Portable speed camera DONALD SINGH SUVA THIS portable speed camera placed at Korotogo, Sigatoka on Friday afternoon, some five metres before the 80kmph threshold sign on the Suva bound side, was a brilliant idea. Brilliant, cunning and fraudulent. That’s if I get a speeding ticket. Having maintained my speed well below 50 throughout the Korotogo section, I carefully accelerated at the end of the slow zone, reaching around 70 five metres before the 80kmph threshold sign. I was driving alone so the xyz’s came out loud from the bottom of my heart (pocket, maybe) when I saw this black device on the side of the road, on the left. So what speed exactly was calibrated on the camera? 50 or 80? If 50, then the day’s takings could well be termed as ‘proceeds of crime’. Clever deception in action. But hopefully I was under the speed limit of 80, since I was about 70. That’s puzzling math. It was too risky taking a photo of the device while driving.
Missing cargo SAMU RAILOA NADI INTERLINK Shipping Limited should take a leaf from Gounder Shipping Limited’s cargo processing and handling, especially after the fiasco on MV Blue Phoenix which arrived in Suva from Vanua Balavu on Friday, November 7, 2025. I was one of the few customers who lost their fish cargo. The manager on deck took us to sea explaining their process and how cargo can go missing, and was audacious to even suggest that I check back in the afternoon and pick whatever cargo was left unclaimed from the cooler. What a rip off! The consumer watchdogs must investigate the affairs of this particular shipping company.
Japan visit JAN NISSAR LAUTOKA OUR PM is such a powerful world leader that the new Japanese PM saw it fit to invite our PM as one of the first leaders to visit Japan to “strengthen ties” between the two countries. Our PM is such a beacon of strength, hope and a national treasure. What will Fiji, Fijians and indeed the world do without him? He has got all the medals to prove it. Surely the PM will return bearing some gifts from Japan for the blessed people of Fiji.
Standing committee DAN URAI LAUTOKA I BELIEVE the role of a parliamentary standing committee is to listen to members of the public, views and statements than compile a report to be presented to parliament. Their role is not to steamroll the government bill.
Election issue JUKI FONG CHEW NADAWA, NASINU AS we approach the election year, we are seeing visitation to the people and areas of interest by politicians (past and present). All are trying to be relevant now and wanting to be people-friendly, taking a selfie and commenting on issues that it should be done like this or like that. What is most interesting to note, the ordinary people have the power in their hands to vote someone into parliament or out. Please people you be the judge and do not waste your time or vote on irrelevant politicians. Election aweh.
New education Bill CONAN HATCH NADI AIRPORT I READ an opinion by Ro Naulu Mataitini (FT 15/11) and was really glad that someone had the courage to speak up for the current and future generations of youth, mainly iTaukei who will grow up under the changes made to our laws in regards to discipline at home and at school. It is clear that we have advocates for both sides of the issue. However, I am of the firm view and belief that when we disregard biblical and a commonsense approach to the discipline of our children, we will suffer negative consequences. Even a modern democracy like the USA allows smacking of children for disciplinary reasons at home. Within that allowance, some states make certain restrictions to avoid abuse. This is a common sense approach.
Real leadership sits with the people INDAR DEO BISUN SAKOCA HEIGHTS TAMAVUA, SUVA ACCORDING to a recent newspaper post, Fiji Labour Party leader and National Farmers Union (NFU) general secretary Mahendra Chaudhry spent his Sunday morning sharing tea and bread with exhausted cane lorry drivers near the congested Lautoka Mill. He highlighted the “dire and ignored” conditions endured by these farmers and drivers during this crushing season, where many wait between 12 and 36 hours just to unload their cane. Some are stranded for more than a day without proper rest or support. For the past two weeks, the NFU tent has been providing free light breakfasts and evening meals to these hardworking men. The situation worsened following the temporary closure of the firedamaged Rarawai Mill, placing enormous pressure on the already strained operations of the Lautoka Mill. Mr Chaudhry noted that the initiative only became necessary because the Fiji Sugar Corporation, the Ministry of Sugar, and the Cane Growers Council had “chosen to ignore the plight” of farmers and drivers. This issue brings into sharp focus what leadership should look like, especially during a time of year when care and compassion are most needed. Our MPs are entrusted not only with debating laws and policies but also with demonstrating humanity toward the people they represent. Political debates are normal and necessary in a democracy. Differences of opinion can help strengthen decision-making and ensure accountability. However, empathy should never be overshadowed by political pointscoring. The suffering of our cane farmers and drivers, who sustain the backbone of our sugar industry, should not be reduced to parliamentary theatrics. These individuals deserve more than arguments; they deserve attention, respect, and real support. This festive season offers our leaders an opportunity to rise above rhetoric and demonstrate what compassionate leadership truly looks like. Sometimes, leadership begins with something as simple as sitting with those who endure hardship daily—listening, understanding, and acting. Let this Christmas be a reminder that the measure of leadership is one reaches out to those who need it most.
Back-to-school assistance! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU PARENTS these days are so lucky. The government is providing the back-to-school assistance to ensure that every child, who is eligible, attends school. The bus fare scheme is assisting hundreds of parents and children, while the $200 back-to-school assistance will help parents buy school stationery and other school-based needs. During our days, there was no such assistance, but parents made every effort to ensure that their child attended school. I’m so thankful to the government of the day for continuing with the $200 back-to-school assistance. Some will never be satisfied, but something is better than nothing. I salute the Minister for Education, Honourable Aseri Radrodro, for the initiative in deferring the payment to prevent parents from misusing the funds during the festive season. This stance was taken after repeated cases of the allowance being spent on non-school items before the start of the academic year. The ministry must ensure that children, who receive the $200 assistance complete the academic year. If they don’t complete the academic year, action must be taken against the parent/ guardian for abuse of funds. After all, taxpayers are funding the $200 back-to-school assistance. The ministry must also come hard on businesses who raise prices of school supplies when the assistance is paid out. Slap them with fines to teach them a bitter lesson! Parents and guardians must act responsibly and ensure that the $200 assistance provided is utilised for the right purpose.
To be a leader JAN NISSAR LAUTOKA TO be a leader in Fiji, it is essential that the person must have a prerequisite of either having served in Mickey Mouse Pacific countries such as Tuvalu, Nauru, Palau, Cook Islands or the like and they must have a record of ethical misconduct in their relevant profession or both. Such qualifications and experience will make the ideal candidate for PM, Acting PM or the A-G or any other leadership position. Anything less would make the person ineligible. This, of course, is a cultural and traditional thing unique to Fiji which the vulagi will never be able to understand.
