Legalising the ‘pari’ business
The push to legalise the “pari” business is a commendable initiative. Aren’t Fijians tired of being treated with contempt by service providers? Across sectors from healthcare to taxis, there’s a pervasive attitude that customers should feel privileged to receive services, rather than the other way around. Take taxis, for example, drivers often ignore waiting passengers to pick up others, like lone female bystanders. Even during peak hours we have to wait for prolonged hours to get a taxi. Such poor service highlights the need for competition and accountability. Legalising and subsidising small private-sector businesses, like pari operations, would empower ordinary Fijians while improving service standards. Ro Filipe Tuisawau and his ministry must see this through. Unlike recent policies favouring the wealthy, this move, like the minibus legalisation under Chaudhry, Adi Koila, and Major Kau in the 1990s, would directly benefit every day and Fijian citizens before the next election. Ro Filipe’s leadership on this issue could also boost his electoral prospects. It’s time for bold action that puts Fijians first. Meli Matanatoto Nadi
Cost of living
It is reported that we now have falling fuel prices, favourable commodity global trends, as well as targeted interventions by Government on cost of living pressures, resulting in a slight drop in last month’s inflation rate. (FBC News 06/05). However, at the micro level of the supermarket shelves, the weary struggling consumers only see rising prices of the many grocery items in front of them. For instance, an item that was $2.75 last month is now $2.99 (it’s really $3 at the cashier). While there are obvious delays in the adjustments from the macro to the micro-levels, the reality of seeing the opposite, in the cost of things around us, is sometimes just hard to swallow. Especially, when we are told in the news that there is an overall decrease in prices and the inflation rates! Edward Blakelock Admirals Circle, Pacific Harbour
Retirement age
Yes, it’s 60 years old, our official retirement age, but Fijians cannot qualify for the Social Welfare Pension Scheme until they are 65 years old. Why change it to 65 years and call it a pension scheme when Fijians retire at 60? The FFP government had it at 55 years retirement with pension, but PM Rabuka and his Minister of Finance Biman Prasad changed it all around, Why? Many friends and relatives who I know only reached the ages of 61 and 64 years but have passed on. Many in Lautoka, Nadi, Sigatoka and Ba that I meet every now and then who are struggling and broke and who have not reached 65 years yet, they will stop and always ask me for $5 or $10 to assist them. Come on PM Rabuka and DPM Biman Prasad, have a heart please, and change it to 60 years pension as these elder Fijians will remember the favour when going to vote next year. Vinaka vakalevu. Tukai Lagonilakeba Nadi
Changing our approach
Are we living in a society where internet and access to devices such as phones have taken over the role of parenting? Our children have access to internet more often nowadays, with some parents leaving them to the phone while they engage in other activities. Is there a link between this practice to a lack of civic pride, increasing violence and drug abuse among our youth and adults? With due respect, who is now the most respected teacher? Is it parents and guardians or what our children have picked up from online? Who teaches our children the difference between accepted behaviour versus what is wrong? How much time do our children spend in a week on electronic devices versus quality time with their parents and guardians? How can one be sure that one’s teachings is more influential than what our children are exposed to online? Are we sure about the sites our children are accessing both in our presence and absence? All in all, this is food for thought. As parents and guardians, times have changed and we will certainly have to change our approaches to bringing up our children. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Poverty levels
Please know, as a retiree, born and raised in Nadi, allow me, on behalf of the silent majority, to say this respectfully. To all our political leaders, on the ground, poverty is very real. To those living on the very margins of society, $100 buys us peanuts today. Every single item of veggie in Namaka Market has increased. Basic grocery items included. You don’t need me to tell you. Come shop for yourself. Believe me, if it were not for caring friends, life is a bigger struggle. Doing the odd casual work, just to cope, is a sheer necessity for our survival. I am thankful for my good faith grounding taught by our Marist sisters and fathers. Divine strength and guidance comes from up above. Perseverance against all difficulties to live, one day at a time. The will to live remains as strong as ever; against all challenges. Our betrayal by FNPF Pre-2012 Decree, against the irrevocability of our membership and pensions is the cruellest blow. FNPF simply failed my group of retirees. You sadly buckled and caved in, under the then, “Power of Two”. The rest is history. I believe it took a “vulagi” to put words in your mouth. You failed to look after your own. I believe our very own Fijians in leadership failed our own Fijian people. What a sad betrayal. It is such a real shame. Enough of “eloquent” diatribe to the contrary. All Brownie points. Your words against ageing retirees. Our numbers steadily dwindle. In time, we will no longer exist. The “bigger boys” almost always cannot be defeated. Your day will come. Your heartlessness will be your defining legacy. Equally so, the political will to bring an amicable solution is relatively and evidently, non-existent. How degrading? Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Winless as coach
