In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Australia open to Pacific-wide security pact push
2. VAN — Vanuatu, Australia to sign Nakamal Agreement next week
3. PACIFIC — Marshall Islands to chair inaugural Pacific Resilience Facility Council
4. FIJI — Former Fiji AG Sayed-Khaiyum, former Supervisor of Elections Saneem acquitted in tax case
5. FIJI — Japan to hand over three patrol boats to Fiji Navy under security assistance programme
6. PACNEWS BIZ — New measurement equipment supports fair trade across the Pacific region
7. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Finance Minister Immanuel says Coalition delivered stability and $1B in cost-of-living relief
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Government keeps VAT at 12.5 percent, extends cost-of-living support
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji National Provident Fund declares 9.5 percent interest, employer levy cut to 8 percent
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Government to back Fiji Airways with $200M guarantee
11. PACNEWS BIZ — No public service pay cuts in budget, says Fiji Finance Minister
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Swire Shipping warns of cargo delays Without Pre-loading documents for PNG, Solomon Islands
13. PACNEWS DIGEST — Bringing traditional knowledge and climate science together for adaptation
PAC – DIPLOMACY/SECURITY: AAP PACNEWS 3: Fri 26 Jun 2026
Australia open to Pacific-wide security pact push
CANBERRA, 26 JUNE 2026 (AAP)—Australia is open to pursuing a proposed Pacific-wide security deal to counter growing Chinese influence.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale raised the idea with Anthony Albanese during a recent first trip to Canberra as his nation’s new leader.
Pacific Island Affairs Minister Pat Conroy said Australia would ultimately be driven by the priorities of the region.
“If this is something the Pacific is interested in, then of course we’d be open to pursuing it,” he told AAP.
“We’ve got a number of bilateral security agreements … but ultimately, we turn up, we listen and act on the Pacific priorities.”
Conroy said the proposal, first reported by the ABC, would be consistent with an agreed leaders’ statement at the 2022 Pacific Islands Forum that Pacific nations should fill gaps in regional security.
The U.S and Australia were alarmed when the Solomon Islands signed a security pact with Beijing in 2022, opening the door to a Chinese police presence in the country.
Wale previously committed to releasing the treaty with China, but later backflipped on the pledge, citing a non-disclosure clause in the deal.
The Solomon Islands leader has flagged he would review the controversial agreement with China.
Albanese is expected to travel to Honiara in the coming weeks to meet with Wale – also the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum – to progress negotiations on a new treaty.
The prime minister will also visit Fiji, where a new agreement is expected to be signed.
The government is expected to make a breakthrough on the $500 million(US$345 million) Nakamal security agreement with Vanuatu, which is close to being inked.
Prime Minister Jotham Napat pulled back from the deal in September after some ministers in the coalition government raised concerns it would undercut Vanuatu’s sovereignty.
China has also pursued its own pact with Port Vila, called the Namele Agreement.
In 2024, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia was in “a state of permanent contest in the Pacific” ……PACNEWS
VAN – SECURITY/DIPLOMACY: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS 3: Fri 26 Jun 2026
Vanuatu, Australia to sign Nakamal Agreement next week
PORT VILA, 26 JUNE 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST)—Visa-free travel to Australia and getting Vanuatu back on Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) ballot are among the aspirations people in Vanuatu hope to see realised as Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat is expected to lead a delegation to Canberra this weekend, where the revised Nakamal Agreement is scheduled to be signed next week, after months of stalled negotiations.
The Vanuatu Government, through the Council of Ministers (COM), had agreed on an updated version of the strategic, economic, and security pact in May and the Australian Government has now given its endorsement, meaning Vanuatu may have secured assurances on sovereignty and non-alignment, while Australia obtained a framework for closer cooperation.
In August 2025, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Richard Marles and Pacific Minister Pat Conroy joined Vanuatu DPM and Finance Minister Johnny Koanapo, Internal Affairs Minister Andrew Solomon Napuat, and Minister of Climate Change Adaptation Ralph Regenvanu to initial the deal at the summit of Mount Yasur, Tanna.
