Embrace our identity at black-tie events
I was thrilled to see the Waste Recyclers Fiji/Pacific Recycling Foundation team’s attire at the Prime Minister’s International Business Awards. While attire and dress-ups are overrated, they can still convey strong messages. I have noticed Amitesh Deo always embraces cultural identity, and I was happy he did the same during this black-tie event. We must be proud of our iTaukei and Indian culture. Combining the two is such a powerful testament to our togetherness. Shalvin Singh Rewa Street, Suva
Villages under municipalities
I was taken aback somewhat when the following screamed in blue fonts on the FT online “48 iTaukei villages formally brought under municipalities under new by-laws, they will now be required to pay municipal service fee”. Bang! Who saw this coming! Initially when I heard about the looming incorporating of itaukei villages under municipalities a few weeks ago, I thought to myself that this move would potentially make an impact on municipal council elections and voter bases of certain candidates or parties. I seriously hadn’t considered the rates that were kicking in as a direct consequence of the move! Keeping up with paying town rates isn’t easy. To sum it, I would call this a leap towards modernisation and fairness. Everyone pays for the service received. In Chinese they say (diqiu shang meiyou mianfei de wucan, or, there’s no free lunch in the world). Donald Singh Suva
FNPF issue
The FNPF and Minister of Finance seem to agree that the FNPF Act needs reviewing after it was replaced in 2012 by two military decrees. We heard they are “the law” that ties FNPF’s hands and renders it impotent to assist us pensioners. That our so-called fight which was foisted on us, is with Government and not with FNPF! The Media Decree was repealed early in this Government’s term and we now hear that the military Surfing Decree is to be repealed next week to ensure resource owners receive their rightful compensation for the use and enjoyment of their natural resources. Can we, abandoned pensioners, assume that the repeal of the notorious FNPF Decree No.51 is also imminent and will be included in the FNPF review to enable us pensioners to receive our just entitlements? We live in hope that there will finally be some respite for us pensioners as we approach another festive season. Or has Father Christmas also abandoned us? Daniel Fatiaki Suva
Does sorry pay?
Yes absolutely, Donald it certainly pays, and in this country, it can buy your way out of the deepest pit. (FT 02/12). If the legendary matanigasau, our national reset button, paired with a bundle of grog can magically “neutralise” just about anything, including treasonous acts, then a simple “sorry” is basically loose change. That’s Fijian culture for you — where remorse is optional but performance is compulsory. Fiji is truly blessed! Nishant Singh Lautoka
Train teachers and parents
The Fiji Times timely news that Fijian teachers “need training to discipline children” (3/11) is true but I see there is also a need to educate parents in partnership for further progress in education. I believe parents have a major role to supervise, to discipline children from home to school. With psychological and humanistic approach, teachers, parents and education stakeholders will be able to understand children as every child is our hope. Praise good behaviour rather than punish misbehaviour. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Voreqe and Aiyaz
In saying that the people of Fiji can only be thankful Voreqe Bainimarama and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum “lacked the wisdom to remain in power” (FT 2/12), Dan Urai is simply flogging a dead horse. Every Fijian and his dog know the two former rulers are now history. Dan Urai would do well for himself and the people of Fiji by paying more attention to the shenanigans and shambolic governance of the Rabuka gang in government that has replaced them in power. I trust the veteran trade unionist will use his wisdom to do that. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Truth and reconciliation
I honestly think the Truth and Reconciliation Commission should be disbanded. Sukha Singh Labasa
Bank inaction
My old Suva soccer mate Vijay Madhavan encountered inordinate delay at the ANZ Bank in Suva. But I encountered prompt service at the same bank from the security at the door who ordered me to remove my cap from my head. I am sure he wanted my bald head to enjoy the airconditioning at the bank! Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Wasting time
The Truth & Reconciliation Commission is not just a waste of money; it is obviously a waste of time. Not only that, but the PM is wasting everyone’s time. Is there anything new he has told us? Jan Nissar Khajuraho, India
Bank note
So I know this one swiper who is excited about the new bank notes. Especially the $100 note. He thinks it is the most inspirational. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Change of note
Our new banknotes have been recognised as the best in the Asian Middle East and African region. Oh, if only their buying power would go up! We don’t want a beautiful bank note, we want a bank note that has a powerful buying power, even if it looks ugly. Oh, by the way, when I fly, I want to go “up”. NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Sugar and justice
Time for justice
How can any nation claim to be fair, just, or compassionate when some of its own pensioners — men and women who’ve spent a lifetime working, building their retirement nest egg and believing in the system are now struggling to survive because the very institution entrusted with their retirement has failed them miserably? These aren’t numbers on a spreadsheet. They’re mothers and fathers and grandparents. They’re former teachers, labourers, nurses, office workers, farmers — ordinary citizens who honoured their commitments and played their part in building the nation. Yet in the final stretch of their lives, they’re now left counting coins, tightening belts and quietly carrying a burden they didn’t create. For many, their pension funds were not just savings. They were a promise. A promise of dignity. A promise of security. A promise that after decades of contribution and sacrifice, they would not be abandoned. When that promise is broken, it’s not just a financial injustice. It’s a moral failure. Let this be said plainly and without apology: If restitution isn’t provided, if silence continues to replace accountability, then those responsible must be prepared to face the consequences of betraying the very people who trusted them. Because when you give your elder citizens a raw deal, you’re not merely short-changing individuals — you’re undermining the moral foundation and fabric of the nation itself. And nations built on broken promises eventually face their comeuppance. The time for excuses and justification has passed. The time for justice is now. Colin Deoki Australia
Rakiraki Mill
So the Government wants a 10,000 tonnes per day (~400 tph) sugar mill to replace the demolished Penang Mill. Whose leg are they pulling? Where will the cane come from to sustain that tonnage? Even if all the land in the area served by the mill were brought back into production, including Barotu and other areas closer to the mill that have been allowed to become unproductive, it is extremely doubtful that a 10,000 tonnes per day mill would be viable. Do your sums fellows and make sure you’re not going to finish up with a very costly white elephant. A 3000 or 5000 tonnes per day mill could always be expanded should the supply of cane eventually require such an expansion. Peter Arnold Hanley St, Bohle Plains, Townsville, Australia