Ben Gollings did not win a single tournament during his term as Fiji 7s coach. Osea Kolinisau did one better by not winning a single match in a tournament. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Leadership hypocrisy
For someone who repeatedly wastes time and breaches transparency and good governance — most notably by being convicted of violating the Exchange Control Act for stationing money overseas — should be the last person to have aspiration for leadership in our beloved nation. That person is none other than Mahendra Pal Chaudhry (FT 8/25). Avenai Serutabua Nabukelevu Village, Serua
CNN report
CNN reports that Pakistan did Pahalgam tragedy at the behest of China. It further said that this was a proxy war with USA standing with India and China with Pakistan. Indian military experts are saying that if Pakistan retaliates, a much bigger and stronger military strike will come from India. Pakistan’s future as a nation appears bleak with the Balochistan Army and Teherike Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants attacking from behind. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Look to the mirror
Three-wheeler Coalition Government leadership, you can always look back to the mirror to find out the best answer as to why are the very same people that voted for you in are now throwing stones at your glasshouse. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Mobile phones
Looking at the adverts on mobile phones to be gifted on Mother’s Day, I feel they may be addicted to be prisoners of mobile phones. That’s why they are called cell phones. Gift your lovely mum with love, prayers and well wishes from the heart and be blessed. Happy Mother’s Day. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Drua’s key
The Fijian Drua’s Valetini holds the key to tonight’s Super Rugby clash in Suva. He must keep that ball in the air to frustrate the Blues. He has got runners under high balls, kick, pass, over the top kicks, cross kicks and drop goals. Never allow the Blues to dictate and use pressure, field positional kicks to take them away from your 22 always! Keep them running Drua. LUKE KULANIKORO
Savusavu
Law of the land and 7s
Replacing the Constitution?
Jan Nissar of Sydney, Australia has read and interpreted my letter out of context (FT 6/5). Living and writing from overseas, he does not feel the worries, pain and suffering we Fijians are going through in Fiji, especially the latest heart breaking news of family murder and suicide deaths, among other problems on the rise in Fiji. As a born again Christian, I believe that it is time for Fijians to act and take positive action so that the words of our national anthem which begins with the words: “Blessing grant oh God of nations on the Isles of Fiji” and ends with “May God bless Fiji forever more,”becomes a reality. Replacing the Constitution with the Holy Bible as suggested by Jan Nissar or making Fiji a Christian State, is not the answer as these will not change the human hearts. I wrote that Jesus is the answer for Fiji today, which Jan Nissar has refuted, maybe because he is not a Christian and has never experienced the reality of the heart changing life one receives when Christ is invited to be our Lord and Saviour. In Christ, one loves God with all their heart and will love others as they love themselves. The final plea in our national anthem “May God bless Fiji forever more” will become a reality. Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa Tacirua
Supreme authority
In a democracy, the constitution is not just a document – it’s the highest expression of the people’s will and the ultimate guardian of their rights. Presidents and prime ministers are not rulers; they are elected servants of the people. They do not wield absolute power — they operate under the authority of the constitution, to which they have sworn an oath of allegiance. When any elected leader defies or disregards the constitution, they betray the trust of the people and violate the very foundation of democratic governance. Such a breach is not just a political misstep — it’s a moral and legal failure that demands accountability. No individual, no matter how powerful or popular, stands above the constitution. Perhaps someone should remind Donald Trump or any leader tempted to put ego above law — that in a true democracy, the supreme authority is not the person in power. It’s the constitution. Maybe someone forgot to tell Donald Trump. Colin Deoki Australia
Standout season for Nasova!
Since making his debut for the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s side at So Kon Po Stadium last season, Joji Nasova has never looked back, making headlines and impressing rugby pundits with his deft and sharp footwork, electric pace and the ability to beat opponents with ease. I’m delighted with Nasova’s achievement as the 24-year-old became only the fourth Fijian after the likes of Vilimoni Delasau (1999-2000- 83 tries), Nasoni Rokobiau (2002-03) and Samisoni Viriviri (2013-14) to earn the top try-scoring honours in a single series. Nasova, who scored 26 tries, shared the spoils with Argentina’s Marcos Moneta who was also rewarded for a fine and sterling performance despite his injury. In Dubai, Nasova and the 7s team triumphed over Argentina with an impressive score of 43-21 in the semis. Demonstrating their prowess, Fiji outperformed their South American rivals by scoring seven tries to Argentina’s three. Nasova scored two breathtaking tries in that famous win. With his ability, Nasova has become one of Fiji’s most lethal attacking threats and is an inspiration and motivation to upcoming players. Although Fiji failed to win a single match in Los Angeles, Nasova’s achievement is something worth celebrating. Congrats Nasova for the standout season! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