At the time, reporting on the AUD$500m (US$345 million) deal, ABC News stated that ahead of the agreement, PM Napat had declared he would not sign unless Australia agreed to introduce “visa-free” travel for his country’s citizens, an arrangement Australia has never introduced for any Pacific Island nation.
‘When asked whether Australia had offered any concessions on this front, Napat said there would be an ‘agenda item’ on visa-free travel in the Nakamal Agreement, but also suggested the subject was still being discussed, saying Australia ‘would get back to us on that’.”
PM Napat had described the Nakamal Agreement with Australia as a “win-win” deal and the final signing ceremony was expected to take place in Port Vila and be signed by the Prime Ministers of both countries later that year.
However, the expected signing between PM Napat and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on 09 September 2025, during PM Albanese’s stopover in Port Vila, was put on hold because the agreement content was being reviewed.
PM Albanese said the Nakamal Agreement still needed further discussion, and PM Napat explained that some ministers and Members of Parliament felt the matter required more discussion, particularly on certain wordings of the agreement.
Speaking in Parliament in May this year, when responding to Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) MP for Tanna constituency Andrew Wilbur Napuat asking if the PM could give the Government’s stand on the months-long negotiated Nakamal Agreement and if it was possible for MPs to have access to its content, PM Napat said the only delay was because “a lot of the wordings in the Nakamal Agreement undermined our sovereignty”.
In particular, he said there were two critical issues in the Nakamal Agreement – Security and Critical Infrastructure. It took time to go back and forth with the Office of the Attorney General, as the Council of Ministers (COM) is resolute that Vanuatu cannot sign anything that undermines its sovereignty.
The PM had mentioned that the clauses of the Nakamal Agreement have provisions allowing either party, if they agree or disagree on certain aspects, to return to the table for further discussion.
Meanwhile, the recent sudden removal of Vanuatu as an eligible country on the 2026–27 PEV ballot, particularly after it had been part of it for the past two years, left thousands of Ni-Vanuatu seeking an explanation and raised questions due to the timing with Australia’s efforts to secure the pact. When clarification was sought on why Vanuatu was excluded, no direct answer was given.
However, it follows reports about purported funding access leverage, in which former Health Minister and Ambae MP John Still Tari Qetu claimed he was given the impression by officials from the Vanuatu Australia Health Partnership (VAHP) that certain funding could not be accessed until the Nakamal Agreement was signed. The VAHP denied any connection between health funding and the Nakamal Agreement.
Australia has long viewed Vanuatu as strategically important because of its location in the Pacific and has been concerned about the possibility of a Chinese security presence in the Pacific Island nation, while Vanuatu has consistently maintained a policy of “friends to all and enemies to none”.
PM Napat had elaborated on the Namele Agreement with China in Parliament last month, saying it is another strategic cooperation and has nothing to do with a security pact….PACNEWS
PAC – PRF: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 3: Fri 26 Jun 2026
Marshall Islands to chair inaugural Pacific Resilience Facility Council
MAJURO, 26 JUNE 2206 (RNZ PACIFIC)—Marshall Islands will chair the first Pacific led, owned and managed financial institution – the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) – dedicated to providing funding to build community resilience against climate-related adversities.
This was confirmed by the Office of the President of the Marshall Islands.
The PRF will provide grants for climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and projects that respond to loss and damage from the impacts of the climate crisis.
The inaugural PRF Council meeting took place this week, as the Marshall Islands hosted the Forum Economic Minister Meeting in Majuro. Marshall Islands Finance Minister David Paul is the current PRF Council chair and will be steering its operational phase.
On 30 August 2024, the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum leader’s meeting, held in Tonga, announced the PRF would have its headquarters in Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga.
In their final communiqué, leaders warmly welcomed the commitment by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres to Forum Leaders to support the capitalisation of the PRF, which has an initial financing target of US$500 million by 1 January 2026, and a longer term goal of US$1.5 billion.
Australia, Saudi Arabia, the People’s Republic of China and the United States have contributed to this fund, and the communiqué states Pacific leaders are urging other dialogue partners to pledge their contributions so the fund can meet its targets.
Australia has contributed AUD$100m (US$67m) and is the main donor so far to the facility, which has raised US$137m. Saudi Arabia, the US, China, and Japan have also committed funds.
