Bimla’s Butt St business
It touched my heart to see aunty Bimla Prasad, who is a well-known shopkeeper at Butt St and has been serving since 1988, feature on the front page of this week’s Shopper Column. The face, which is synonymous with those working along Butt St, had valuable tips for the readers, encouraging them to maintain healthy habits. Her shopping habits focus on healthy eating, particularly her emphasis on adding vegetables to every meal. According to the businesswoman, her commitment to healthy living was not only a personal choice but also a reflection of her awareness of the importance of good healthy habits. Those around Bimla will know that her dedication and friendly service has made her a go-to person. The 64-year-old values the sense of purpose her work provides and this is one major reason for her success. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Bimla’s business
Although the headline used by The Fiji Times could have been more appropriately phrased, Bimla’s story of resilience and achievement remains commendable. At 64 years of age, when many individuals tend to adopt a slower and more laid back pace of life, she has chosen to continue her daily work with steadfast dedication. For more than two decades, this widow has diligently operated her modest canteen on Butt St consistently serving her customers with humility and commitment. Her journey exemplifies that age is no impediment to progress and success. Aunty Bimla, we salute you. Your journey is a powerful reminder of what resilience really looks like. You have set a shining example of patience and perseverance, and your story will continue to inspire many. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Thank you Colin
My sincere thanks and utmost appreciation goes to Colin Deoki’s piece “The word ‘Provident’” FT 21/11). Thank you for another “Masterpiece”. In short, the Fiji National Provident Fund, ie, FNPF is everything but living out its duty of care to so many hurt and suffering pre-2011 pensioners — I believe, totally betrayed by former FijiFirst Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. Supported by Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, I believe, together they hatched this heartbreaking and infamous FNPF Decree. FNPF today, with both Bai and Kai are the perfect trio in our exacerbated pain and suffering. You win today. Tomorrow will judge you best. Pride always comes before a fall. “Blessed are the lowly for they shall be uplifted. The Lord will scatter the proud-hearted.” “E dua ga na siga. One day Mafatu. That judgement day is promised.” Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Cremation privacy
I am of the view that families of the deceased, especially when a lady passes on, should make strict privacy rules for cremation. This should be observed by close family members only. To me, it does not look good for a lady to be surrounded by men of the larger communities during the funeral rites at the cemetery. The same women would never want to be seen sleeping by a group of men when she was alive. Perspectives may differ but I write this with the utmost respect for the deceased. Ashis Kumar Ba
Tradition and culture
Entitled arrogance seems to be an ingrained part of the culture and tradition of the country. Add to this the culture and tradition of liumuri, sabotage and kaila and the sense of achievement and euphoria when one breaks the trust with someone who has put their trust in you. All this for short term gain. The G11 is a classic example. Should I mention a passionate belief in black magic combined with Christianity. All of this makes Fiji a culturally unique place. These are proud traditions and culture which the vulagi will never understand. I can safely claim that I understand Fijian tradition and culture better than anyone. But one thing remains unchanged, the people of Fiji are truly blessed. Jan Nissar Lautoka
Action against Prof Narsey
I wish to commend Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga for taking prompt action in issuing a warning to Professor Wadan Narsey following his publication of a two-page opinion article on the Electoral Reform Commission report in The Fiji Times last week. Such action was entirely warranted, as Professor Narsey clearly exceeded the bounds of his mandate. However, given the serious issues surrounding the Commission of Inquiry and the sensitivities inherent in electoral reform, stronger punitive action would be appropriate. Publishing a personal opinion on a matter of national importance, in clear breach of contractual obligations, is deplorable —especially from a learned man who is well aware of the rules governing his role. It is important to note that the proposed electoral formula has not received the consent of the Government, nor was it subjected to genuine consultation with the people of Fiji. At no stage were the commission’s proposals presented to the public for considered feedback. Grandstanding on such reforms, without proper process, risks undermining public confidence and the integrity of the reform process. Professor Narsey and his team should be reminded that their responsibility was to conduct a review for the Government’s consideration, not to publicly promote personal views or seek to shape public opinion outside official channels. I urge the Government to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to uphold the seriousness and credibility of this process. Dr Sushil K Sharma Lautoka
‘Fake’ Christians
So Fiji was one of the 10 countries that voted against a UN General Assembly resolution on continued assistance to Palestinian refugees? Very unchristian like isn’t it? We Fijians are becoming known to profess the Christian faith but our actions and lifestyle consistently contradict the core biblical teachings of love, obedience and inner transformation. Isa! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Jumping the gun
The Commission of Inquiry head goes ahead with divulging information while the process is still ongoing, and now one Electoral Reform Commissioner himself makes public the report recommendations. What would the best description of such behaviour be? Cart-before-the-horse? Trigger-happy? Jumping the gun? Donald Singh Suva
No overseas visit!
