commission is recommending a 41-seat House and a 19-seat Senate, with no reserved seats for women or ethnic groups. Kava Bill Watch: Academics welcome Fiji’s Kava Bill for stronger licensing and traceability, but warn tough compliance could hit rural small farmers unless rules and information are made practical. Public Service Accountability: Women’s NGOs question the appointment of Pita Wise as Permanent Secretary for Public Enterprises after a 2024 sexual harassment allegation; the PSC chair says complaints were withdrawn and no investigation was conducted. Health Access Pressure: The Health Ministry warns patients with severe diabetic foot infections are arriving too late, shrinking chances of limb-saving and increasing amputations. Culture & Language: Hindi Pakhwada 2026 opens in Suva, celebrating Hindi’s role in Fiji’s Girmitiya heritage and multicultural identity. Sports Leadership: Fiji Rugby appoints Andrew Durutalo as Head of Men’s High Performance, aiming to strengthen pathways from age-grade to national teams. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Acting PS Health says suicide prevention must be a whole-of-society effort beyond the health sector, with better early identification and support.

Kava Bill Watch: Fiji’s proposed Kava Bill is welcomed for stronger licensing, traceability and quality controls, but academics warn the paperwork and fines could squeeze small rural growers unless guidance is made practical and clear. Public Service Accountability: Complaints against Permanent Secretary Pita Wise were withdrawn in writing to the Prime Minister’s Office, yet women’s NGOs say key questions remain about transparency and whether a 2024 sexual harassment allegation was properly handled before his reappointment. Health Alert: The Health Ministry warns people with severe diabetic foot infections are arriving too late, shrinking the chance of limb-saving care and increasing amputations. Education & Pay: Unpaid teachers’ salary issues have been resolved, with all outstanding payments made. Culture & Language: Hindi Pakhwada 2026 in Suva celebrates shared cultural ties, with leaders urging Hindi and Girmitiya heritage be preserved for future generations. Heritage & Community: Levuka’s World Heritage building rehabilitation project has been unveiled, with the first phase targeting 16 priority buildings. Sports & Youth: The MSG Prime Ministers Cup is set to bring Melanesian nations together through football, including women’s teams. Tourism & Leadership: Fiji Rugby appoints Andrew Durutalo as Head of Men’s High Performance, aiming for a stronger pathway from age-grade to national teams. Child Protection: Phos Haven Care Home opens in Nadi to support vulnerable children, including children with disabilities, as Fiji grapples with high reported abuse cases.

Culture & Language: Minister Sashi Kiran says Hindi remains a vital part of Fiji’s identity, urging it be preserved through schools, community institutions and poetry at Hindi Diwas 2026 in Suva. Heritage & Community: Work on the Raiwaqa gas crematorium is progressing, with Indian technicians installing and testing the new cremator and training locals to run it long-term. Mental Health: Acting PS Health Dr Luisa Rauto says suicide prevention can’t sit with health alone, calling for whole-of-government and whole-of-society support, earlier risk identification and better mental health access. Child Protection: Phos Haven Care Home opens in Nadi for vulnerable children, as Fiji records 16,770 child abuse cases from 2012–2025, including 5,329 neglect cases. Education & Equity: Education Minister Aseri Radrodro says Fiji’s National Achievement Scholarship Scheme will rise from 3,000 to 4,000 awards, with more flexibility for rural, remote and maritime students. HIV Focus: Australia’s HIV data highlights uneven progress, while Fiji continues responding to its national HIV crisis. Sports Leadership: Fiji Rugby appoints Andrew Durutalo as Head of Men’s High Performance to strengthen pathways from age-grade to national teams. Tourism & Lifestyle: American Showcase returns to Suva this Saturday at the Fiji Museum with free music, food and family activities. Women in Trades: RFMF trainee Sapper Veniana Caumatalevu makes history as the first woman to win Best Trainee in Carpentry at the Engineers Regiment Trade Training School.