The New Zealand government previously pledged to contribute NZ$20m (US$11 million) to the facility…..PACNEWS
FIJI – COURTS: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 3: Fri 26 Jun 2026
Former Fiji AG Sayed-Khaiyum, former Supervisor of Elections Saneem acquitted in tax case
SUVA, 26 JUNE 2206 (FIJI TIMES) — Former Fiji Attorney-General and former Supervisor of Elections have been found not guilty by Chief Justice in the Suva High Court, bringing an end to one of Fiji’s most closely watched corruption cases.
The pair had faced charges arising from a 2022 agreement that resulted in tax relief being granted on Saneem’s back pay entitlement.
Sayed-Khaiyum was charged with one count of abuse of office, while Saneem faced one count of receiving a corrupt benefit. If convicted, both men faced penalties that could have included lengthy prison terms.
The prosecution alleged that while serving as Acting Prime Minister between 30 June and 12 July 2022, Sayed-Khaiyum signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum with Saneem that effectively allowed the Government to cover tax liabilities amounting to $55,944.03(31,566.42) It was argued that the arrangement bypassed the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President.
Saneem was accused of requesting and accepting the tax relief without lawful authority.
However, the defence maintained throughout the proceedings that the arrangement was a lawful employment-related agreement and did not constitute a criminal act……PACNEWS
FIJI – PATROL BOAT: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Fri 26 Jun 2026
Japan to hand over three patrol boats to Fiji Navy under security assistance programme
SUVA, 26 JUNE 206 (PACNEWS)—The Government of Japan will hand over three patrol boats to the Republic of Fiji Navy under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme, with the grant valued at 400 million Japanese Yen, (approximately FJD$6.0 million).
Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji, Hiroshi Tajima, will present the patrol boats to Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs Pio Tikoduadua.
The handover ceremony will also be attended by Permanent Secretary for Defence and Veterans Affairs Maison Smith, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Major General Jone Kalouniwai, and Commander of the Republic of Fiji Navy Commodore Timoci Natuva.
The patrol boats form the third batch of equipment provided under Japan’s Official Security Assistance programme.
Japan established the OSA programme in 2023 as a new cooperation framework to support the armed forces and related organisations of partner countries.
According to the Japanese Embassy, the programme aims to deepen security cooperation, create a desirable security environment and contribute to maintaining and strengthening international peace and security by enhancing security, law enforcement and humanitarian response capabilities, including disaster response, through the provision of equipment, supplies and infrastructure assistance.
The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs is the ministry responsible for the programme, while the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division is the beneficiary agency.
The first batch of assistance, delivered on 26 May 2025, included one underwater camera, one rescue boat and one water rescue training doll.
The second batch, delivered on 20 October 2025, included one Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB).
The three patrol boats being handed over are the third batch of equipment provided under the programme…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PAC – FUEL PROVER: PIFS PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 26 Jun 2026
New measurement equipment supports fair trade across the Pacific region
SUVA, 26 JUNE 2026 (PIFS)—The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) has announced the delivery of high- accuracy fuel measurement equipment to Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa and Vanuatu.
The equipment will help local authorities confirm the accurate measurement of fuel volumes whether retailed to consumers at petrol stations, or sold to businesses in industrial quantities.
“The new fuel prover has reduced our setup time from more than one hour to less than two minutes, allowing us to deliver fuel dispenser checks much faster and more efficiently,” said a Legal Metrologist from Papua New Guinea, referring to one of the 200-litre volume provers donated through the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Initiative (PQII).
“This is a major improvement for our field operations and for the delivery of volume and flow calibration and verification services.”
The equipment includes an item purchased by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, as well as portable fuel measuring trolleys donated by Australia’s National Measurement Institute.
The donated fuel measuring trolleys are used for field testing of petrol and diesel pumps on site at petrol stations. Inspectors from government authorities will be able to check fuel dispensers quickly and accurately, including in remote locations across the Pacific.
The PIFS has purchased larger 200-litre volume provers to check and calibrate high-flow fuel dispensers, bulk fuel delivery systems, and industrial flow meters. These are used in sectors such as oil and gas, aviation refuelling, and bulk petroleum transport.
Together, these tools will help ensure fuel measurement accuracy across the Pacific region and support fair and transparent trade.