Can Fiji exist in isolation? DAN URAI Lautoka
Live coverage
Wise Muavono contributed in his letter in The Fiji Times about live coverage of the Flying Fijians test matches. In fact he is not alone in terms of matches not aired live. I agree with him, might as well don’t air Fiji vs Spain.
We, rugby fans are die-hard fans. And not airing Fiji vs England and Fiji vs France was really hurting. Aminisitai Tora Nadera, Nasinu
FNPF issue
Dewan Chand’s letter (FT 19/11) clarifies that the FNPF pension rates reduced by decree in 2012 is still not restored. The affected pensioners have been running in circles over the last 18 months, pleading for justice to restore their dues. Now it’s in the good hands of our honourable Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and his democratic government to justify. Let’s hope to see the light at the end of the tunnel by Christmas. Patience pays. Happy Christmas and a prosperous new year 2026. Secure your future with FNPF. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Mining laws
We the Mataqali and Tokatoka Nakauyawe of Nabukebuke Levu, Kadavu, offer our full support to the Tui Namosi, as regards above. We hope the Government reconsiders the landowners’ concerns, as their future matters and nothing else. Luke Kulanikoro Savusavu
Teaching and testimony
Art of teaching
Teaching is an art form, refined yet unseen
A canvas of minds kept thoughtful and clean
The art of teaching is dynamic and infinite in beauty
It nurtures young minds with patience and duty
Teaching is a long-term process to inspire and change
It broadens young minds as their dreams rearrange
Teachers are sculptors of futures untold
Moulding young thoughts like treasures of gold
Teaching embraces love, dedication, sacrifice and passion
It shapes tender minds with gentle human fashion
Teachers have the art of making complex issues simple and clear to students
They guide each mind with patience, care, and prudent moments
We teach ourselves from our past experience
Each mistake and triumph build our perseverance
We are a collection of the teachings we absorb from everyone
Lessons shining brightly like wisdom from the sun
In each person we meet, there is a lesson to embrace
A glimpse of hidden wisdom in every passing face
Some teach us patience when life feels like a race
Others show kindness that time can never erase
Teaching is a selfless profession that seeks the success of others
It heals hidden wounds and uplifts like no other
Everyone is the product of someone’s teaching
Their minds shaped and inspired, with knowledge worth reaching
Without teaching and learning, we are like a body without soul
A drifting ship at sea with no anchor and no goal
Teaching is not merely lesson and test
It is reaching the heart to bring out the best
So, let us salute the teachers with gratitude true
For building the world through the work that they do
Teaching holds humanity together
A beacon shining through stormy weather
It sparks a fire in minds once dim
And lights the path when days grow grim
The art of teaching is unique
It shapes the strong, empowers the meek
It plants bold dreams that students seek
And builds tomorrow from wisdom’s peak. BHAGWANJI BHINDI Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
Powerful testimony
I write to acknowledge the powerful testimony shared by Eremasi Matanatabu before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. His words captured something many in Fiji quietly feel: we have grown too accustomed to brushing aside serious wrongs without ever demanding real accountability. This is not about politics. It is about a national pattern. Too often, apologies and traditional ceremonies are treated as a full stop, even while those who caused suffering remain in positions of authority. As Matanatabu rightly said, reconciliation becomes meaningless when truth is avoided. Scripture gives us a similar picture. When David fled from the coup led by his own son, Absalom; Shimei, a Benjamite cursed him openly. David forgave him when he returned to the throne, but years later he told Solomon, “Hold him not guiltless”. Forgiveness did not cancel the need for accountability. Hidden wrongs eventually reveal themselves. That is the tension Fiji faces today. We want peace, but peace without truth is only delay. We want reconciliation, but reconciliation without responsibility cannot heal the nation. So the question that remains is simple: Who will be Solomon? Who will provide the leadership that insists not on revenge, but on honest accountability — the kind that allows genuine healing to finally take root? If Fiji is to break the cycle of repeated national wounds, the Commission must ensure that truth comes first, and that reconciliation is built on justice, not ceremony. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
