Former PM’s responsibility RONNIE CHANG MARTINTAR, NADI WITH “top of the ladder” leadership, “Responsibility must beckon”. This is true wisdom towards fellow mankind. Exemplary leadership skills were tarnished. While drunk with power, the then FijiFirst government, under both Bai and Kai, despicably, with all heartlessness, forcibly greatly reduced our hardearned pensions, by up to 60%, or more, in 2011. Many of us feared far greater loss, had no choice, at the time, took lump sum. These were all spent shortly afterwards. We have suffered for more than a decade without a single cent since. What gross ill treatment of the elderly. We were discriminated against. Why? It is for many of us, I share my voice today. We were robbed. The FNPF Board today, is still without empathy. They hold onto “the law”. What law? The former FijiFirst government then, I believe, was not elected; thus rendering it illegal. Therefore, the law was a mere illegal decree, in my view. Decree 51 must be shown that proverbial “Red card” – out! The betrayal of mankind in our twilight years is not part of God’s words. “What you do to the least of my brothers; you do unto me. Thou shalt not steal.” This was most un-Christian. Heartless betrayal. For the hundreds of betrayed Pre- 2012 pensioners, we are now counting on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka; his SG and their hard-working PSs to rise up to the occasion; right Bai and Kai’s wrong; champion our cause and restore our livelihood before our earthly pilgrimage ends at God’s call. We deserve peaceful deaths. Time is not on our side. We are now well into our 70s, 80s and 90s. (Sadly, the former DPM and Minister of Finance did not possess the political will to deliver justice. Restorative justice must now prevail).
Guest feedback COLIN DEOKI AUSTRALIA WHILE holidaying in Fiji, I’ve been reminded once again why this country is renowned for its warmth, generosity and world-class hospitality. However, there’s one small but important detail I believe certain hotels and resorts could improve upon and one that would significantly enhance the guest experience. On several occasions when ordering a stubby, I’ve been handed a glass that still contained water residue. At one resort, I gently asked a waitress if the mug could be changed, as it hadn’t been properly dried. She appeared puzzled, so I politely explained that pouring beer into a wet glass causes it to go flat almost immediately. In simple terms, water residue inside a glass creates tiny points known as nucleation sites that allow carbonation to escape too quickly. The result is a beer with little head, diminished flavour and a flat taste. Ironically, a properly cleaned glass that is briefly rinsed with fresh cold water and then drained correctly before pouring actually preserves carbonation and delivers a far better drinking and enjoyable experience. This may seem like a minor detail, but in hospitality, it’s often the smallest touches that leave the strongest impressions. Fiji’s service culture is already exceptional and addressing this simple practice would align perfectly with the high standards guests expect and happily pay for when staying at your resorts. I offer this feedback in the spirit of respect and appreciation and with the hope that such small refinements continue to elevate Fiji’s reputation as a truly world-class destination.
Winning the series? DINESH KUMAR BA MY good friend, an ardent writer and rugby pundit, Rajnesh Lingam, has expressed full confidence that the Fiji Airways men’s national sevens team will fulfil their New Year’s resolution by winning this year’s series. (08/01) I, however, take a different view. I hold no expectations and shall await Osea and the team to prove me wrong.
Fix your mess AREKI DAWAI SUVA FIX your officers’ disorderly conduct and corrupt attitude Mr Rusiate Tudravu and quit dragging in the military to taint their already dirty image which they’ve brought upon themselves from the upheavals of this nation.
Slaves to mobiles TERRY HULME RUSSELL ST., EASTWOOD, NSW, AUSTRALIA READING Wise Muavono’s letter yesterday (FT 8/1/26) concerning how our internet usage controls so much of our lives brought to mind memories of the late Allen Lockington turning off his Facebook account for Lent. Allen was a man of words, but he also a man of action.
New notes TAHIR ALI HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND ARUN Prasad’s advice to take care of new plastic notes (FT5/1) will definitely alert everyone, including thieves. Better still, continue with updated bank cards for everyone’s safety, including our seniors. Educate customers first.
