Let’s support Miss Ailava
To my fellow Fijians, let’s unite to support Ailava Samuels who will be flying Fiji’s flag at next month’s Miss Pacific Islands Pageant here on our own backyard. I don’t blame Ailava whose name was forwarded by the Miss Fiji Pageant committee to represent our beloved nation in place of the people’s choice, Dr Peggy Ravusiro who won hearts with the bold and brave decision that she made. 19-year-old Ailava, who remains focused on the journey ahead, needs our support and positive remarks that will boost her morale and spirit and allow her to shine. Ailava shared that (FT: 15/01) public relations in Fiji could be emotionally driven but community loyalty helped her navigate criticism. I quote these lines, which show her high spirits and momentum, “Because of all the support that I’m getting, the positivity that I’ve been shown from my family and my supporters, it overpowers all the negativity that I receive. I’m encouraged, and I’m empowered to do what’s best, and I’m honoured to be given this opportunity.” To social media users, let’s be responsible with our comments. Let’s not demoralise Miss Ailava because of the actions taken by the Miss Fiji Pageant committee and their director Ana Tuiketei-Bolabiu. I’m sure Dr Peggy Ravusiro will give her blessings to Miss Ailava. The nation would love Ailava to win on home soil. Finally, I echo the sentiments shared by Labasa Town Council chair Paul Jaduram (FT: 15/01) — all rules and conditions for entering the Miss Fiji and Miss Pacific Islands pageants should be clear from the outset, so that it is fair to the queens who work very hard. Cheers! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
EFL monopoly
Recent worrying and troubling events pertaining to EFL’s need to raise tariffs, rings many alarm bells. Any monopoly is never good for consumers. Familiarity almost always breeds contempt. EFL has loads of cash stashed away. I believe $52.136million in customer deposits are being held. I believe $257.1million held in untapped banking headroom. 44% shares sold to offshore interest in Japanese power consortium, Shogoku. How? Why? Does this mean EFL profits will see a 44% erosion offshore? Where are these billions? Why aren’t good old hard cash stashed away put to good use? Good sense needs to prevail. I worry. How soon will the closets yield their skeletons? Will the “Genie be released from its jar” sooner? Some tough questions need to be answered. Is a Commission of Enquiry in the near horizon? Something is really and truly amiss. Please shelve any tariff increase until all grey areas are made totally transparent. No increases until we have an all clear. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Backyard garden
I take the leaf from the Hon Prime Minister’s call that we need to engage ourselves in backyard gardening to fight poverty. I strongly agree, not just to fight poverty but also numerous other benefits backyard gardening brings us. Gardening is a physical, mental and leisure activity, a combination that can boost memory and reduce the risk of dementia — politicians should take note of this. We are fortunate that we have the climate that can give us fresh fruits and vegetables all the year around. We are fortunate that bele and cassava can grown virtually anywhere. Every home should have that with chillies, baigan, pawpaw at least. Few hours a week will bring in multiple benefits. Family will have fresh food, we will be reducing food insecurity and best of all, save money. During the COVID era, most Fijians got into home gardening, planting in every corner of the compound. We surely don’t need another COVID or the like to get back into gardening. And yes, the mentality of receiving must go. And the best way to stop this culture is to stop giving. I mean no more freebies. I know freebies is a political tool that cannot be put aside easily but surely it can be done to assist the so called needy ones. Let’s dirty our hands to clean our backyard for the better. Arun Prasad Dilkusha, Nausori
Colin’s nightmare
I get the feeling that my letters are giving Colin Deoki nightmares. It appears that he is having sleepless nights as his head spins due to the content of my letters. The prayers don’t seem to be working. I have no problems whatsoever in telling the truth and stating facts. Whoever says they have been robbed by FNPF or the previous “illegal government”, please provide evidence to FNPF. Without evidence you are just barking like all the dogs around Fiji for no reason. And they are annoying – on both counts. Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
Singapore dreams
Apologies friends, but I had to copy and paste this list of countries including Fiji, facing US immigration visa suspension. Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen. Our dream to be listed in the same list as Singapore remains a dream. According to what we were told some elections ago, we should have been there already by now! Donald Singh Suva
Billion-dollar question
The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) has appropriately raised questions regarding the reported $1.2billion received from the sale of Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) shares to a Japanese company in 2018 (FT 15/01). In the interest of transparency and public accountability, the current Government, as the majority shareholder, should direct the EFL Board to disclose full details of this transaction and clearly account for the utilisation of the funds. Any irregularities identified through such disclosure should be thoroughly investigated by relevant authorities in accordance with the law. It is imperative that domestic and business consumers are not made to shoulder the burden of proposed tariff increases in the absence of clarity and accountability. The proposed tariff hike should therefore be reconsidered, pending full disclosure and an honest assessment of EFL’s financial position. Only through transparency and responsible governance can public confidence be restored and long-term solutions pursued without unjustly penalising consumers. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Busiest of towns
