Long-time Fiji Times letter writer Donald Singh has once again been recognised for his contribution to public discourse, winning the Letter of the Year award for the second consecutive year.
Mr Singh, who has been writing letters to the editor for over 25 years, received an SRS-ULT1000 ULT Tower 10 Party Speaker along with other prizes in Suva on Monday.
He was accompanied by his daughter and son, who were present to share the milestone moment.
Speaking at the event, Mr Singh said the recognition was not just about winning.
“You know, everyone there is a winner. I mean, the fact that a person is able to pick up the pen and write a letter and it makes it into the papers, means it was worthy right,” he said.
Reflecting on the award, he said, “I thought another letter would’ve won. If it wasn’t me, then it definitely would’ve gone to another letter writer.”
Mr Singh emphasised that his passion for writing is not driven by rewards.
“This will encourage me to continue writing, but not for a prize. When we write for a prize, we are competing. It’s not a competition,” he said.
“Even if the paper takes away the prizes, I’ll still write.” His dedication continues to inspire aspiring letter writers across the country.
The Fiji Times editor-in-chief Fred Wesley acknowledged every letter writer who made an effort to write and contribute to the popular section daily.
“They are playing their part in holding power to account,” he said.
“It’s a great way to feel the pulse of the nation as well. We sort of get a fair idea of how people are thinking and what they place value on.
“There are many issues that prick their interest, and they make that effort to put pen to paper, or in this case, type a letter and email that across to us. Like every other year, it certainly wasn’t easy picking one letter out of the hundreds sent to us.
“We had a shortlist for last year, where there were four letters at first before we dropped that down to three.
“In the final three were Medical challenges by Nishant Singh of Lautoka in May; New babysitter: Tik Tok by Ashwini Basant of Nausori in October; and Donald Singh’s I can now! In October.
“Medical challenges was a very powerful letter that held up our health system to scrutiny. This letter touched the very heart of trust and confidence in the system. It raised a lot of questions that certainly need answers!
“New babysitter: Tik Tok was witty. The writer touched on real issues and challenges we all face, reflecting on the influence of the internet and social media portals on our lives and the family structure. There was a subtle yet very real reference to the future of our nation if we fail our children. It was witty and powerful with a touch of sarcasm and a great sense of humour.
“Donald Singh’s ‘I can now!’ embraced democracy and what it means to free thinking people, the value we should place on freedom of expression and understanding the importance of participation in governance. That entailed the importance of accepting and understanding our role in the process, and how we can all assist in governing our country. It was an important take on enlightening the powers that be about critical issues that matter to the masses. It encouraged engagement and being vocal. And as the writer suggested at the end, we are building our nation together. Short, with real life experience, and to the point!
“At the end of the day though, it is really about people having a platform to voice their opinions on issues they feel strongly about. You should follow this section to be in the discussions! We thank all letter writers and wish them a happy New Year.”