Fiji Rugby: Andrew Durutalo has been appointed Head of Men’s High Performance, returning home to strengthen Fiji’s pathway from age-grade to national teams. Sports & culture: The All Blacks–Springboks rivalry tour in Baltimore sparked a bigger question for Pacific rugby—what rewards and opportunities actually flow to Pacific players. Education spending: Minister Aseri Radrodro says “every dollar wasted” hurts students, as Fiji and Pacific partners develop Education Finance Improvement Plans. Scholarships: Fiji will raise National Achievement Scholarships from 3,000 to 4,000 and give more flexibility for priority-area degrees. Child protection: Phos Haven Care Home opens in Nadi for vulnerable children, as Fiji reports 16,770 child abuse cases from 2012–2025. Heritage: Levuka’s World Heritage Building Rehabilitation Project is unveiled with $465,000 for priority buildings. Lifestyle & community: The American Showcase brings free US music, food and sports to Suva’s Fiji Museum grounds this Saturday. Business sustainability: Companies are ramping up sustainability efforts ahead of PMIBA 2026.

Culture Spotlight: Motu-Koita pride took centre stage at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium as 22-year-old Mary Ruth Kua was crowned 2026 Miss Hanenamo Queen, also winning the Miss Koe special award, with finalists recognised for traditional attire and cultural talent. Education Access: Fiji is boosting the National Achievement Scholarship Scheme for higher education from 3,000 to 4,000 awards, with clearer cut-offs and more flexibility for students in national priority areas—aimed at helping rural, remote and maritime learners. Youth & Online Safety: Consultations are underway on a proposed social media ban for children aged 16 and under, with officials weighing options like limiting access during school hours for education-focused use. Heritage Protection: Levuka’s UNESCO World Heritage status gets practical support as the Levuka World Heritage Building Rehabilitation Project is unveiled, starting with 16 priority buildings and an initial $465,000 commitment. Health Crisis: Fiji’s HIV emergency is escalating, with calls for faster, whole-of-society action beyond meetings—while the government and health ministry push prevention, treatment linkage and workforce support. Women in Trades: In a first for the RFMF, 23-year-old trainee Veniana Caumatalevu becomes the first woman to win Best Trainee in Carpentry at the Engineers Regiment Trade Training School. Child Protection: The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection reports 16,770 child abuse cases from 2012–2025, including 5,329 neglect cases, as a new care home opens in Nadi. Sports & Lifestyle: Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay racks up Marriott awards, while the wider region’s women’s and sevens buzz continues with Ultimate Sevens excitement.

Women in trades: A 23-year-old RFMF trainee, Sapper Veniana Caumatalevu, made history as the first woman to win the Best Trainee in Carpentry Award at the Engineers Regiment Trade Training School, graduating with 57 others after carpentry, block laying and plastering training. Education support: Vinaka Fiji backed Yasawa students and Naviti District School learners with school merchandise, boots, bags and stationery, pushing stewardship and community resilience. Student-first reforms: TSLS is overhauling its scholarship systems for 2027, aiming for a more student-focused, accountable service and digitising decades of records. Child protection: Fiji recorded 16,770 child abuse cases from 2012–2025, including 5,329 neglect cases, as the Phos Haven Care Home opened in Nadi to support vulnerable children and plan safer exits from care. HIV push for action: Fiji’s Medical Association says the HIV response must move from meetings to immediate action, citing slow progress and the need to strengthen testing, treatment linkage and retention. Workplace and leadership loss: Tributes continue for late Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh, a long-time advocate for teachers and workers, as Fiji also faces questions about his parliamentary seat. Culture & lifestyle spotlight: Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay earned Hotel of the Year and its GM won a leadership award at Marriott’s ANZP conference. Diplomacy with a religious thread: Pacific nations including Nauru and Israel’s new embassies in Jerusalem and Ljubljana highlight how faith-based support is shaping Jerusalem diplomacy.

HIV Crisis, Urgent Action: Fiji’s Medical Association says the national HIV response is moving too slowly, urging “more action” after Cabinet declared the outbreak a national crisis, as the Health Ministry looks to the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union to boost prevention, treatment linkage and workforce capacity. Child Protection: The Women, Children and Social Protection Ministry reports 16,770 child abuse cases from 2012–2025, including 5,329 neglect cases, as it launches the Phos Haven Care Home in Nadi to support abandoned children, including those with disabilities. Education & Scholarships: The Micro-Qualification Grant Scheme is being phased out as part of 2027 tertiary scholarship changes, with funding redirected toward more targeted skills and employability support. Workers’ Rights & Politics: Tributes pour in for Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh, a long-time teachers’ union leader, while his death also raises a constitutional question over his parliamentary seat. Graduation & Gender/Voices: Former Hibiscus queen Melania Tora graduates with a Master’s in Psychology, her thesis focused on childhood trauma among sex workers, while a new radio station launch targets youth drug prevention through community and faith partnerships.

