AGP Executive Report

Teacher Pay Crisis: Opposition MP Premila Kumar says teachers shouldn’t be left without salaries after Education Ministry failures, after payroll stoppages hit Pay 18 when appointment paperwork wasn’t processed—she calls teachers “scapegoats” and questions why heads of schools didn’t catch it earlier. Education Payroll Probe: The Ministry confirms 13 “ghost employees” and salary stoppages for 134 officers after a payroll verification linked to missing permanent appointment documents, raising fresh questions about responsibility and systems. Inclusive Learning Push: Teachers are urging Fiji to prioritise sign language and Braille in the mainstream curriculum from Year 1 to Year 13, saying communication access should not be limited to special programmes. Culture in the Classroom: Fiji Museum and the Veiqia Project run masi printing and liku weaving workshops for children, helping keep iTaukei skills alive and passed on. Scholarships for Fiji’s Future: Eight Fijians secure UK Government scholarships (Chevening and Commonwealth) for postgraduate study, with alumni expected to return with skills for Fiji’s development. Pacific Food & Culture: FFA and SPC launch “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, using a country-by-country tuna dish competition to celebrate tuna’s role in Pacific cuisine and food security. Health Reminder: Cardiologists urge Fijians not to delay care for heart symptoms, warning early treatment can mean less invasive options. Regional Security Talk: Pacific leaders stress security commitments must be backed by political will and coordinated action, not just declarations.

Education & Inclusion: Teachers in Suva are urging Fiji to prioritise sign language and Braille in the mainstream curriculum from Year 1 to Year 13, saying it’s the practical way to build inclusive communication early. School Accountability: The Ministry of Education says 13 “ghost employees” were found in a payroll check, and salaries for 134 teachers were stopped in Pay 18/2026 after appointment papers weren’t returned for processing—sparking union questions about who’s to blame. Culture & Youth Skills: Fiji Museum and the Veiqia Project are running masi printing and liku weaving workshops for children, helping iTaukei cultural knowledge stay alive. Women’s Empowerment Milestone: Saint Joseph’s Secondary School marks 70 years of empowering women with a week-long Platinum Jubilee starting tomorrow, mixing faith, culture and sisterhood. Pacific Food & Culture: The FFA and SPC launch “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with a culinary competition celebrating tuna’s role in Pacific food security. Regional Politics & Climate: Fiji’s foreign affairs chief backs stronger Pacific cooperation as leaders push for urgent climate action and better coordination to turn security and climate commitments into real outcomes. Heart Health Reminder: Doctors urge Fijians not to delay care for heart symptoms, warning early treatment can mean less invasive options. Border & Jobs Watch: Police are investigating a $50,000 Australia job scam targeting 500 Fijians, while Fiji considers biometric border screening to strengthen digital entry controls.

Education Accountability: Fiji’s Ministry of Education payroll checks found 13 “ghost employees” and stopped salaries for 134 officers after missing permanent appointment paperwork, with teachers affected in Pay 18/2026. Campus Safety & Governance: UniFiji’s Samabula campus faces growing student concerns over cracks, with calls for clarity on responsibility and plans for temporary accommodation. GBV & Child Protection: Fiji’s High Court rape figures for 2025 show every recorded victim was a child, as officials push for stronger reporting and prevention. Workers’ Rights: A strike by about 40 workers at Ram Sami & Sons (Fiji) Ltd enters its second day, with unions accusing the company of undermining the right to strike and recruiting replacement workers. Health Reminder: Cardiologists urge Fijians not to delay care for heart symptoms, warning early treatment can mean less invasive options. Gender-Responsive Disaster Planning: Pacific Community stresses women and men must be at the disaster planning table, citing Fiji examples where relocation decisions missed key needs. Climate & Oceans: Pacific leaders back urgent action to keep 1.5°C alive and strengthen ocean protections, including coral reef commitments and a push for coordinated fisheries and deep-sea minerals positions. Culture & Community: The Hibiscus Festival’s iTaukei Night crowned Miss Fiji Rugby Union’s Suliana Latianara for traditional-inspired attire made over three days using masi and natural materials.

