FAME Awards RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU
THE Fiji Times Fiji Achievement in Media Excellence Awards lift-out (FT: 13/12) brought out two powerful messages -— secretary of the Fiji Media Association Stanley Simpson that we have outlived an era that tried to silence us and the second one by the president Rosi Doviverata, urging Fijians not to be silenced by fear. Both messages shed light on the challenges Fiji’s media industry in particular The Fiji Times and Fiji One went through when we had the Media Industry Development Act. We should never allow any other act to silence the work of the media and instill in our journalists fear!
Sigatoka police station JAHEED BUKSH KOROLEVU, SIGATOKA
I WONDER when the government will build a new Sigatoka police station.
Salus Populi WISE MUAVONO BALAWA, LAUTOKA
THE motto of the Fiji Police Force “Salus Populi” means “The health (welfare, salvation, felicity) of the people should be the supreme law”. Sadly some officers are involved in extra-curricular activities like the illicit drug trade which is harmful to individuals and society. Doing totally the opposite of what they stand for. Sobo!
FNPF securing our future TAHIR ALI HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND
THANK you The Fiji Times for your exciting news on FNPF high quality assets with strong income and potential capital growth (FT 11/12). We should take it as a guarantee for future security of all the members. Those retired pensioners, loyal members of FNPF to date, look forward to celebrate Christmas with our overdue entitlements that was taken away from us by the 2012 decree. Long live FNPF for future security of the next generation.
Specially abled people JAN NISSAR SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
NO doubt the PM is really a very smart man. Why else would he still be around in the highest office in the land some 40 years after he perpetrated the illegal “events of 1987”. One cannot say the same about the people of Fiji though. The people of Fiji cannot seem to get enough of him even after he has done nothing, I believe, but brought grief. The people of Fiji are what I would call “specially abled people” but they still remain truly blessed.
Reduced FNPF pension RONNIE CHANG MARTINTAR, NADI
REFERENCE is made to Ajai Kumar – FT Saturday, December 13, 2025 – page 9. His views are noted. In Fiji today, under Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and his capable Coalition Government, democracy is alive and well. (Very unlike Bai and Kai’s FijiFirst government. There was much suppression and authoritarian rule). We are entitled to our freedoms of expressions as we fight to defend our stolen pensions. The betrayed Pre-2011 FNPF pensioners are capable enough in handling our own fight for justice. Leave us alone. We will paddle our own canoe. Our stolen pensions are none of your business. Politely, I urge you to simply “back off”. This is none of your business. It’s ours. Ajai Kumar can also learn to paddle his own canoe with a simple MYOB formula. That’s his freedom.
Lie detector DONALD SINGH SUVA
COULD the TRC use the lie detector? The problem though would be the interviewees simply bypass the parameters used by the machine.
Should we be worried? KIRTI PATEL LAUTOKA
A QUESTION I asked my eye doctor several times was, should I be worried? Is the same question lingering on the minds of many after hearing from Dialogue Fiji on the restrictions of speech on the Referendum Bill 2025. Should I or we be worried?
Rest in peace RONNIE CHANG MARTINTAR, NADI
AT this time of writing it is 9.46am Saturday, December 13, 2025. My Xavier High School friend from 1970, breathed his last earlier in the week. He vacated his earthly home. And is now taking his final journey to the Capital City, Suva for his last rites and accorded final funerary functions. His personal wish for privacy is respected. His passing makes him the third male betrayed Pre-2011 FNPF pensioner, from his Martintar St., to be called “home”. This is real. Time is of the essence. Tomorrow is never promised. Who is next? The FNPF Board remains defiant with zero empathy, respect; and their belief to “hold on to” both Bai and Kai’s FNPF Decree and their un-elected, now disbanded, Fiji First government of the day. This cruelty is clearly exhibited for the whole wide financial world to see. A total betrayal of irrevocable pensions taken away. Why? Who gained by robbing us of our just pensions? Imagine those on lower end income who banked on receiving their whimsical $2000 monthly pensions, or less, in the retirement. Imagine, via Bai and Kai’s cruelty, had their pensions, halved. Out of dread, fear and hopelessness from future aggravated losses, opted lump sum. This did not last long. These are the very pensioners who are betrayed the most today. Denied the chance to live comfortably and die a decent death. Their exacerbated suffering continues. It is for them, I lend my voice – the voiceless majority in their twilight years. The daily suffering is very real. We wait, pray and hope time does not run out on us too. The higher end income pensioners got their lifeline back at the hands of the Coalition Government, headed by Prime Minister Rabuka. They get to live. They are the most fortunate ones …. out of our grouping from 2012. The lower end pensioners have suffered 14 long painful years of immense hardship – teetering along poverty lines. nightmare does not go away. Dreams for a better tomorrow are so elusive. The current FNPF Board does not have a heart. Do they have a face? They have an 11th Commandment: “Betray”. Period.