Child Protection & Care: Fiji recorded 16,770 child abuse cases from 2012–2025, including 5,329 neglect cases, as the Women, Children and Social Protection Ministry launched the Phos Haven Care Home in Nadi to support abandoned children, including children with disabilities, with a push for safer exit plans into education and work. HIV Response: The Fiji Medical Association says the HIV crisis needs “more action” now, after Cabinet declared it a national crisis; concerns include slow enforcement and the need to rapidly link people to treatment, keep them in care, and tackle stigma. Women in Trades: At the RFMF Engineers Trade Training School, Sapper Veniana Caumatalevu became the first female trainee to win Best Trainee in Carpentry, highlighting women’s growing role in technical training. Education Milestones: USP graduation stories spotlight perseverance—like a postgraduate Land Management graduate planning an MBA—and the wider push to keep learning while working. Faith, Culture & Community: A film premiere for “Hanuman Ansh” brought faith and culture together, with organisers stressing cinema’s role in passing values to the next generation. Civic Space: CIVICUS rates Fiji’s civic space as “narrowed”, citing concerns over rights and freedoms and reforms under review. Regional Diplomacy: Fiji is among countries opening embassies in Jerusalem, with experts linking the move to religious conviction as much as politics. Work & Leadership: NFP leader Biman Prasad paid tribute to late minister Agni Deo Singh, praising his service to education, unions and public life.

Fiji Tuna Symposium: Fisheries Minister Kalaveti Vodo Ravu has launched the inaugural Fiji Tuna Symposium, calling for stronger partnership across government, industry and civil society to boost Fiji’s domestic tuna industry using an environment–economy–society “triple bottom” approach. Education & Safety: UFSA is urging Fiji’s Higher Education Commission to act over alleged cracking at UniFiji’s Samabula campus, saying students and staff can’t safely occupy the building until independent engineering checks confirm it’s safe. Hospitality Leadership: Vuli Cakacaka has been appointed General Manager of Nanuku Resort Fiji, pledging people-first luxury and more opportunities for local hospitality talent. Youth & Faith: Acting PM Manoa Kamikamica has launched UCB Life FM 87.8, urging the new radio station to help tackle youth illicit drug risks through families, schools, health and faith-led support. Culture on Screen: The premiere of “Hanuman Ansh” in Fiji brought faith and community together, with organisers highlighting cinema’s role in passing on cultural values. Regional Learning: USP’s Laucala Campus graduation saw Tuvalu’s Governor-General Reverend Sir Tofiga Vaevalu Falani installed as USP Chancellor, with calls to keep a strong Pacific identity while adapting to change.

Education & Safety: UFSA is demanding an independent structural assessment of extensive cracking at UniFiji’s Samabula campus, arguing students and staff can’t safely keep occupying the building. Public Rights: CIVICUS rates Fiji’s civic space as “narrowed,” citing limits on peaceful assembly, sedition provisions, police restrictions on pro-Palestinian marches, and ongoing concerns around deaths in custody. Youth, Health & Drugs: Acting PM Manoa Kamikamica has urged Fiji’s new Life FM 87.8 radio station to help tackle illicit drug harm among young people, calling for family, school and community action. Women’s Rights & Justice: Fiji’s Women, Children and Social Protection Minister says children made up 100% of High Court rape victims recorded in 2025, highlighting a wider child sexual abuse crisis. Community Security: Fiji’s Justice Minister warns organised crime is exploiting borders and financial systems, calling for faster regional coordination and stronger correctional responses. Culture & Faith on Screen: The premiere of “Hanuman Ansh” in Fiji brought communities together through faith, culture and cinema. Hospitality Leadership: Vuli Cakacaka has been appointed General Manager of Nanuku Resort Fiji, pledging people-first luxury and more local talent. Regional Diplomacy: Australia is seeking observer status at the Melanesian Spearhead Group, but questions remain over roles for Torres Strait Islanders. Scholarships & Skills: TSLS will pause several scholarship intakes for 2027 as government reassesses workforce needs. Sports & Coaching: Venice Traill becomes Fiji’s first taekwondo coach selected for an international high-performance coaching programme.