Climate & COP31 Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed urgent action to keep 1.5°C alive, boost climate finance, and strengthen ocean-climate priorities ahead of COP31. Ocean & Fisheries Sovereignty: Leaders also tightened the region’s stance on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, urging coordinated Pacific action. Gender-Based Violence in the Spotlight: Fiji’s GBV response is being challenged again, with new figures showing every rape victim recorded in the High Court in 2025 was a child, and calls to bring iTaukei men, chiefs and the vanua into prevention work. Drug Crackdown Funding: Australia pledged $284m over a decade to dismantle Fiji’s drug networks, including a new joint enforcement centre and stronger border and intelligence capabilities. Health Reminder (Heart Month): Doctors urge Fijians not to delay care for heart attack symptoms, warning that waiting can worsen outcomes. Border Tech & Security: Fiji is considering biometric checks as it digitalises border screening with Australia’s support. Culture & Community: A Hibiscus winner’s traditional-inspired look was crafted by a small team over three days, and chiefs are calling for GBV talks to reach homes, not just offices. Lifestyle & Sport: Suva Touch is gearing up for the Hibiscus Koroturaga touch tournament, with categories for men, women and masters. Education Resilience: UNICEF and the EU launched a €17m Pacific programme to make schools more climate-resilient, including in Fiji. Travel Update: Thailand is cutting visa-free stays for Fiji passport holders from 60 days to 30 days from 15 September.

Visa Rules Update: Thailand’s visa-free stay for tourists from 60 countries, including Fiji, is being cut from 60 days to 30 days from 15 September 2026, with 15-day or other entry options depending on nationality. Drug & Crime Crackdown: Australia pledges $284m over a decade to help Fiji dismantle illicit drug networks, including a new National Joint Enforcement Centre and expanded police, border and digital forensics support. Constitution Tensions: Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube accuses PM Sitiveni Rabuka of using the Constitutional Review Commission report for political gain; the PM’s message is defended as a call for calm, while civil groups push for full public release after Cabinet. GBV Must Reach Homes: Fiji’s gender-based violence response is being urged to go beyond meetings and awareness—chiefs and leaders say the vanua and family unit must be part of the fight, and men who perpetrate violence must be included. Disaster Planning With Women: Pacific Community flags that women must sit at the disaster response and climate finance table, citing Fiji examples where relocation and rebuilding decisions missed key needs. Education Resilience: EU and UNICEF launch a €17m, five-year climate-resilient schools programme for Fiji and other Pacific states, targeting safer infrastructure, training for teachers, and long-term maintenance. Sugar Goes Digital: Fiji’s sugar sector rolls out a Digital Management System and GEDSI framework to improve transparency and support growers, including women and vulnerable groups. Local Connectivity Boost: Koro Island’s school finally gets reliable signal through Fiji’s National Universal Service Scheme, improving access to education updates. Litter Fine in Force: Fiji’s new $200 litter fine starts today, sparking calls for councils to step up collection and disposal when enforcement ramps. Film Challenge for Pasifika: POP48 Film Challenge gears up with host countries including Fiji, running 4–6 September, with public voting and a prize trip for the winning team. Women in Boatbuilding: Proa designer Rob Denney’s boatbuilding school model is spotlighted as a pathway for women to build and own fishing boats. Culture for Kids: Fiji Museum’s Veiqia Project keeps traditional arts alive with hands-on masi printing and liku weaving workshops for children.

Pacific Education Resilience: A €17m EU–UNICEF programme will strengthen climate-ready schools across Fiji, FSM, Kiribati and Solomon Islands, targeting about 15,000 children with safer water, sanitation, renewable energy and better connectivity, plus training for teachers and communities. GBV in the Spotlight: Fiji has spent over $140m on gender-based violence since 2016, yet violence remains high—leaders and chiefs are pushing for action that reaches vanua and homes, and for programmes that include the men who perpetrate abuse. Local Accountability on Litter: Fiji’s new $200 litter fine is now in force, but MPs are asking how councils will be held to account when rubbish collection and disposal fall short. Women Building Their Future: Proa designer Rob Denney has launched a boatbuilding school in Fiji to teach women to build their own fishing boats—turning skills into independence. Culture for Kids: The Veiqia Project is helping children learn Lau arts like masi printing and liku weaving through museum workshops. Connectivity for Learning: Under Fiji’s National Universal Service Scheme, remote Koro Island communities are finally getting reliable internet, improving how teachers access education updates. Regional Security Debate: Pacific leaders are urged to use existing security bodies better, not create more—while calls grow for stronger intelligence-sharing and real, year-round political will. Visa Rules Update: Thailand will cut its visa-free stay from 60 days to 30 days for Fiji and other countries from 15 September 2026. Indigenous Rights Milestone: The UN will officially commemorate the International Day of Indigenous Women and Girls for the first time, following decades of advocacy.

