Colours of unity
Hats off to our editor-in-chief Fred Wesley for the impressive and articulate editorial titled ‘Colours of unity’ (FT: 05/03). Hindus celebrated Holi on Wednesday, but the celebration united Fijians in schools, at workplaces and in communities. The staff and students at Jai Narayan College and other schools around Fiji united to celebrate Holi. Seeing the iTaukei and students from other religious dominations taking part in Holi reminds us that unity is bigger than anything else. Wesley’s editorial focused on the bigger picture — a united Fiji where every religion is respected, as quoted from the editorial, “Festivals like Holi, rooted in the triumph of good over evil, offer a powerful counter-narrative. No matter what religion we belong to, or believe in, there is one common factor that binds us. There is an appreciation of good over evil and acknowledgement of the fact that we all make mistakes, draw lessons from them, and make decisions that are good for us all moving forward. Fiji needs such events to remind us about unity, peace and happiness, to reinforce them, and to keep our people strong and united.” Holi reflects Fiji’s multicultural identity. The colourful picture of the PALM workers who celebrated Holi (FT: 05/03- page 5) added glamour and a beautiful touch. Finally, I thank The Fiji Times team for sharing the video of the three iTaukei boys celebrating Holi by singing Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, a well-known Hindu devotional bhajan. The video drew positive reactions as many Fijians praised the display of cultural appreciation and harmony. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Nadi Town
Our town of Nadi is a popular tourist spot, so we need to keep a good reputation. However, we often deal with traffic jams. Past attempts to fix this by changing routes haven’t worked, and taking away the traffic lights has made it worse. Also, there are no traffic controllers at important intersections, which adds to the problem. We need to quickly put traffic lights back at the Market Rd/Main Street intersection and have traffic controllers at busy spots, especially during rush hours in the morning and afternoon, as a temporary fix while we find a long-term solution. Moreover, the lack of clean and well-kept public restrooms is hurting Nadi’s image and could drive away tourists, who are important for our economy. This issue not only affects the health of locals but also makes the town less appealing to visitors. The authorities need to act fast to keep public toilets clean and well-maintained. They should allocate enough resources and staff to keep these facilities in good shape. At the same time, plans should start to build more and better public restrooms across the town. Taking care of these issues is vital for the health of both residents and tourists, as well as for maintaining our town’s reputation and future growth. Suresh Chand Nadi
Real agenda
I believe what Rakesh Chand Sharma (FT05/03) really meant in his letter is not that Australians should not go to “artificial countries”, but that they should not go to Muslim countries. He is oblivious to the fact that these countries are the largest transit hubs in the world to Europe and they operate the world’s biggest and best airlines. He says I should encourage Australians to visit Fiji instead for its natural beauty. Does he mean I should encourage Australians to come and dodge the beautiful potholes and see all the beautiful rubbish dumped everywhere and experience the beautiful public toilets? With so many beautiful grog dopey teachers in Fiji, what hope do the “churen” of Fiji have? Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
That party
The newly-formed People First Party is registered (FT 5/3/26). Is it not composed from the same “fallout” FFP politicians? A slightly different name, but composed of the same people, in my view. However, almost all were admitted into parliament under Bainimarama and Sayed-Khaiyum’s votes. And I am certain that they have politically exposed themselves in every way they could, but never ever been promising, for better governance. The mentioned names sound familiar and always be remembered, in my view, as “conduits” for oppressive and destructive leadership. There is a difference between truly needing to represent people and being a habitual leach, to use people. Franklin Roosevelt said: “I am not the smartest fellow in the world, but I can surely pick smart colleagues.” Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Win, lose situation
It was recently highlighted in the news that drug cartels outsmart outdated legislation. This is according to an officer who is involved with the Narcotics Bill consultation, who says legal loopholes are one of the setbacks in the fight against the illicit drug trade. He further explains that when these substances are tested, they are not classified as illegal under current criminal legislation because they are not included in the schedule of controlled substances. Now we have another substance (glue) which is legally available to be purchased by youths. It is widely used by youths for sniffing, whereby they lose their sense of direction. They like that feeling of disorientation as it gives them the liberty to forget the life challenges they encounter on a daily basis. This could be witnessed everyday within Suva. I remember it was discussed in early 2023 to have this substance regulated, that is who is allowed to purchase it and used only for its intended purchase. Now we are in 2026 and it is still legally available to youths. I hope the relevant authorities will take note of this and have the relevant laws amended to safeguard our future generation. If not we are in a see-saw battle in the fight against drugs including illicit substances. It seems we are in a win lose situation, winning in awareness and consultation but losing in getting the relevant laws amended to address the situation. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