Child Protection & Justice: Fiji’s Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran says children made up 100% of High Court rape victims recorded in 2025, up from 93% in 2024, as she calls for a whole-of-society response to a widening child sexual abuse crisis. Women’s Rights & Online Harm: A Pacific-set documentary, Algorithm of Shame, is spotlighting how social media spreads cyberbullying and harassment, including cases of gender-based violence and privacy violations affecting Pacific communities in Aotearoa. Migration & Work: Fiji says scholarship expansion under the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union will still require recipients to return, while Fijian migrants in Australia report career setbacks when qualifications don’t translate and AI reshapes job prospects. Education & Pay: Fiji Teachers Union urges focus as Term 3 begins, while affected teachers continue pushing for timely pay after contract renewal issues left 134 without Pay 18 salaries. Human Rights on Screen: A Pacific human rights film festival at USP Labasa used movies and talanoa to tackle rights issues, including women’s empowerment through women’s rugby. Community Safety: A Suva summit brought leaders together for a united front against drugs, calling for stronger community action. Disability & Access: Aspen Medical Foundation opens the 2027 Fiji Disability Scholarship for health-related study, with applications closing Nov 15. Culture & Representation: Pacific models are making waves at NZ Fashion Week, using runways to push visibility for Pacific youth and indigenous identity. Public Trust: Fiji’s Online Safety Commissioner urges people to verify information before sharing as misinformation becomes harder to detect.

Diplomacy & Conflict: Naoero has opened an embassy in Jerusalem, drawing condemnation from Jordan and the OIC after the government framed the move as a long-standing pro-Israel stance. Fiji Education & Work: Fiji Teachers Union is urging focus as Term 3 begins, while still pushing for pay to be restored for 134 teachers affected by contract renewal and HR delays. Online Safety: Fiji’s Online Safety Commissioner and Law Reform Commissioner say people should verify information before sharing, as misinformation spreads faster with AI. Disability & Access: Aspen Medical Foundation’s Fiji Disability Scholarship opens for health-related study, aiming to remove financial barriers for students living with disability (applications close Nov 15). Women’s Rights: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement says electoral reforms missed a chance to boost women’s representation, criticising the absence of temporary special measures in current bills. Culture & Community: A new taxi base in Kinoya Village is set to create local income opportunities through a co-operative model. Pacific Lifestyle & Travel: Fiji Airways announced new direct flights from Nadi to Western Sydney starting March 2027, adding more seats for Australians heading to Fiji. Health & Regional Links: A report on Fiji’s HIV crisis urges New Zealand to step up, highlighting stigma, border gaps in care, and the need for stronger testing and support. Disaster Watch: Save the Children reports hundreds of children separated from parents or unaccompanied after Nepal floods, with many still missing.

Pacific Diplomacy & Identity: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese was asked about Torres Strait Islanders joining the Melanesian Spearhead Group, with MSG officials stressing Australia should include its Melanesian communities. Climate & Science: Fiji’s lead negotiator Sivendra Michael says UN climate talks are being distorted by a “polluted narrative” that sidelines climate science, as “Friends of Science” warn fossil-fuel-linked interests are pushing back. Gender-Based Violence: A Pacific health symposium spotlights GBV prevention and response, urging stronger, research-led solutions across Fiji and the region. Women in Politics: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement says electoral reforms missed a chance to boost women’s representation, calling for temporary special measures and reserved seats. Teachers’ Pay Fallout: After a salary hiccup left 134 teachers unpaid, the Ministry investigates “ghost” teachers and unions/communities push for fair, timely pay for all affected. Border & Privacy: Fiji assures Australia won’t get “backdoor” access to its new border system, with MERIT fully owned and run by Fiji. Travel & Lifestyle: Fiji Airways expands its Australia network with new Nadi–Western Sydney flights, while Fiji’s bus e-ticketing now supports QR payments. Culture & Fashion: Pacific models bring representation to New Zealand runways, using fashion to celebrate indigenous identity. Hospitality Jobs: Nanuku Resort Fiji appoints Vuli Cakacaka as General Manager.