Will the 2026 Coral Coast 7s lead to discovery of new talent worthy of national duties? Will our national 7s coaches be responsive or will they display a reluctance to take on the risk of bringing on board new players? Time will tell, but for now, Sigatoka is perhaps the busiest of towns across the country this week. Parents and guardians in other towns may be more busy with the back-to-school preparations for their children. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Thank you
Reference is hereby made to Rajend Naidu – (FT 15/01). My sincere thanks to you for adding your voice to our worthy cause for deprived senior retirees. Thank you for being on the “same page and frequency”. Much appreciated. Most grateful. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Proceeds of crime
I believe the best way to stop drug use is to utilise the proceeds of crime Act. All on the suspect list should have their homes frequently raided by the new team. Dan Urai Lautoka
Ali’s term
After being on the job for 14 consecutive years as permanent secretary for Trade and Commerce the PSC has decided not to offer a new contract to Shaheen Ali because it has found a better candidate (FT 15/1). That’s very interesting. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Powerful mafia
Portions of the grassy areas in Fiji have powerful mafia run by small organisms in the soil and those which use the grass for shelter and food. Through regular contact over the years, I think these organisms have managed to unleash their fearful presence on the grass cutting contractors. My observations reveal that the grass has to be cut 5-6 inches above the ground level in some areas. I think, there is a similar type operation within our drainage system. Have you observed something similar? Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Reduction in FNPF pensions
Is the reduction in FNPF pensions issue the foray of only a few individuals that they have the gall to tell others with differing views than his to MYOB or to suggest that Jan Nissar (LTE 13/1) seek appointment at St Giles Hospital for his take on the matter? I thought the LTE columns are for discussing issues and express opinions and not discuss individuals. Be it be known that once matters hit LTE columns, they become available for public consumption for their comments and opinions. Reading through the many letters on a daily basis especially from regular writers, it is not difficult to see that “great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events and small minds discuss people” (Elenor Roosevelt). Ajai Kumar Nadi
Glue, cursing and history
Back in history
Your “Back in History” column (FT 15/01) regarding 1966 Miss Hibiscus, Lois Gibson, sent me on a fascinating digital detour. I was curious about her listed occupation: “comptometer operator.” I discovered these operators were the high-speed “human processors” of their day, requiring months of specialised training to master complex mechanical calculators. While electronic technology eventually made the role redundant by the 1970s, it’s a testament to the skill and precision of women like Ms Gibson. It’s a lovely glimpse into the professional standards of Fiji’s past. Sailosi Naewe Dilkusha Rd, Nausori
Glue sniffing
As a young person from Tavua, I am deeply concerned about the growing issue of glue sniffing among children and teenagers in my community. This harmful practice is not only damaging their health but also threatening their future. One reason why Tavua’s youth may be drawn to harmful practices is limited parental guidance. I guess this is because parents are too busy focusing on themselves rather than fulfilling their responsibilities as parents. One other thing that is dragging all parents away from their families here in Tavua is the uncontrolled usage of kava, meaning they consume kava every single night, giving their children the opportunity to wander off at night with their can of glue. Glue sniffing can cause serious problems such as brain damage, poor concentration, and even long-term addiction. Beyond physical effects, it weakens family bonds, disrupts education, and contributes to social issues like crimes and unemployment. I believe it is time for us, as a community, not only in Tavua, but this is a major problem faced in all communities around Fiji, to take this matter seriously. Parents, schools, churches, and local leaders must work together to raise awareness, provide guidance, and create safe activities that keep our youth away from such dangerous habits. We, the young people, are the future of Tavua and of Fiji. Let us protect my fellow friends who have drifted off by addressing these issues before it grows worse. Taniela L Rokocata Church College Fiji
Talking dirty
Most will disagree but I think that the most dramatic, effective and beautiful expressions in any language come in the form of swear words. Swearing is dramatic because it often occurs in dramatic situations that call for blunt forwardness. Curses are easily the most effective of words because there is no denying the intention of anyone using them. When we curse, we’re usually saying exactly what is on our minds, without fear of the repercussions. It may come off as harsh, but if there is cursing involved, the message will be read loud and clear. More importantly, curse words are some of the most beautiful words that can possibly be used in daily conversation if used diligently. But if momma is present holding the rolling pin, don’t forget to “tuck”. Dou bula! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