A Christmas message NOLEEN BILLINGS SAVUSAVU
WITH a New Year challenge, dear children of Fiji, Bula and Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. Christmas is a special time — a time for family, love, sharing, and joy. It is a time when we remember how important we are to one another, and how we can make our homes, schools, and communities happier and stronger places. You are very important. You are loved. You matter. You are not just children of today — you are the future of Fiji. One day, you will be the teachers, nurses, farmers, leaders, parents, and caretakers of our nation. What you learn now, and the choices you make now, will help shape the Fiji of tomorrow. Just like adults and youth have responsibilities, children also have responsibilities. Your parents and guardians care for you, protect you, and work hard for you. In return, you also have a duty to them and to your community. You can show this by: Listening to your parents and guardians, especially when they give you good advice; �� Helping at home — with chores, younger siblings, and small tasks; �� Being honest — telling the truth even when it is hard; �� Being patient and kind — to your family, friends, and classmates; ��Showing respect — to elders, teachers, parents, and leaders; Following rules at home and at school; and ��Learning and doing your best. School is important. Learning helps you grow strong in your mind and prepares you for the future. Study hard. Try your best, even when work feels difficult. Ask for help when you need it. Do not give up. Your best effort matters more than being perfect. Most people are kind and want the best for you. But it is also important to know that not everyone is safe. Some people may try to trick children, use them, or take advantage of their kindness. This is why you must always be alert and careful. Remember: Be respectful, but do not trust everyone straight away. Respect is earned, and it is okay to say no when something feels wrong. Do not go with people you do not know or trust. Do not accept gifts, promises, or favours that make you uncomfortable. Always tell your parents, guardians, or a trusted adult if someone makes you feel scared, confused, or uneasy. Being kind does not mean being unsafe. Being polite does not mean staying silent when something feels wrong. You have rights — the right to be safe, the right to learn, the right to be cared for and loved. But remember this important truth: With rights come responsibilities. That means: If you have the right to be cared for, you have the responsibility to be respectful. If you have the right to education, you have the responsibility to learn. If you have the right to be heard, you have the responsibility to speak wisely and listen to others. As the New Year begins, here is your challenge: Be a better listener. Be a better helper. Be kind but wise. Be honest, even when it is difficult. Be brave enough to say no when something feels wrong. Be a good example to other children. Make choices that make your parents proud. Choose what is right, not just what is easy. Even small, good choices can make a big difference. You are part of a bigger family — your home, your school, your community, and your nation. When children do good, families become stronger. When families are strong, communities grow. When communities grow, Fiji becomes a better place for everyone. This Christmas, remember that you have the power to make a change — by being loving, respectful, hardworking, careful, and kind. May your hearts be full of joy, your minds full of learning, and your futures full of hope. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Believe in yourself. Do your best. Fiji is counting on you. With love and encouragement.
Double loss for Naqali SEVECI TORA TACIRUA HEIGHTS
THERE is a grief that words can hardly hold. This week, Naqali Village carries a weight that seems unimagi nable — the loss of two beautiful souls, bound not just by family, but by a profound and gentle love. First, the unfathomable loss of Salote Sikiti, a 15-year-old girl whose light was described in the softest, most powerful terms: a quiet smile, a compassionate heart, a student who was always there for others. Her teachers and friends from Dilkusha Methodist High School remember her not for loudness, but for a kindness that made her stand out. In her “attentive, quiet, and meek” nature, she carried a strength of spirit that touched everyone around her. Her best friend remembers that smile. Her teacher is reassured that such a gentle heart is now at peace. A life of such promise, gone far too soon. But the story, and the heartbreak, deepens. For the man who raised Salote from the age of eight, Mosese Vosabeci, her loss was a weight his heart could not bear. They say he was a father in every way that matters, and the despair of losing his child was overwhelming. He grappled with the crushing news, and just hours after speaking of his distress, he too passed away—a tragedy villagers say was borne from extreme emotional stress, from a love so deep that he could not stay in a world without her. This is not just a story of two separate passings. It is the story of a love so strong it transcended even death. A father’s heart, broken for his daughter, has now stopped beating alongside hers. As they are laid to rest together. A village mourns a cherished child and the man who cherished her. A classroom has lost its quiet, compassionate friend. A community is shaken to its core. In this devastating double loss, we are reminded of the fragile, incredible bonds that hold us together. Let us hold our loved ones closer. Let us practice the compassion Salote showed so freely. Let us honour Mosese’s devoted love. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with their family, friends, and the entire village. Rest in Eternal Peace, dear Salote. Rest in Eternal Peace, loving Mosese. You are together now, and your memory will forever be a testament to the power of love—both in life and in heartbreak.