Constitution Review Transparency: Fiji’s Constitutional Review Commission report will go to Cabinet on Wednesday, Sept 9, before any public release, with PM Sitiveni Rabuka saying Government won’t “pick and choose” findings and urging calm after online posts. SEEP says taxpayers funded the process and the full report should be released so Fijians can understand recommendations before forming views. Culture & Livelihood: At the Fiji Museum, masi maker Laijipa Sukulu Kebaitoga taught 20 children how to print masi—showing how traditional craft still pays school fees and keeps family livelihoods steady. Pacific Security Push: Pacific leaders are being told to turn security commitments into real, everyday results—backed by political will, better coordination, and faster intelligence-sharing to tackle drugs, cyber harms and transnational crime. Climate Reality Check: A UN report warns the world will exceed 1.5°C warming soon, raising risks for island nations—fueling calls for faster emission cuts ahead of major Pacific climate talks. Health & Youth: Labasa Hospital reports diabetes amputations are rising, while Fiji’s Consumer Council says healthy food is still too expensive for many families—adding pressure on home-grown school meals to make nutrition affordable. Women’s Skills Boost: Vinaka Fiji donated sewing machines to women’s groups in the Yasawa Islands to support income, confidence and small-scale enterprises. HIV Not on the Agenda: Civil society groups say Pacific leaders’ health discussions in Palau are silent on HIV, despite rising infections and calls for regional action. Education Watch: Teacher unions question vacancy ads for missing location details, and UFSA wants an external audit into how University of Fiji fees may relate to the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders’ meeting opens amid missing attendance and a China–Taiwan diplomatic spat, but island governments say climate threats and drug crime are the real priorities. Climate and oceans: A UN report warns the world will exceed 1.5°C warming soon, while WWF urges Pacific “blue corridors” or “whale highways” to protect migration routes. Fiji health and wellbeing: Labasa Hospital reports 116 diabetes-related amputations in seven months, and Fiji’s Consumer Council says healthy food is still too expensive for many families. Education and jobs: Teacher unions question missing details in Ministry vacancy ads, while Pacific education leaders focus on using learning data to strengthen systems. Constitution and civic voice: SEEP calls for transparency and public participation in Fiji’s constitutional review as the commission’s report heads to Cabinet. Community and culture: A gas crematorium is being built in Ba to ease burial land pressure, and Fiji’s visiting delegation meets Fijian diaspora in Palau to strengthen cultural ties. Women’s livelihoods: Vinaka Fiji donates sewing machines to Yasawa women’s groups to boost income and skills. Sports and culture spotlight: Samoa’s Lushavel Stickland targets another medal, and the All Blacks receive a Samoan ie faitaga honouring Pasifika cultures.

Constitution Watch: Fiji’s Constitution Review Commission has handed its final report and Draft Constitution to leaders, but Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the public must wait as the document moves to Cabinet and then Parliament—urging calm and warning against speculation. Online Safety for Kids: Government is considering stronger age-verification for adult websites, with officials saying a simple “confirm you’re 18” box isn’t enough as more people come online. Health & Food: A Home-Grown School Meals Policy brief is set to guide better access to nutritious local food, tackling Fiji’s high non-communicable disease risk from childhood. Education Jobs: The Fiji Teachers Association questions a Ministry of Education job ad for missing key vacancy details, arguing it forces teachers to rely on FEMIS and could disadvantage applicants with limited internet. Business & Tourism Development: Damodar Group and the Y3 Kofera Trust sign an MOU to explore a proposed 130-acre Nadi development near Denarau, with due diligence and consultations to follow. Pacific Forum Drama: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders’ absences and China’s reported anger over Taiwan’s presence are already stirring controversy. Culture & Youth: Assemblies of God Fiji runs a Fine Arts workshop for 120 youths, aiming to build creative pathways and keep young people away from social harm. Sports Pathways: Australia pledges $15.6m to boost Pacific athletes’ training and qualification toward Brisbane 2032 and the lead-up Pacific Games. Local Coffee to London: Bula Coffee heads to the UK’s Caffè Culture 2026 to showcase Fiji-grown Liberica speciality coffee.

