Multiple road accidents
There has been a significant increase in daily road accidents across the country, suggesting that patience among drivers has become an increasingly scarce commodity. Basic road rules are routinely ignored, while road courtesy appears to have vanished in thin air. With schools reopening from today, traffic volumes will inevitably rise. Traffic police officers may therefore find themselves perspiring a little more during the morning and afternoon peak hours in an effort to prevent further mishaps. One can only hope that common sense returns to our roads before it becomes another casualty. DINESH KUMAR Ba
A campus that never rose!
Yesterday’s The Fiji Times front page had positive vibes and the words, ‘Bring it on’, as students prepare for school, I was saddened to read the well-articulated piece by Nacanieli Tuilevuka titled, ‘A campus that never rose’. As the people of Vanua Levu await the construction of the university, those behind the failed project must be held accountable. Just like the swimming pool in the Sugar City, that made headlines, because it chewed more taxpayers’ funds than what was projected, the unfinished FNU campus will require $3million to be demolished. Such lack of transparency and accountability must not be entertained. Get the culprits to task! So disappointing to read that the project absorbed millions of dollars in public funds, yet there was zero deliverance. Around $12million had been utilised, but the result was an unfinished, unstable structure that could neither host students nor be safely occupied. Behind the scenes, an audit revealed deep-rooted problems. Sadly, no individuals have been publicly charged in relation to the abandoned project. May I ask those in power, what’s happening? As we start the new year, let’s get to the root and charge those involved. Let them pay the price for negligence and their incompetence. On the other hand, best wishes to our students as they start the new academic year. Dear students, please set goals and work hard to achieve them. Dear teachers, please treat these students as your own. Teach them with passion. Guide, mentor and nurture them! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
FNU move
The FNU moves under the PM in a very troublesome and problematic situation. The breach of act is obviously in question here but there surely was a genuine need for this move. The VC would not have requested this move otherwise. Most of them know about internal issues. This was not new. It was there, without any solutions all this while. Let’s hope good sense will prevail and now things come under control in due time, however, that act needs a quick amendment which should not have been breached but I believe the situation is understood. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Once a year
Here on Vanuabalavu, the picturesque view of the sea offers little reprieve from the chronic unease of the passengers as they toss and turn on their seats as the carrier rattles its way along the sandy, coastal road. Like Christmas, the grading of the road is an annual event that we all look forward to. In between, being cross-eyed is a big plus for motorists; one eye fixed on the road ahead and the other looking out for falling coconuts and branches from above. Those who travel the sealed roads should count themselves privileged even with the potholes and road humps. Samu Railoa Vanuabalavu, Lau
USA flights
Sunday afternoon tea and talanoa at a relative’s place provided more food for thought than food itself. USA travel was one of the topics on the coffee table. I was very unreliably informed that nobody from Fiji is travelling to the USA. I told the gang that the flights were still going. “Alright,” I said, “let me ask”. So, Fiji Airways, can we please know about passenger numbers on your flights to the US? I need information for the next tea session next Sunday. The American Embassy could also help with some numbers on visas granted. Donald Singh Nausori
Living in poverty
While they own more than 93 per cent of the land and make up an estimated 80 per cent of the population, more than 75 per cent of first nations people still live in poverty. I believe they are being held hostage by institutions such as the GCC, the TLTB, and to a large part by the government and the vanua. I believe no “landowner” can use their land to make progress. I believe they are not allowed to use the land to generate income and are not free to do as they please to exploit this natural resource to which they are entitled. I believe traditions and culture are being used by a few elite exploiters to enrich themselves at the expense of the rest. Unless the people realise this, they will continue to live in poverty and be exploited. How can people allow this situation to continue? As Martin Luther King Jnr once said, “Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity”. Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
Food for thought