This equipment supports the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Initiative, coordinated by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. The initiative works to improve standards, measurement and testing systems across Pacific Island countries so goods and services can be trusted at home and in regional markets.
By strengthening measurement capability, Pacific Island countries can support economic growth, protect consumers and build confidence in trade across the region…..PACNEWS
FIJI – BUDGET: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 26 Jun 2026
Fiji Finance Minister Immanuel says Coalition delivered stability and $1B in cost-of-living relief
SUVA, 26 JUNE 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Fiji’s Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel has used the closing stages of his 2026-2027 National Budget address to defend the Coalition Government’s record, saying it has delivered political stability, restored democratic institutions and provided more than $1 billion(US$500 million) in direct cost-of-living support over the past three and a half years.
Addressing Parliament, Immanuel said the Coalition’s package of assistance now exceeded $1 billion(US$500 million), combining tax and duty reductions, social welfare payments, transport subsidies, electricity support, civil service salary increases and targeted household assistance.
“Altogether, the Coalition Government’s cost-of-living package now exceeds $1 billion(US$500 million) in direct support through tax and duty reductions, social welfare assistance, transport subsidies, electricity support, civil service salary increases and targeted household relief.”
In his concluding remarks, Immanuel said the Government presented its fourth Budget with “a deep sense of responsibility, humility and confidence” in the country’s direction.
He reflected on the formation of the Coalition Government in late 2022, saying many had questioned whether a coalition of different political parties could provide stable leadership.
“Today, those predictions have been proven wrong,” he told Parliament.
Immanuel said the Coalition had demonstrated over the past three and a half years that stability could be achieved through partnership, consultation and a shared commitment to serving the people.
He said the Government’s first priority had been restoring democracy, media freedom and confidence in national institutions.
“We reopened democratic space, restored media freedom, strengthened Parliament, empowered independent institutions and returned the voices of ordinary Fijians to the centre of national decision-making.”
The Finance Minister said the Coalition inherited significant economic challenges as Fiji emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic while facing geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures.
Despite those challenges, he said the Government had restored investor confidence, strengthened the country’s economic foundations and placed public finances on a more stable path through fiscal discipline and targeted support measures.
Immanuel said the Government had simultaneously increased wages, expanded social protection programmes, maintained support for essential household items and assisted students and vulnerable families while creating an environment that encouraged private sector investment and job creation.
He said major infrastructure projects now underway would help address years of underinvestment, improve public services, strengthen connectivity and support long-term economic growth.
Immanuel also highlighted the Government’s constitutional review process, describing it as an important national exercise aimed at ensuring Fiji’s Constitution reflected the aspirations of all citizens.
“It is about ensuring that every citizen has a voice in shaping the future governance arrangements of our country and strengthening the democratic foundations upon which our nation stands.”
Looking ahead to the country’s next General Election, Immanuel said the Government was entering the final year of its term with a record it was prepared to defend.
“This Budget is therefore not simply a statement of revenues and expenditures. It is a continuation of a journey that began with restoring trust, rebuilding institutions and stabilising the economy.”
He said the Coalition welcomed the opportunity for voters to assess its performance at the ballot box.
“We are now approaching another important milestone in our democratic journey. The people of Fiji will soon have the opportunity to assess our record, judge our performance and determine the future direction of our nation through the ballot box. We welcome that opportunity with confidence and respect for the democratic process.”…..PACNEWS
FIJI – BUDGET: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 26 Jun 2026
Fiji Government keeps VAT at 12.5 percent, extends cost-of-living support
SUVA, 26 JUNE 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—The Fiji Coalition Government will maintain its major cost-of-living relief measures, including the 12.5 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) rate, zero-rated VAT on 22 essential items, the $200(US$100) Back-to-School Assistance programme and increased social welfare payments despite ongoing fiscal pressures.
Presenting the 2026-2027 National Budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel said the reduction in the VAT rate from 15 percent to 12.5 percent in August last year had been one of the Government’s most significant initiatives to ease the cost of living.
“One of the most significant measures undertaken by Government to reduce the cost of living was the reduction of the VAT rate from 15 percent to 12.5 percent in August 2025.”
