Tabuya’s appointment
Tabuya ‘will shine’
I welcome the appointment of Honourable Lynda Tabuya as Minister for Information. I know this news will not go down easily with her critics, but the Prime Minister has made his call and we must respect that. Personally, I have never had issues with Ms Tabuya as I have always seen her as a fighter and an advocate for the poor and needy. Ms Tabuya is a household name. She is an inspiration to girls and women. In the 2018 National Elections, Ms Tabuya polled 8795 votes (1.94 per cent of the total votes), while in 2022 she polled 11965 votes (2.54 per cent of the total votes). She has been vocal on issues affecting ordinary Fijians, girls and women. In her capacity as the Minister for Women, she made the difference. I vividly remember how vocal Ms Tabuya was when the staff of ATS were locked out from work in 2017. She supported them and fought for their rights. Her presence during the march in Nadi in 2018 signaled the beginning of her political career. Ms Tabuya has always been the voice of ordinary Fijians. I respect her personal life and I believe as Minister for Information she will shine and continue to inspire the young! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Proud people
The people of Fiji must feel very proud and blessed that they have virtually every member of their current government — the Rabuka gang in government — as a minister or assistant minister. They no doubt have a government dedicated to their welfare and best interest. Now a previously sacked minister has also been reinstated as a minister with a different portfolio to serve the people of Fiji. Such a dedicated government is rare in Fiji’s history. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia
Disappointing appointment
Lynda Tubuya’s appointment as Information Minister is not just disappointing, it is an insult to every citizen who believes in integrity, accountability, and merit in public office. This is an individual whose past conduct made her a national laughing stock, following the circulation of a deeply inappropriate video that undermined her credibility. Her name became synonymous with controversy, not leadership. Yet, against all logic and despite earlier reassurances that she would not be given any ministerial role, the Prime Minister has handed her the keys to one of the most sensitive portfolios in Government. I wonder what made Rambo change his aging mind. This isn’t just about Lynda. This is about the blatant disregard for public opinion and the erosion of ethical standards at the highest levels of Government. It sends a clear message that loyalty, political convenience, or internal party maneuvering matter more than public trust. If the Prime Minister believes this appointment is in the nation’s best interest, then he owes us a full public explanation. Otherwise, silence will only confirm what many already suspect, that character and competence no longer matter in leadership. NISHANT SINGH Lautoka
Sugar industry
I refer to Sailesh Naidu’s article on the sugar industry (FT Aug 5) in which he states that reports on the sugar industry sounds like a broken record, focused more on blaming the problems rather than offering concrete solutions. If one looks at history, the sugar industry had become more of a “political activity” than an “economic activity”. Briefly put, first the NFP leadership discussed ALTA (Agricultural Landlord and Tenants Act); ALTO (Agricultural Landlord and Tennants Ordinance) with Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara’s government. NFP also supported a farmer’s organisation named “Federation of Canegrowers”. There was never a long-term security of land tenure for the farmers which is the foundation of any industry. Then enters the Fiji Labour Party with the National Farmers Union. With subsequent coups and expiring land leases and aging sugar mills, the demise of the industry was written all over the walls. Now it’s on life support —government allocation. A week and a half has passed, I believe, when the Sugar Minister and the chairman of FSC, Nitya Reddy, had lambasted MP Chaudhary over some issue on the industry. Mr Chaudhary wants accountability for your decisions because sugar cane farming is a political activity apart from being a livelihood for farmers. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
Market colour
Perhaps the administration should involve community input to gather feedback on colour preferences. I wonder who selected the colour for Lautoka Municipal Market, fantastic job. My friend Brookes is from Sigatoka and he loves to ride on a horse! NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Rate increase
Lautoka City Council, I believe intends to increase city rates by five percent. I hope that proper procedures will be followed before such an increase will be gazetted into law. DAN URAI Lautoka
Bush life
I heard that the award-winning Australian journalist is contemplating on throwing in the towel. I have also heard that his site is a renowned source for information (predominantly political in nature) on Fiji. But lucky us (and the rest), we have a new information minister. Without an adequate supply of information (for the site followers and the rest), it would have become like life in the bush. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Soccer and Trump’s tariffs
Eye-opener for Junior Kulas
Someone’s got to be fired after the disastrous outing by the Junior Kulas who were embarrassed by Samoa. The women in blue thrashed the Junior Kulas 4-0. This scoreline is disgusting. I repeat, it is disgusting. I may sound harsh, but I’m very upset with the way Fiji performed against Samoa. Hey, we used to thrash the Samoans, Tongans and the likes and now they are humbling us. If I was the Fiji FA president, I would have sacked the entire team management for bringing disrepute to football in this nation. Big brother from Savusavu, Shariff Shah, has written numerous letters on Fiji’s declining performance in football, and I’m sure he has something up his sleeve. It’s just unacceptable for Fiji to be thrashed by Samoa. Wailei! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
India’s response
Finally, India has responded to President Trump’s tariffs. Hindustan Times reports that India’s External Affairs Ministry said “India began importing (oil) from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The US at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability. The ministry also pointed out that nations criticising India “are themselves indulging in trade with Russia” referring to USA buying Russian uranium. Europe is buying Russian oil through India since only Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industry Oil Refinery in Jam Nagar, Gujarat can refine Russian oil.
Political pundits are now saying that President Trump, creating this chaos, will weaken USA and possibility he will be removed by Republicans and Democrats after the November 2026 Congressional elections. The situation reminds me of a Bollywood song filmed with actor, Salman Khan “tum Karo toh sab raas leela hai , hum kare toh sala character dheela hai” (if you behave like this, it’s the dance of divine love. If I do the same, my character is loose? What nonsense). RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi