13TH CABINET MEETING DECISIONS HELD ON 2ND SEPTEMBER, 2025
02/09/2025
1. OPINION OF THE SUPREME COURT ON CABINET’S REFERENCE REGARDING THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI
Cabinet was today briefed on the opinion of the Supreme Court delivered on 29 August 2025 pursuant to a reference made by Cabinet under section 91(5) of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji (Constitution).
After noting the key findings of the Supreme Court regarding the interpretation and application of the constitutional amendment provisions in Chapter 11 and related provisions in Part D of Chapter 12 of the Constitution, a Cabinet Subcommittee has been established to determine a clear way forward on amending the 2013 Constitution taking into account practical and political considerations.
The Cabinet Subcommittee will be chaired by the Prime Minister.
2. NATIVE GRANT 2, NADARIVATU TO BE REVERTED TO MATAQALI NADALA
Cabinet approved the reversion of the balance of Nadala land known as Native Grant 2 (NG2) to Mataqali Nadala, Yavusa Nubu, and all existing leases on the said land are to be transmitted to iTaukei Lands Trust Board (TLTB) for their administration.
NG2 was initially acquired for public purpose by the Colonial Government in 1905, and there is now no longer a need for the use of this land for its acquired purpose.
3. INVITATION TO THE UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE INDEPENDENCE OF JUDGES AND LAWYERS TO CONDUCT AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO FIJI
Cabinet agreed that the UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers be invited to undertake an official visit to Fiji.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers is mandated with monitoring, reporting, and advising on issues related to the independence and functioning of judicial systems, legal professionals, and the administration of justice worldwide.
In 2015, Fiji issued a ‘standing invitation’ to UN Special Procedures mandate holders to assist in progressively realising the rights guaranteed under the Fijian Constitution. Since then, Fiji hosted the visits of the following Special Rapporteurs and Independent Expert:
- UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education in 2015;
- UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Forms of Intolerance in 2016;
- UN Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Persons with Albinism in 2017;
- UN Special Rapporteur on Environment in 2018; and
- UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Health in 2019.
4. FIJI – PACIFIC HEALTHY ISLANDS TRANSFORMATION PROJECT AND ACCELERATING TRADE IN THE PACIFIC PROJECT
Cabinet endorsed the execution of loan financing and grant agreements for the World Bank International Development Association (IDA) financing and grant facilities totalling approximately FJD282.1 million under the Pacific Healthy Islands Transformation Project for Fiji, and the Acceleration Trade in the Pacific Project.
The Pacific Healthy Islands Transformation (PHIT) Project is the largest and most transformative health sector reform projects in the Pacific. Project beneficiaries are Fiji, Tuvalu, Tonga and Kiribati while SPC will support some regional activities.
The project aims to strengthen regional systems to enable coordinated access to quality health services within participating countries with a focus on non-communicable disease (NCD) management.
The Acceleration Trade in the Pacific Project is a regional initiative designed to enhance cross-border trade efficiency across six Pacific Island Countries (PICs): Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Kiribati.
The Trade project aims to reduce the time and cost of cross-border trade by modernising customs operations, improving digital infrastructure, and strengthening regional coordination mechanisms.
5. ACCESS TO BUSINESS FUNDING (SMALL OFFER) REGULATIONS 2025
Cabinet endorsed the Access to Business Funding (Small Offer) Regulations 2025 (Regulations). The Regulations are pursuant to the Access to Business Funding Act 2025.
The Regulations will allow private companies, including those classified as MSMEs with an annual turnover below FJ$1.25 million, to access finance from investors to be able to start, grow and sustain their business.
The categories of investors that can providing funding are as follows:
Retail Investor is an investor that has a personal connection with the private company, such as those who are regular customers or accountants to name a few. For investor protection, retail investors can only invest up to $20,000;
Sophisticated Investor also has a personal connection to the private company and earns at least $100,000/year for the past two years. The sophisticated investor can invest up to $50,000; and
Wholesale Investors are Financial, Government or Local Authority investors or those with a securities license. In Fiji’s context the would be the Fiji National Provident Fund, Fiji Investment Corporation Limited, or Unit Trust of Fiji. The investment limit is up to $2 million for the period of 12 months.
6. PACIFIC RESILIENCE FACILITY
Cabinet endorsed the Establishment Agreement (Treaty) of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF).