Immanuel said the lower VAT rate had delivered approximately $250 million (US$125 million) in annual tax relief to households and businesses.
He said that was in addition to the continued zero-rating of VAT on 22 essential items, providing a further $250 million(US$125 million) in annual relief.
“Together, these measures provide approximately $500 million(US$250 million) in VAT relief to our people every year.”
Despite the difficult fiscal environment, Immanuel confirmed that the Government would retain the 12.5 percent VAT rate and continue zero-rated VAT on essential household goods.
The zero-rated items include flour, rice, sugar, canned fish, cooking oil, potatoes, onions, garlic, baby milk, powdered milk, liquid milk, dhal, tea, salt, soap, washing powder, toilet paper, sanitary pads, toothpaste, kerosene, cooking gas and prescribed medicines.
The Finance Minister also announced the continuation of the $200(US$100) Back-to-School Assistance programme.
The payment will again be made in January 2027 ahead of the new school year, with $40 million(US$20 million) allocated in the Budget.
Immanuel said the initiative had already assisted more than 210,000 students and their families, with almost $210(US$110 millon) million distributed since the Coalition Government took office.
Government will also continue supporting approximately 130,000 Fijians through social welfare, pension and aftercare programmes, with more than $200 million(US$100 million) allocated in the 2026-2027 Budget.
Immanuel noted that welfare, pension and aftercare payments were increased by 15 percent across the board in 2023, including a 25 percent increase for recipients aged over 70 years.
Those payments were further increased by 5 percent in 2025, followed by a temporary 50 percent top-up from May to July this year to help vulnerable households manage the impact of the global fuel crisis.
He said the temporary fuel crisis support package cost the Government approximately $24 million(US$12 million)….PACNEWS
FIJI – SUPERANNUATION: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 26 Jun 2026
Fiji National Provident Fund declares 9.5 percent interest, employer levy cut to 8 percent
SUVA, 26 JUNE 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel has announced a 9.5 percent interest rate for Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) members while unveiling a temporary reduction in employer contribution rates aimed at easing business costs and protecting jobs.
Delivering the 2026-2027 National Budget in Parliament, Immanuel said the FNPF remained one of the country’s most important financial institutions, supporting more than 440,000 members.
“The Fiji National Provident Fund plays a critical role in our economy and in supporting the welfare of over 440,000 members.”
He said the Fund delivered another strong financial performance during the 2026 financial year, recording more than $1.2 billion (US$600 million) in total investment income, with growth across all major asset classes compared with the previous year.
Based on that performance and following independent actuarial clearance, the FNPF Board has approved a 9.5 percent interest rate for members.
“I am pleased to announce that the FNPF Board has declared an interest rate of 9.5 percent to members for 2026.”
Immanuel said prudent financial reserves had also been maintained to protect the Fund against future market volatility.
“The 2026 result reaffirms that members’ savings are in safe and capable hands. The Fund remains financially strong, well-governed, and well-positioned to deliver sustainable long-term returns.”
The Finance Minister congratulated the FNPF Board, management and staff for their stewardship of the Fund and thanked members for their continued confidence.
To provide relief to businesses facing rising operating costs, Immanuel also announced a temporary reduction in the employer FNPF contribution rate.
From 01 August 2026, employer contributions will fall from 10 percent to 8 percent for a period of 12 months, while the employee contribution rate will remain unchanged at 8 percent.
Immanuel said the measure was designed to ease pressure on employers dealing with higher fuel, transport and business costs.
“This measure will provide immediate relief to employers facing rising fuel, transport and operating costs, while helping businesses maintain their investment plans, retain jobs and prepare for any potential increase in the minimum wage.”
He added that the reduction would also help businesses adjust following the removal of the Export Income Deduction incentive.
Looking ahead, Immanuel announced that the Reserve Bank of Fiji would resume work on long-planned reforms to strengthen regulation of pension funds.
He said the reforms would establish a legislative framework governing the regulation and supervision of pension funds and organisations involved in the establishment, operation and administration of pension schemes, including the Fiji National Provident Fund….PACNEWS
FIJI – AIRLINE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 26 Jun 2026
Government to back Fiji Airways with $200M guarantee
SUVA, 26 JUNE 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel has unveiled a package of measures to strengthen Fiji’s tourism industry, including a planned $200 million(US$100 million) Government guarantee for Fiji Airways, a temporary tourism services tax and billions of dollars in new tourism infrastructure investment.
