EFL questions
Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau has wasted no time in calling out the electricity tariff increase recently approved by the FCCC. As the majority shareholder in EFL, I believe Government has every right and authority to call for a suspension of the increase. I believe Minister Tuisawau is right as the line minister. Divestment of shares was carried out about a decade ago by the then decision makers. The result should have been smarter investment by the EFL and the incoming Japanese consortium and not burdening the citizens. It is baffling to hear the EFL heads talking about Fiji’s electricity tariffs being lower than regional countries. Running out of excuses it seems. Instead of increasing our reliability on renewable energy, and decreasing the dependence on diesel generators, EFL has chosen to increase revenue, aided by the FCCC. Is the new leadership at EFL just as bad, or even worse than the previous lot? So much for all the fancy speeches. Different toilet same crap. Vinaka Minister Tuisawau. Hope Government suspends the increase. Donald Singh Suva
New electricity tariff
Not only will the calendar change this New Year, but electricity bills will also take a decisive step forward. The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission has announced revised electricity tariff rates for both domestic and commercial customers, effective from January 2026. In the lead up to the announcement, social media was abuzz with claims of a blanket 22 per cent increase. In reality, the adjustment is rather more structured. Domestic consumers who use up to 100 units per month will continue to pay the existing rate of 34.1 cents per unit. Those consuming between 101 and 300 units will now pay an additional one cent per unit, while households using more than 300 units will incur an increase of two cents per unit. For commercial customers, tariff increases range from three cents to as much as twenty-two cents per unit, depending on the applicable consumption tier. By way of illustration, a household consuming an average of 150 units per month currently pays a VAT inclusive bill of $57.54. Under the revised tariff, the same level of consumption will cost $59.06, an increase of $1.52 for absolutely no additional electricity, comfort or illumination. Electricity, once regarded as an essential service, appears to be quietly repositioning itself as a luxury. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Maiden name voting
When the previous government bizarrely decided that all married women must use their maiden name to vote, I reluctantly signed up for a new card. I would appreciate the Elections Office telling married women why we were required to revert to our maiden names. If there is not a very good reason indeed, an irrefutable reason, might we please reinstate our married names in time for the election next year? Sue Cauty Pacific Harbour
New FRU CEO
We will see what the new CEO at the Fiji Rugby Union will do about the inclusion of all the people of Fiji in the sport. We will see if the policy of apartheid will continue in the sport in Fiji under his leadership. We will wait and see if anything will be actively done to change this or whether the same old same old will just continue for him just so that he can last in his job for a while. We will see if, like it has been with people holding this position in the past, it is all about self-preservation. I will wait and see if he replies to my letter, but I will not be holding my breath. Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
PM inspires students
The Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka inspires students to pursue their goals with many challenges, the way forward to succeed (FT 30/11). At times we have to struggle to succeed as the PM revealed his personal story in this newspaper. It touches the heart of many of us at this time of reconciliation process in Fiji’s multiracial and religious society. We can build Fiji with education in human values. To succeed in life, work towards your destiny to reach your goals. God bless us all. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Flamboyant flames
The flamboyant trees,
with their orange and red flames,
in pockets around the country,
showing its Christmas once again.
That flame line from the Phoenix to the Market,
now long gone,
to make way for progress and development,
the roadway now treeless and forlorn.