Joining politics JUKI FONG CHEW NADAWA, NASINU I HAVE noted certain individuals indicating their interest to stand in the upcoming elections. Their interest is growing due to what they are doing now, gaining popularity via social media and other platforms. I wish them well as we head towards the general elections. Happy New Year.
Glued to phones TAHIR ALI HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND HOW sad to see children glued to phones. I feel there is an urgent need to enforce restrictions to control this addictive behaviour. Many parents themselves are the problem. They need to lead the way. Matter of common sense!
Whose fault? JAN NISSAR SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA THE most important thing to remember in the rubbish dumping problem in Fiji is that it is not the fault of Fijians, nor the parents, nor the talatala or the GCC and the government for that matter. It is all someone else’s fault. I am trying to figure out whose fault it is. Likely it is the previous government’s fault. Perhaps it is the tradition and culture which is at fault. Or could it be the Third World mentality of the population. Is it the case that the bins provided by councils are not big enough? Maybe it is the council’s fault for not picking up rubbish dumped by the now free people of Fiji in their own land on a timely basis. Failing all that, it must be the referee’s fault. In the end, it is always the referee’s fault, isn’t it? Maybe it is a combination of all of the above. Unless someone has another explanation.
Venezuelan invasion DINESH KUMAR BA I CONTINUE to wonder whether the US pursuit of the Venezuelan President is genuinely about liberating the nation from an authoritarian ruler, or whether it is more conveniently motivated by access to the country’s vast assets, particularly its oil reserves. History suggests that such interventions are rarely driven by altruism alone, especially when valuable resources happen to be involved. No wonder the fuel prices in the US are falling significantly.
Road safety COLIN DEOKI AUSTRALIA I FEEL compelled to raise a serious concern about a reckless driving incident I witnessed recently on Rewa St in Suva, one that could easily have ended in an accident or at worst, a tragedy. I was seated in the back of my sister-in-law’s car as we drove toward the city when, without warning, a blue sports car bearing P plates (registration FD3##. I have the number) surged past us at speed, overtaking from the inside left lane. It was an aggressive and highly dangerous manoeuvre, completely unexpected and utterly irresponsible. The suddenness of the move startled my sister-inlaw and left us somewhat shaken. There was no opportunity to identify the driver, but the behaviour alone spoke volumes. This wasn’t a momentary lapse of judgment; it was a blatant disregard for road rules and for the safety of others. Drivers who take such risks aren’t just gambling with their own lives, they’re putting innocent road users in harm’s way. If this is the standard of driving being tolerated on our roads, then it’s only a matter of time before we’re reading about another avoidable accident, or worse, another fatality. I urge the relevant authorities to treat such conduct with the seriousness it deserves. Our roads aren’t racetracks, and a driver’s licence is a responsibility, not a licence to intimidate or endanger others.
Unharvested sugarcane DINESH KUMAR BA THE FSC Rarawai Mill will halt its crushing operations on January 12, leaving over 85,000 tonnes of sugarcane standing unharvested. Farmers from Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki are the most affected, having already endured significant disruption earlier in the season when the mill was closed due to a fire. The situation has since been worsened by persistent rainfall, further limiting harvesting operations. Many farmers are now appealing for compensation to offset their losses. Nevertheless, based on previous outcomes, there is little confidence that such compensation will materialise. As usual, farmers are left to absorb the losses, while assurances linger without meaningful resolution.
Race against time! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU I FEEL for the sugarcane farmers who are racing against time to harvest more than 85k tonnes of cane still standing in the fields across the Western Division. These farmers have until next Monday to cut, load and deliver the cane to Rarawai Mill in Ba. According to the farmers, the timeline is too rigid given the challenges they face with the weather and finding labourers. I hope the Fiji Sugar Corporation will have a soft heart and extend the deadline. After all, weather is beyond human control. FSC must also consider the timeframe that the mill was closed and that farmers had to take their sugarcane all the way to Lautoka. Such harsh realities are making things difficult for our farmers. No wonder some are leaving the green field and venturing into other means of earning an income. And here we are talking about salvaging the sugar industry. Farmers are our assets. Their voices matter. Please, give them time!