Presenting the 2026-2027 National Budget in Parliament, Immanuel described tourism as the cornerstone of Fiji’s economy, contributing about 40 percent of national economic activity.
“To raise our growth, we have to protect our tourism industry which contributes around 40 percent towards our economy.”
He said Government would focus on maintaining the industry’s competitiveness by expanding tourism infrastructure, increasing airport capacity, encouraging new hotel developments, diversifying tourism products and ensuring Fiji remained a safe destination for visitors.
Immanuel said supporting Fiji Airways was central to that strategy, noting the national carrier played a vital role in bringing tourists to Fiji and positioning the country as the aviation hub of the South Pacific.
He said the airline had recently come under financial pressure because of soaring aviation fuel prices while still recovering from heavy losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To assist the airline, Immanuel announced that Government would soon seek parliamentary approval for a $200 million(US$100 million) Government guarantee.
The Budget also extends Fiji Airways’ tax loss carry-forward period from eight years to 15 years and waives approximately $10 million(US$5 million) in government fees and charges over the next 12 months.
Immanuel said Government was also working with Fiji Airports, Air Terminal Services, the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, the Fiji National Provident Fund and the Fiji Development Bank to ease financial pressures on the airline.
In addition, he announced that the tourism industry had agreed to support a temporary 5 percent Tourism Services Tax on hotels and tour and cruise operators with annual turnover exceeding $2 million(US$1 million).
The tax will apply for 12 months from 01 September 2026, with all revenue ring-fenced exclusively for Fiji Airways.
Immanuel said the industry had broadly agreed that most of the cost would be absorbed by operators rather than passed on to visitors.
The measure is expected to generate around $70 million(US$35 million) for the airline.
Looking beyond airline support, the Finance Minister outlined a substantial pipeline of tourism investment.
He said hotel developments worth more than $3 billion(US$1.5 million) were expected to add approximately 5,500 new hotel rooms, including 1,400 rooms currently under construction, 2,500 in pre-development and 1,600 at the conceptual stage.
Immanuel also announced that Fiji Airports would invest more than $700 million(US$350 million) over the next five years to modernise airport infrastructure, upgrade regional airports, expand digital technologies, strengthen aviation safety systems and increase renewable energy capacity.
He highlighted progress on the $440 million (US$220 million) Vanua Levu Tourism Development Programme, known as the Na Vualiku Project, describing it as one of the largest tourism investments ever undertaken in the Northern Division.
Supported by the World Bank, the first phase of the programme will fund improvements to roads, airports, water supply, sanitation, energy and waste management infrastructure across Vanua Levu and Taveuni.
The 2026-2027 Budget allocates $20 million (US$10 million) for implementation of the programme during the coming financial year…..PACNWS
FIJI – BUDGET: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 26 Jun 2026
No public service pay cuts in budget, says Immanuel
SUVA, 26 JUNE 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Fiji Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the Government will not reduce civil service salaries despite mounting fiscal pressures, choosing instead to protect public sector workers while continuing targeted cost-of-living support for households and businesses.
Presenting the 2026-2027 National Budget in Parliament, Immanuel said Fiji had endured a series of global economic shocks over the past three and a half years that had significantly increased both household living costs and business operating expenses.
He said the impacts of the post-COVID-19 recovery, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, global tariff disputes and the recent Middle East fuel crisis had all contributed to rising prices.
“Throughout this period, Government has acted decisively to protect households, workers, farmers and businesses.”
Immanuel said previous budgets had introduced a wide range of cost-of-living relief measures and, despite the current fiscal challenges, the Government would maintain those initiatives while introducing additional targeted support in the new Budget.
“Despite the significant fiscal pressures facing Government, we have made some important decisions in this Budget.”
Foremost among those decisions, he said, was the Government’s commitment not to reduce the salaries of public servants.
“There will be no reduction in civil service salaries.”
Immanuel said teachers, nurses, doctors, police officers, military personnel and other public servants played an essential role in delivering services throughout Fiji.