Sometimes we forget,
that in our strive for progress,
we do things that we can later regret,
when we destroy nature at its very best. Edward Blakelock Admirals Circle, Pacific Harbour
No care
I’ve noticed a rise in endemic lawlessness. Why? Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
TLTB deductions
As TLTB is at its prime time in lease distribution rollout to all 14 provinces of Fiji, there is skyrocketing concern from various landowners on the high amount of deductions implemented on their respective funds. At the end of the day, the landowners are left with only “cake crumbles” on their hands. Tevita Tuidraki Malolo
Monday sickness
It’s not Monday Sickness Arun Prasad, it’s Monday fever! (FT 20/12). Also don’t worry about the Labour Minister, I believe he is being paid for shooting straight. As they say, sa yawa dina! Luke Kulanikoro Savusavu
Fiji Airways
Shame on Fiji Airways for not coming on ground and handling the issue at Nadi International Airport. Salute to the ATS staff for being respectful and calm during the drama. I believe Fiji Airways should compensate all passengers for both return flights as they waited from morning till late night. Jaheed Buksh Korolevu, Sigatoka
Boring messages
I am bracing myself with trepidation for the same old Christmas messages once again from the Government, from politicians, the religious bodies and everyone else. Isn’t it the most boring message to go through year in/year out and nothing changes. In fact, things are getting worse as the days go by so the message needs to change. Everything needs to change. But one thing remains unchanged — the people of Fiji are truly blessed. Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
Confused voter
Which party will I support? I should be able to decide, hopefully, a few days before Christmas and the New Year. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Help me God for divine guidance. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Must and shall
If the words “must” and “shall” are stated to have the same meaning in our current Constitution, then it would not be far-fetched to assume that this interpretation, can also be extended to the use of either of these words in any subsequent legislation enacted thereafter, or proposed laws, eg, the Referendum Bill 2025, bearing in mind that the Constitution is the mother of all laws. There should, therefore, be no confusion when either of these words appear in the legislative provisions. Edward Blakelock Admirals Circle, Pacific Harbour
Guided by integrity
It is so good to see the National Federation Party invite candidates for general elections who are “guided by integrity” and who can demonstrate they “stand for transparency, accountability and democratic governance” (FT 20/12). I am sure NFP will attract many suitable candidates. One notable absence will be lawyer Dorsami Naidu, a former president of NFP who has reportedly joined Unity Fiji Party. I wonder why? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Santa and dreams
Father Christmas
The sound of the Christmas song: “Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way…” written by James Lord Pierport in 1857 still has the magical grip on the minds of people. The face lights up and energy runs through the veins and the imagery of Father Christmas (Santa Claus) springs into our mind. There can be no Christmas without the personified imagery of Father Christmas: it is the most enduring picture from our childhood. Father Christmas on magical sledge, loaded with gifts and being pulled by nine reindeers. The dressing of Father Christmas is evocative: a bright red suit with white fur trimmings on the cuffs, collar and ham. A wide black belt with a shiny buckle cinches his waist, adding to the jolly figure. Sturdy black boots complete the look, practical for snowy seasons. A red stocking cap with fluffy white pom pom is the signature headgear. White beard, rosy cheeks, cheerful smile, round glasses and white gloves give him the superior magical look. On Christmas eve he flies through the dark night giving gifts to children across the globe! The magical flying sledge, loaded with gifts and being pulled by nine reindeers fills the mind with magic and awe. Father Christmas symbolises joy, generosity and renewal. Reindeers symbolise strength, resilience, guidance and mystical nature. Together, Father Christmas, magical sledge loaded with gifts and reindeer form a powerful mystic image. Therefore, Father Christmas is more than a festive character: he is a layered symbol of joy, resistance and generosity, evolving from a folklore spirit of celebrations into a modern Santa like figure who bridges pagan, Christian and Victorian traditions. Santa’s nocturnal visit excites the imagination of children. Thus children and family become central to Christmas celebrations: stockings, chimneys and gifts galore. In Fiji, lovo lunch takes the centre stage of Christmas celebrations. People travel from far away to be home with their loved ones to share the Christmas tidings. May I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Dreams in the dark!
I loved the inspiring story of Tevita Lebarua Dagoya, a gold miner who transformed hardships he faced in one of the most dangerous workplaces on Earth into windows of opportunity. Thank you Ana Madigibuli for shedding light on the life of Dagoya who was raised in a poor household and after failing his Form 6 exams, began working at the Vatukoula Gold Mine where he found a sudden fascination with the mine’s electrical systems. This inspired him to pursue technical studies while juggling the heavy demands of mine work and the burdens of family responsibilities. This showed his character and determination. His faith in God and hard work enabled him to earn a Certificate in Engineering (Level 3) from FNU. Dagoya is an electrical trade assistant, and he continues climbing the career ladder. He learnt it the hard way, but the obstacles became inspirational factors, keeping him going and achieving success. Graduations have fascinating stories. Dagoya’s piece is an inspiration! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