The PRF is also the first International Financial Institution to be collectively owned by Pacific Governments which will enable it to scale access to climate finance as the Pacific’s response, by the Pacific and for the Pacific.
The PRF will be domiciled in Tonga.
The PRF Treaty establishes the legal and institutional framework of the Facility.
7. SECURITY AGREEMENT WITH SOLOMON ISLANDS
Cabinet endorsed the Security Agreement between Fiji and Solomon Islands on any future deployment of Fijian security personnel to the Solomon Islands.
Following a request from the Solomons Islands Government, Fiji has deployed security personnel in 2021, and later in 2024, in preparation for the Solomon Islands Elections in April.
Initially, the deployment of Fiji’s security personnel to maintain stability and security in the Solomon Island's was under the Biketawa Declaration, which is a mechanism through which Pacific Island Forum Leaders can call on other Forum Leaders to uphold democratic principles.
The Security Agreement will now establish the framework for cooperation between the two governments for future deployment of Fiji Security Personnel to provide operational support and assistance to maintain law and order through international peacekeeping or relief operations in the Solomon Islands.
8. 2026 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Cabinet endorsed the 2026 public holiday dates.
The dates are as follows:
(i) New Year’s Day - Thursday 01 January;
(ii) Good Friday - Friday 03 April;
(iii) Easter Saturday - Saturday 04 April;
(iv) Easter Monday - Monday 06 April;
(v) Girmit Day - Friday 15 May;
(vi) Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day - Friday 29 May;
(viii) Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday - Monday 24 August;
(vii) Fiji Day - Saturday 10 October;
(ix) Diwali - Monday 9 November;
(x) Christmas Day - Friday 25 December; and
(xi) Boxing Day - Monday 28 December
The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations will declare the 11 public holiday dates by way of a Notice in the Gazette.
9. DECLARATION OF INTENT ON DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC FOR THE TERRITORY OF THE WALLIS AND FUTUNA ISLANDS
Cabinet endorsed the execution of the Declaration of Intent (DOI) between the Government of Fiji and the Government of the French Republic on development cooperation between the Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands and the Republic of Fiji.
The DOI will provide a framework that will enable development cooperation, exchange of information, and provision of technical assistance between the two countries to promote poverty alleviation and sustainable economic growth.
The DOI is guided by the principles of mutual respect for each other’s national sovereignty and integrity, the rule of law, and good governance.
10. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION WITH THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU
Cabinet endorsed the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Development Cooperation between the Republic of Fiji (Fiji) and the Republic of Vanuatu (Vanuatu).
The MOU is expected to contribute towards enhancing trade and investment opportunities as well as improved collaboration in key sectors including labour mobility, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure.
The last MOU on Development Cooperation between Fiji and Vanuatu expired in 2016.
11. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS ON DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION
Cabinet endorsed the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Fiji and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands on development cooperation.
The main objective of the MOU is to provide the framework upon which initial development cooperation assistance between the parties may be undertaken.
Fiji and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) share a strong bilateral relationship rooted in shared values, cultural ties, and a commitment to regional cooperation.
Diplomatic relations were established between the two nations in January 1988.
12. GOVERNMENT MEDIA LIAISON OFFICERS NETWORK
Cabinet was updated on the measures undertaken to strengthen the Media Liaison Officer (MLO) network of Government.
The MLO network allows for a coordinated approach in supplying timely and accurate information on Government’s activities.
The MLO network will work closely with the Ministry of Information as a central coordinating agency to ensure consistency in Government messaging.
13. ASIA PACIFIC FORUM ON NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS 30TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Cabinet was informed that the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission will host the Asia Pacific Forum on National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI) 30th Annual General Meeting from 11 – 13 November 2025.
The AGM will be followed by the NHRI Biennial Conference, which will take place on the third day.
APF was founded in 1996 and comprises 28 NHRIs across the Asia Pacific Region including Fiji.
Fiji last hosted the APF AGM in 2006.
14. MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
Cabinet was updated on the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) grant programmes administered by the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium and Communications.
The Ministry offers Enterprise Development Programmes in the form of financial assistance for capital expansion, that are designed to support the ongoing development and growth of MSMEs.
Amendments have been made to the programme criteria to make it more accessible and responsive to the evolving needs of MSMEs.