Pacific diplomacy shake-up: The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau has started with major no-shows and fresh China–Taiwan tension, with leaders questioning how outside influence is shaping consensus. Online safety for kids: Fiji is considering tougher age checks for adult websites as more people come online, with government reviewing the Online Safety and Cybercrime laws to better protect children. Health & food at school: Fiji’s Home-Grown School Meals Policy Brief aims to boost nutritious local food access and tackle non-communicable diseases, alongside a new survey into childhood obesity drivers. Education jobs transparency: The Fiji Teachers Association is challenging a Ministry of Education job ad for missing key vacancy details, saying teachers may be shut out if they can’t access FEMIS. Fiji–Australia partnership: Fiji says the Vuvale Union Work Plan includes $1.5b over 10 years for security, health, infrastructure and economic development—now the real test is delivery. Culture & youth through the church arts: A Fine Arts Workshop in Lautoka is giving 120 youths a pathway into creative skills ahead of a national fine arts festival. Business & land development: Damodar Group and Y3 Kofera Trust are exploring a 130-acre customary land development near Denarau, with jobs and long-term benefits promised. Fiji coffee goes global: Bula Coffee is heading to London to showcase Fiji-grown Liberica speciality coffee at Caffè Culture 2026. Women’s rights: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement is urging no further sentence reduction in the Fareed indecent assault case, arguing deterrence is needed.

Pacific Sports Diplomacy: Anthony Albanese announced $15.6m to develop Pacific athletes for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, with support for events through 2030. Constitution Watch: Fiji’s Constitution Review Commission has handed President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu major draft recommendations, including a 41-seat House, a restored Senate, and reinstating the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, while keeping “Fijian” as the national identity for now and protecting religious freedom. Climate & Security at PIF: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, regional security and climate finance are expected to dominate, with tensions around Taiwan and China also in the spotlight. Community & Culture: Women have taken top roles for the Fiji Rotuman Association for the first time, aiming to balance development with Rotuman culture and language. Health & Safety: Fiji’s HIV education push highlights the need for better-trained teachers and stigma-aware classroom support. Business Pulse: Fiji recorded growth in active businesses to 20,563 establishments, led by transport and storage and strong retail and accommodation gains. Women’s Rights: The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement is urging no further sentence reduction for former Fijian Holdings CEO Mohammed Nouzab Fareed after an indecent assault conviction.

Constitution Shake-Up: Fiji’s Constitution Review Commission has handed its final report and Draft Constitution Bill to the President, proposing a 41-seat House and 19-seat Senate, reinstating the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, and keeping “Fijian” as the national identity while dropping the “Secular State” idea. Women’s Rights & Justice: The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement is urging no further sentence reduction for former FHL CEO Mohammed Nouzab Fareed, arguing the current term is already lenient for workplace sexual abuse. Youth, Drugs & HIV: Naitasiri’s new Qaranivalu, Ratu Loco Kalokalodrau Qiolevu, calls on young people to avoid illegal drugs and get tested for HIV, while urging support for people living with HIV. Education for HIV: Fiji’s education ministry says teachers need better training and tools to talk about HIV openly, tackle stigma, and help students feel safe seeking support. Local Business Growth: Fiji’s number of operating businesses rose to 20,563, with transport/storage leading growth and Suva, Nasinu, Lami and Navua topping the list. Green Skills: USP has launched a sustainable energy training centre to build renewable-energy skills for Fiji and the wider Pacific. Community & Culture: Women have taken top roles in the Fiji Rotuman Association for the first time, aiming to protect Rotuman language and culture while pushing development.

Pacific Islands Forum shake-up: Several leaders pulled out of the Palau summit at the last minute, including Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale after a no-confidence motion, with Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka and Vanuatu’s Jotham Napat also absent—while Australia’s Anthony Albanese still attends. Climate finance push: Pacific negotiators are pressing for real action on loss and damage and better access to climate funding ahead of COP31, keeping the 1.5°C goal alive. Fiji energy skills boost: USP has launched a sustainable energy training centre to grow a green workforce across solar, storage, energy efficiency and electric transport. Women in leadership: For the first time in over 60 years, women have taken top roles at the Fiji Rotuman Association. Workplace rights: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement is urging no further reduction to former Fijian Holdings CEO Mohammed Nouzab Fareed’s sentence for indecent assault. Community wellbeing: New safe shelter services for women and girls affected by violence have opened, alongside a new borehole water supply ending decades of unsafe water access in Marasa, Nadi. Sports & youth: Cricket Fiji strengthens its coaching pathway with two new ICC-recognised coach tutors, while Kaiviti Silktails and Westpac Fiji roll out financial literacy for players and primary students. Culture & faith: Charan Jeath Singh calls on religious leaders to use Shri Krishna Janmashtami to guide youth toward healthy, drug-free choices and respect between faiths. Animal care: The Hibiscus Dog Show and Pet Walk promoted kindness and responsible pet care with Fiji SPCA support.