He noted that approximately 42,000 public servants directly supported the livelihoods of more than 200,000 Fijians.
“While Government has implemented expenditure restraint measures across the public sector, we have deliberately chosen not to reduce the salaries of our civil servants.”
The Finance Minister said the Coalition Government had instead strengthened the civil service over the past three years through improved remuneration, permanent employment arrangements and increasing the compulsory retirement age to 60 years.
He said civil servants had received cumulative salary increases ranging from 10 percent to 23 percent over the past three years, representing an additional annual Government investment of $115 million (US$57.5 million) after public sector wages had remained largely stagnant since 2017……PACNEWS
FIJI – SHIPPING: PACNEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 26 Jun 2026
Swire Shipping Warns of Cargo Delays Without Pre-Loading Documents for PNG, Solomon Islands
SUVA, 26 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS)—Swire Shipping is urging customers to secure all mandatory import documentation, permits and tax waivers before loading cargo destined for Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, warning that incomplete paperwork could lead to costly delays.
In a notice to customers, the shipping company said the requirement is particularly important for humanitarian aid and charitable goods, shipments for government agencies and non-government organisations, and cargo requiring duty or tax exemptions or special licences.
Swire Shipping said cargo arriving without the required approvals will be held by customs and remain at the terminal until all documentation has been completed.
The company warned that this could result in warehousing charges, container detention costs and disruptions to supply chains.
Swire Shipping emphasised that it is the responsibility of the importer or consignee to obtain all required customs clearances, exemptions and approvals before shipment.
The company said any storage charges or other costs arising from incomplete documentation will be billed to the consignee named on the bill of lading.
Swire Shipping also warned that cargo not claimed within 30 days of arrival may be declared abandoned by customs authorities in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
Under those circumstances, the relevant customs authority may auction, sell, donate or destroy the cargo in accordance with local laws…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Bringing traditional knowledge and climate science together for adaptation
MANILA, 26 JUNE 2026 (SPC)—Traditional, Indigenous and local knowledge have helped Pacific communities respond to environmental change for generations. Yet these knowledge systems are often overlooked in climate research and adaptation planning.
This issue was a key focus of discussions at the 20th International Conference on Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change (CBA20), held in Manila, Philippines, under the theme “Local Solutions Inspiring Global Action.”
Bringing together over 400 participants from 67 countries, the conference explored how different forms of knowledge can support stronger, more locally led climate adaptation.
The Pacific Community (SPC), through its Regional Pacific NDC Hub, contributed Pacific perspectives to discussions on integrating traditional, Indigenous, and local knowledge with climate science to strengthen adaptation planning and decision-making.
A central theme was the concept of a “Knowledge Nexus” – recognising that community knowledge and scientific evidence are complementary sources of information, each offering valuable insights for understanding climate risks and identifying adaptation solutions.
Participants highlighted that Indigenous and local knowledge is often transmitted through oral histories, cultural practices, and lived experience, which can lead to its being overlooked in formal climate assessments that rely heavily on scientific literature.
Discussions also explored how technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS), artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite Earth observation can complement community knowledge by helping validate local observations and identify environmental change at larger scales.
Ron Simpson, Climate Change Adaptation Specialist at the Regional Pacific NDC Hub highlighted that adaptation solutions are strongest when they draw on both scientific evidence and the lived experience of communities.
“Across the Pacific, communities have been observing and responding to environmental change for generations. These knowledge systems remain highly relevant today and can complement climate science in ways that strengthen adaptation planning and help ensure solutions are grounded in local realities and community priorities.”
Many of these discussions resonated strongly with Pacific realities, where adaptation is often built on a combination of scientific information, local leadership and traditional knowledge systems.
The discussions also closely aligned with the work of the Regional Pacific NDC Hub, which supports countries in translating climate commitments into practical action by connecting governments with technical expertise, knowledge, and partnerships across the region….PACNEWS
For more information: Ron Simpson, Regional Pacific NDC Hub, Climate Change Adaptation Specialist, Climate Change and Sustainability Division, Pacific Community (SPC) rons@spc.int
Sunayna Nandini, Communications, Outreach and Engagement Advisor, Climate Change and Sustainability Division, Pacific Community (SPC) sunaynan@spc.int
