AGP Executive Report

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.

Teachers’ Pay Crisis: Fiji’s Prime Minister Rabuka says the salary stoppage “should never have escalated” and orders the Ministry of Finance to step in so affected teachers get what they’re owed, with 118 expected to be paid today and more once contracts are submitted. School Term Push: Education Minister Radrodro urges students to take studies seriously and respect teachers as Term 3 begins, with exam years 8, 12 and 13 in focus. Border Security & Data: Fiji will start passenger screening from November 2 using API and PNR, while MPs question coordination gaps and privacy risks under the Vuvale “Ocean of Peace” treaty as biometric and travel data concerns grow. Constitution & Culture: Fiji Constitution Review proposes big governance shifts—restoring the Great Council of Chiefs and abolishing Ethnic Seats—sending ripples through politics and minority groups. Climate & Reefs: Pacific leaders back urgent action to keep 1.5°C alive and a new push to protect climate-resilient coral reefs. Language & Identity: Opposition leader Prasad warns Hindi could fade unless younger generations keep learning and using it. Renewables: EPC Renewables and Cobra sign on with Energy Fiji for a major solar-plus-storage project targeting reduced diesel reliance.

Solar & jobs: EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra have signed an MOU with Energy Fiji Ltd for the Yaqara solar-plus-battery project—22MW/40MWh in stage one, then 120MW/200MWh—aiming for commercial operations by Q1 2029. Teachers’ pay crisis: PM Rabuka has ordered urgent action so affected teachers get their outstanding salaries fast, with 118 expected to be paid today and more still being verified. Border security & privacy: Parliament is scrutinising gaps in the Fiji-Australia Vuvale “Veitacini” treaty plans, including biometric data privacy and whether Fiji can run its own systems as Australia funds and supports the MERIT border platform. Climate & reefs: Tonga, FSM and French Polynesia joined a push to protect climate-resilient coral reefs, using traditional knowledge alongside modern conservation. Language & identity: A warning that Hindi could fade in Fiji unless younger generations learn to read and write it is gaining traction. Women in sport: Applications are open for the Wāhine Toa Oceania leadership programme for Pacific women athletes, with workshops across Fiji, Greece and Papua New Guinea.

Education pay crisis: Opposition MP Hem Chand and Premila Kumar are demanding answers after 134 teachers’ salaries were stopped in Pay 18, with unions saying the Ministry’s systems failed and teachers shouldn’t be scapegoats. Payroll audit fallout: The Education Ministry says a payroll verification found 13 “ghost employees” and wider record problems, with contracts not returned on time and employment details not updated in FEMIS. School drug testing debate: The Education Ministry says drug testing in schools is still in early consultation and would require parental consent, while the Fiji Teachers Union warns it must be carefully planned and supported by counselling and early intervention. GBV push from men and communities: Minister Sashi Kiran cites a 64% national GBV prevalence rate and calls for stronger roles from men, churches, families and traditional institutions. Border security concerns: Fiji’s proposed Vuvale Union is set to deepen Australia’s role in border management, including advanced passenger data and digital systems—raising questions about local capacity. Culture & youth: Fiji Museum workshops are teaching masi printing and liku weaving to children, helping keep iTaukei skills alive. Sports & inspiration: A young Māori-Samoan stock car racer says he worked from age 12 to fund his speedway dream.

Teachers’ pay crisis: Opposition MP Premila Kumar says Education Minister Aseri Radrodro should be replaced if he can’t fix recurring salary and allowance problems, after Pay 18 stoppages hit 134 teachers and some say paperwork delays are being blamed on them. Union push: The Fiji Teachers Union wants immediate restoration of verified teachers’ salaries and says responsibility can’t sit only with teachers. Payroll fallout: A Ministry check also flagged 13 “ghost employees” and wider employment-record issues tied to missing permanent appointment documents. Gender & violence: Fathers and men are being urged to rethink traditional gender roles to help curb gender-based violence, including within faith spaces. Border tech shift: Fiji says Australia will fund a new MERIT border management system and training, plus document forensic tools, as Fiji aligns immigration controls to Australian standards. Student fees concerns: UniFiji students demand answers over how fees are used, while students also raise questions about Samabula campus conditions. Culture & learning: Teachers and trainees explore more meaningful literature lessons, while children learn iTaukei skills like masi printing and liku weaving. Health reminder: Cardiologists urge Fijians not to delay care for heart symptoms. Travel update: Thailand’s visa-free rules change from Sept 15, with Fiji among nationalities moving to a 30-day exemption.

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.