Pacific Islands Forum shake-up: Several leaders pulled out at the eleventh hour ahead of the Palau summit, with Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka and Vanuatu’s Jotham Napat among the absentees, while Australia’s Anthony Albanese still plans to attend—raising questions about regional unity and what can realistically be agreed. Poverty and access: Rabuka says Fiji can’t beat poverty by income alone, calling for better links for rural and maritime communities to jobs, markets, finance, tech and essential services, with support beyond government welfare. Women’s safety: A new Women’s Safe Shelter in Lautoka is opening to provide emergency accommodation and counselling for women and girls escaping gender-based violence, with services also addressing wider vulnerabilities. Water security: Five Marasa households in Nadi finally get clean borehole water after more than 40 years, funded through the Multi-Ethnic Grant Programme. Indigenous business push: Fiji targets 5,000 iTaukei-owned companies by 2034, stressing enterprise, finance access and fair chances to win government contracts. Sport with purpose: Kaiviti Silktails and Westpac Fiji launch financial literacy for players and youth, while Cricket Fiji boosts its coaching pathway with two new ICC-recognised coach tutors. Community kindness: The Hibiscus Dog Show and Pet Walk promotes responsible pet care and animal kindness during the festival season. Kava Bill backlash: Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu urges a rethink of proposed harsh penalties for unregistered yaqona sales, arguing it could hit small rural sellers hardest. Climate finance focus: Pacific negotiators keep pushing for stronger climate finance and a dedicated loss-and-damage mechanism ahead of COP31, as talks intensify.

Indigenous Business Push: Fiji is aiming to grow to 5,000 iTaukei-owned companies by 2034, with Prime Minister Rabuka urging banks to look beyond collateral and back indigenous enterprises with mentoring, finance readiness and better contract access. Women’s Safety Net: A new Women’s Safe Shelter has opened in Lautoka, offering emergency accommodation and trauma-informed counselling for women and girls escaping violence, with the location kept confidential. Water Relief in Nadi: After more than 40 years, five Marasa households in Nadi have clean borehole water through a $9,400 project—cutting daily water burdens for families and sugarcane farmers. Cricket Pathway Boost: Cricket Fiji has two new ICC-recognised coach tutors after completing an East Asia Pacific Level 1 course in Brisbane, strengthening local coaching capacity. Education with Solar Power: Nabua Primary School in Savusavu opened a new green-technology schoolhouse building, adding a Kindergarten class and using solar-powered fixtures. Climate & Energy Skills: USP launched a Sustainable Energy Training Centre to build Pacific renewable-energy skills, from solar and storage to rural electrification. Culture & Community: Navua has officially been declared a town after five decades, with a focus on better municipal services and resilient planning. Sports & Lifestyle: Pacific Break 2026 is back, searching for PNG’s next big original music star with a trip to WOMADelaide.

Indigenous Business & Finance: Fiji is pushing indigenous economic empowerment with a target of 5,000 iTaukei-owned companies by 2034, plus a call for banks to assess loans beyond traditional collateral and focus on cash flow, capability and growth. Water Security: After more than 40 years of struggle, five Marasa households in Nadi have clean borehole water through a $9,400 Usuf project. Women’s Safety: A new Women’s Safe Shelter in Lautoka will offer emergency accommodation and trauma-informed counselling for survivors of gender-based violence, with the shelter’s location kept confidential. Renewables Skills: USP opened a Sustainable Energy Training Centre to grow Pacific-ready talent in solar, storage, electric transport and rural electrification. Cricket Pathway: Cricket Fiji boosted its coaching pipeline as two local staff became ICC-recognised coach tutors after training in Brisbane. Community & Sports: Navua was officially declared a town after five decades, with promises of better municipal services and planning. Sport & Society: Cricket Fiji also strengthened coaching capacity, while Labasa’s Nabua Primary School received a new solar-equipped schoolhouse building via a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Justice & Safety Abroad: Three men face charges in Australia after an assault at Sydney’s Villawood immigration detention facility.