HIV & Public Health: New Zealand is being urged to ramp up its response to Fiji’s rapidly escalating HIV epidemic, with researchers calling it a regional health security issue as diagnoses surge and testing/treatment gaps remain. GBV & Community Safety: Fiji’s GBV response is under the spotlight at a Pacific health research symposium, where experts say prevention and services need strengthening. Education & Teachers’ Pay: After a salary hiccup left 134 teachers unpaid and “ghost” employees flagged, the Ministry is investigating suspected ghost teachers and processing special pay runs; a public appeal is now debating whether to prioritise 16 teachers left out. Women’s Political Representation: The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement says electoral reforms missed a chance to boost women’s representation, urging temporary special measures. Border & Privacy: Fiji reassures citizens there will be no “backdoor” access to immigration data under a new border management system with Australia. Transport & Daily Life: A new Kinoya taxi base opens for up to 30 taxis, while Fiji’s e-ticketing adds QR payments for bus fares. Tourism & Hospitality: Fiji Airways launches Nadi–Western Sydney flights, and Nanuku Resort Fiji names Vuli Cakacaka as General Manager. Culture & Faith: Pacific models shine on NZ runways, and a Samoan Michelin-star story from Tala highlights culture on the global dining stage.

Teachers’ Pay Crisis: Fiji’s Education Ministry is still untangling a salary stoppage that hit 134 teachers, with 114 expected to be paid today and more once signed contracts are submitted, while unions and community fundraisers push for the remaining 16 to be prioritised. Women in Leadership: A Fiji Museum seminar urged women to break workplace confidence barriers and step into decision-making roles, while the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement says temporary measures to boost women’s representation were left out of electoral bills. Border & Privacy: Immigration says Fiji will fully own its new MERIT border system with no “backdoor” access, and from November it will use passenger screening tools to identify persons of interest before flights. Digital Life: QR payments are now available for Fiji bus fares via the e-ticketing app, and passport services have resumed after technical issues, though enrolment was briefly suspended during an upgrade. Health & Safety: Researchers warn Fiji’s HIV surge is now a regional health security issue, and a minister has called for the death penalty for major drug traffickers. Energy & Jobs: EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra are set to deliver Fiji’s Yaqara solar-plus-storage project with Energy Fiji, aiming to cut diesel reliance and create training pathways. Regional Politics: MSG leaders press Indonesia over a long-awaited UN visit to West Papua, and Pacific leaders back stronger action on climate-resilient reefs.

Teachers’ Pay Crisis: PM Rabuka says the immediate priority is getting outstanding salaries to affected teachers after 134 were hit by a payroll stoppage, with 118 expected to be paid in a special run and 16 still in limbo; unions and community fundraisers are pushing for transparency, while the Education Ministry also investigates 13 suspected “ghost” teachers. Immigration & Passports: Passport enrolment services are suspended due to a system upgrade, and Fiji is also moving to passenger screening from November 2, using API/PNR to identify “persons of interest” before boarding. HIV in the Region: Researchers urge New Zealand to step up its response to Fiji’s rapidly escalating HIV epidemic, warning it’s now a regional health security issue. Energy & Jobs: Energy Fiji is partnering with EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra on the Yaqara solar-plus-storage project (22MW/40MWh first stage, then 120MW/200MWh), aiming to cut diesel reliance and create training pathways. Culture & Work: Leadership Fiji highlights the need for bosses to understand younger employees, not label them “difficult,” as younger workers bring fast, tech-savvy ways of working. Public Transport Upgrade: QR payments are now live for Fiji bus fares via the e-ticketing app and supported mobile money options. Sports & Community: Flying Fijians are in Japan with a positive mood ahead of the Canada clash, while a Veterans Tournament education support drive backs former footballers’ children. Climate & Reefs: Pacific leaders reaffirm the 1.5°C goal and push urgent climate action, alongside stronger coral reef protection efforts. Governance Shake-up: Fiji’s Constitution Review proposes major changes including restoring the Great Council of Chiefs and abolishing Ethnic Seats. HIV Crisis Call: A separate push urges stronger action on Fiji’s HIV crisis, including calls for New Zealand to increase support.