Water supply
Tropical Cyclone Urmil which was a mere Category 2 was approximately 520-670 kilometers from the Western Division but it still affected our water supply and tap water was intermittent for a few days. Kemudou Water Authority! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Move away
If only there was a way to move all the oil away from the Middle East. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Flooding device
I have seen on many flood-prone rivers a flooding alarm device being installed by the previous government. With the recent flooding in Lautoka, Nadi, Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki, I am wondering if any of those flooding alarms and monitoring devices actually worked or are they just another show piece. For sure the one at Lovu seaside doesn’t work as I was there when the flooding started. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Blessed people
Jan Nissar has insulted the people of Fiji in his letter to the editor. He is asking about what is wrong with the blessed people of Fiji. He must know that the blessed people of Fiji are also full of forgiveness. We give our own chances also. And by giving second chances, they have proved themselves to lead by example. Fiji is still standing strong since independence in 1970. Fiji people will of course stay blessed, forgiving and will always stand strong. Moving forward or not. Aminisitai Tora Nadera, Nasinu
Kirti is right
Kirti Patel (FT 05/03) seems to almost suggest that a minister should receive a gold medal for closing schools due to the inclement weather. Kirti should tell us what a person should receive for committing domestic violence. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
CWMH road
The Waimanu Rd from Extension St to Hilton Special School is in need of two lanes in order to keep good flow of traffic. This stretch of road is a mere 150 metres yet every weekday morning, traffic builds up to Borron Rd which takes drivers about 20 to 25 minutes to cross! Can the FRA urgently liaise with all stakeholders (EFL, Water Authority, TFL) and come up with a plan on how this 150 metre road can be widened. Vikel V Lal Makoi St 2, Nasinu
Our roads
The rain stops, the dodging begins as craters emerge. Dan Urai Lautoka
1400 retirees’ plight
Brush with death and FNPF saga
First and foremost, shame on you, FNPF; Fiji and the South Pacific’s largest financial entity charged with, firstly caring for the 1400 or so, betrayed senior retirees… priority # 1.We helped build the Fund from its infancy stages. FNPF is not there to build its massive investments minus caring for the 1400 betrayed retirees, you persistently hurt each passing day.
(1) A brush with death:
Dewan Chand is a known and respected senior citizen, betrayed retiree. He was HOD at SVHS in 1973/74; Asst Principal Votualevu High School then Principal at Ba Provincial High School followed by several stints in high schools in the Capital City. He also entered FTUC prior to becoming a Member of Fiji’s Parliament. Dewan served Fiji well too. Several weeks prior to his “brush with death” he shared with me over several phone calls, this FNPF “thievery” was weighing him down badly. Stress levels were worrying. So much so, by God’s loving care, mercy and grace, Dewan did not make it to our Core Committee meeting in Suva. On his arrival at the venue, he found the carpark full. He phoned me to say he was returning home. Then his world came crashing down on him. Fortunately, his daughter-in-law was driving him. What transpired is well documented… his encounter with death. His guardian angels watched over him. Dewan survived. He lives to tell his story. To date, there was not one “pip squeak” from corporate citizen, our very own FNPF. Not even an apology. How heartless. Disgusting. Shame on you. The whole world watches, reads, and hears us intently. Our betrayal is very real.
(2) A reminder about life:
Our sincere thanks and heartfelt appreciation must go to Fred Wesley for the clarity on his editorial, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Thank you for giving our true life story the oxygen needed as we fight on endlessly for some 1400 surviving betrayed senior pensioners. Our financial hardships mount each passing day. The elongated cruelty FNPF continues to enforce on us is heartbreaking; gut wrenching and raises our stress levels unceasingly. Words fail to adequately describe such cruelty inflicted on the betrayed elderly citizens.
(3) Restitution, not charity:
My personal thanks also goes to Mohan Lal, FT March 4. Thank you for adding your very own, fresh and crystal clear voice to our just cause and fight for our betrayal and justice. You have delivered eloquently for us.
We demand restitution. Not charity. Restorative law must apply. We simply fail to understand FNPF’s ongoing choice to discriminate against and inflict immense pain, suffering, stress, tension through their heartlessness. This is injustice of the highest order. We deserve pain-free and happy deaths. Have a heart, FNPF. Change course before the “Scales of Justice” and infallible “Karma” deliver their verdict. Tomorrow will be far too late. (To Bai and Kai, under your now dissolved Fiji First government you co-wrote, your “Law” – an unelected government; un-Parliamentary. It is clearer, more than ever before, your heartlessness lives on. 6000 of us were inflicted intolerable financial suffering. Today, about 1400 survive. Our numbers dwindle. Respect the elderly at all times. You failed us, miserably too. Beware, “The Ides of March” – Julius Caesar 44BC). I remain the voice of the silent majority, and 100% “kai Nadi” – through and through. Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Holy Name, we come to You and plead an end to our betrayed seniors’ pain, suffering and unjustified financial losses. Inspire all those who inflict harm on us. Be their shining light in their hours of untold darkness. In You alone, miracles are possible. Amen. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