RC Sharma’s article (FT 19/1/26) was sensible as he intended. A village boy and his foreign cousin were canoeing during the school holidays along the river beside their village. During their conversation, the city cousin was explaining the advanced learning he had acquired when a motor outboard passed by. Both canoes were rocked by the waves and overturned, three metres from shore. The village boy swam ashore and heard his foreign cousin yelling for help. He sat on the riverbank and responded, “You learned sociology, biology, physiology, technology and yet, you don’t even know swimology”. Fortunately, there were no crocs or sharks. Just food for thought. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
No water
For anybody and everybody’s information, we along Airport Rd, Savusavu, are starting school with no water! It’s 0743 hrs as I send this letter to The Fiji Times. Luke Kulanikoro Savusavu
Academic year
The 2026 academic year for both primary and secondary students commences today. Teachers expect all students to be punctual, well-presented, and properly equipped, wearing new uniforms and shoes, and carrying new school bags with exercise books neatly covered and clearly labelled. This will reflect the appropriate use of the $200 back-to-school assistance. Parents are also encouraged to remind their children of their short-term and long-term goals in life, while reinforcing the importance of keeping away from drugs, all forms of abuse, and practising road safety when travelling to and from school. With discipline, responsible choices, and collective support, this year can truly become a defining chapter in every student’s academic journey. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Sevens series
Is it possible for Starlink to show the World Sevens Series? It would be good for outer islands and fair business wise to have alternative access for viewers locally. Madam Minister for Information, the matter is in your hands now and await viewing through Starlink for a change. Luke Kulanikoro Savusavu
Freedom of expression
It’s interesting to read comments by some regular writers in The Fiji Times – LTE advising some to “back off” or “mind your own business”. The Fiji Times editor-in-chief decides which letters to go in the newspaper daily. We should be grateful to be considered a space in this newspaper to read or write from anywhere in the world. Media freedom! Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Concert and cost of living
UB40 concert
It’s exciting to hear that reggae legends UB40 will be returning to Fiji as part of their iconic Big Love Tour. However, I almost had a cardiac arrest after learning about the ticket prices, which ranged from $104 to $131, with the VIP ticket going for a staggering $863.62. Phew, that’s a hefty sum by any standard! With Fiji currently battling an economic crisis, high unemployment figures, immense poverty, soaring violent crime and a drug pandemic, I guess reggae fans will be faced with an ethical dilemma of either going to watch UB40 and the band live or save that hard earned cash to provide a decent meal and other essential necessities for their struggling families. This was also evident during the government’s back-to-school $200 cash handout where thousands of desperate Fijians lined up to receive this timely grant. With such costly ticket prices, hopefully people will make wise and thoughtful choices in these challenging times. Ali Campbell will neither pay your bills nor put food on your table. I would rather listen to the “qiri kapa” boys beating their improvised drums and musical instruments for free! Nishant Singh Lautoka
Certification levels
The cost of living in Fiji continues to place enormous pressure on ordinary households where the price of essential goods such as flour, milk, butter and other staples has risen to levels that many families are struggling to manage. In this context, I wish to raise an issue of consumer choice and transparency where I have noticed that everyday food products sold to the general public carry religious certification labels, including halal certification. While I respect the right of any faith community to observe its dietary practices, I do not believe religious standards should be embedded into general consumer goods without clear disclosure and genuine alternatives for the wider public. If any form of optional certification involves application, audit, or renewal costs, consumers have a right to know whether these costs are being passed on through higher retail prices. At present, shoppers are given no clarity on whether certification-related expenses contribute to the rising cost of basic food items, nor whether retailers are limiting consumer choice by stocking only one certified option. This is not a question of belief, but of fairness. Consumers should not unknowingly participate in religious compliance systems or absorb additional costs tied to optional certifications. Where certification is required for specific markets or exports, those costs should be transparent and not quietly transferred to the general public. I, therefore, urge the relevant authorities, including the Consumer Council of Fiji and those responsible for trade and pricing oversight, to examine this issue closely. Clearer labeling, price transparency, and genuine product choice would help ensure that Fiji’s diverse communities are respected while protecting the rights and wallets of all consumers. Respect, fairness, and openness must guide our food pricing and sales policies — especially when it comes to essentials that every household depends on such as butter, milk and flour. Noleen Billings Savusavu
