Sugar’s grapevine effect
The decline of the sugar industry is not merely an agricultural issue; it is the impending death of the Fijian rural economy.
Towns such as Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki, and Labasa are anchored by the annual rhythm of the crushing season, which serves as the primary engine for local commerce.
When the mills operate, they inject liquidity into every corner of these districts, paying out thousands of harvesters, lorry drivers, weighbridge clerks, and mill maintenance workers, whose collective spending sustains local retailers, transport businesses, and service providers.
More than 250,000 Fijians — nearly a quarter of our total population — rely directly or indirectly on the continued viability of this sector.
To watch this industry fail is to watch the slow-motion economic collapse of rural Fiji, a catastrophe that no urban-focused project can possibly offset.
Protecting sugar is the act of protecting the social and economic foundations of over half of our nation’s geographic footprint.
DR SUSHIL K SHARMA Lautoka
Come and enjoy
The Bula Festival has returned, bringing a wave of excitement and happiness to the communities.
People, especially children, are eager to join in the celebrations and enjoy the various rides set up around the area.
This lively event invites everyone, regardless of age, beliefs, or backgrounds, to dive into the vibrant atmosphere of this week-long celebration in Nadi. As you explore the festival, you’ll hear laughter mixed with the delicious smells of street food.
Live music and traditional performances create a lively backdrop, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
Whether you’re riding with friends or watching the colorful parades, the Bula Festival promises a fantastic time filled with joy and fun.
The festival kicked off today with a marching band parading through the town.
Tourists nearby are welcome to visit the grounds and enjoy our unique local entertainment.
As members of the community, we should not only care for our visitors but also make them feel at home. The festival is ready for you.
Suresh Chand Nadi
Maths competition
I am writing to express my appreciation to the organisers of the 2026 South and West Zone Mathematics Competition, recently held at Swami Vivekananda College (SVC) in Nadi.
It was inspiring to see so many schools participate and witness the remarkable dedication of both students and teachers.
Completing a demanding set of mathematical problems within a tight 40-minute time-frame tested not only the students’ analytical skills, but also their composure under pressure.
A big congratulations to all the schools that took part, with special recognition to the top three schools for their outstanding performance.
Events like this highlight the academic talent across our regions and encourage a healthy, competitive spirit in STEM education.
Vinaka vakalevu to the organisers, host school, and participating institutions for making the event a great success.
Lavenia Malama Nabua Rd, Suva
Civil service
Right-sizing the civil service an ‘objective’ – PM (FT 17/7/26).
There can be no disputing the logic for it.
What about right-sizing the bloated size of the Rabuka Coalition Government with virtually everyone in it a minister or assistant minister?
Where is the logic in that given we are a country of less than a million people?
Is the PM thinking about what’s in the best interest of the country and its people or is he more focused on what is in his own self-serving political interest by maintaining such a bloated government?
I believe thinking Fijian people know the answer to that.
Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
A sustainable future for sugar?
The editor-in-chief of The Fiji Times, Fred Wesley, has been very clear on the subject of the debates going on in relation to the sugar industry. If I may quote a small section of his editorial (FT 13/07/26) it will make sense to our readers: “Perhaps the real debate should not be about whether sugar should be saved or abandoned. Maybe it could be about whether we have the courage to embrace the reforms, leadership and long-term vision needed to secure a sustainable future for the industry and the communities that depend on it?”
I am in full agreement. I am writing to thank you sincerely for your editorial on the sugar industry. It was sharp, timely, and deeply relevant to the national conversation. As you know, the issue of sugar governance is now the theme of the moment — in Parliament, within the Parliamentary Select Committee, across the media landscape, and among growers who are demanding clarity and accountability.
Your editorial arrives at precisely the right time. The debate has intensified to a level where public confidence depends on clear, factual, and courageous commentary. Your piece contributes meaningfully to that effort, and it reinforces why independent voices in the media are essential when institutions are under scrutiny.
I am submitting an opinion piece: “Restoring trust in Fiji’s sugar industry — The case for a commission of inquiry.” It provides a structured, evidence–based argument for why a commission of inquiry is now the only mechanism capable of reconciling the conflicting financial, governance, and infrastructure narratives surrounding the sugar industry. This issue is still under intense national discussion, and I believe its publication at this moment will add clarity, depth, and balance to the public debate. Thank you once again for your editorial leadership and for helping maintain the integrity of public discourse on this critical national matter.
DR SUSHIL K SHARMA Lautoka
Sugar’s Plan B
The glory days of Fiji’s sugar industry are now behind us. No use pointing fingers and blaming anyone for the decline of what was once the backbone of our economy. However, rather than dwelling on the past, it is time to focus on practical solutions for the future.
Today, Fiji has approximately 10,000 sugarcane farmers remaining, and that number continues to decline alongside the shrinking area of land under cane cultivation. We are also left with only two operating sugar mills.
We have seen a similar pattern in the dairy industry. Fiji was once able to produce much of its own milk and butter. Today, local production cannot meet demand, and consumers bear the impact whenever imported dairy prices increase. Sugar may face the same fate if decisive action is not taken.
Despite changing dietary preferences, sugar remains a staple ingredient in many products consumed daily by Fijians — whether in soft drinks, cakes, biscuits, tea, coffee, or Milo. If current trends continue, there is a real possibility that within the next 10 to 20 years, Fiji could be importing as much as 75% of its sugar requirements. My suggestion is a practical “Plan B”.
Fiji should consider building a new, smaller and more efficient sugar mill between Ba and Rakiraki. This would encourage farmers in the surrounding areas to remain active in sugarcane farming, help reduce rural-to-urban migration, stimulate economic activity in rural communities, and strengthen our national food security.
At the same time, it may be worth considering restructuring the Fiji Sugar Corporation. A privately managed operation, supported by experienced local business leaders and investors, could bring greater efficiency, innovation, and commercial discipline to the industry. Meaning the board to have farmer reps and commercial business directors only. Buyer and seller kind of set-up.
In the long term, Fiji could operate with two strategically located mills — one in Labasa and one serving the Western Division. Farmers closer to urban centres could diversify into other high-value crops, while dedicated cane-growing regions continue to supply a sustainable sugar industry.
The resources are still available. We have productive land, experienced farmers, skilled machine operators, tractors, harvesters, transport operators, and growers who continue to produce over 1000 tonnes of cane. The knowledge has not disappeared.
Looking ahead, Fiji’s population is expected to approach one million people. While more consumers are becoming health-conscious, the overwhelming majority will continue to consume sugar in one form or another, whether directly or through processed foods and beverages.
The question we must ask ourselves is simple: are we prepared to become a nation that imports virtually all its sugar within the next two decades? Rice, milk, butter, yaqona, canned fish and many other items that we were once farming and producing in Fiji has now been imported to cater for the local consumption demand.
There is money in agriculture. Toiled land surely blesses and rewards handsomely. Ask any farmer who is toiling their land every day.
Question is – What is really holding us back?
Dharmendra Lal Nausori
Stubborn and Relentless
Some call them arrogant. Other say that they are stubborn and relentless, not willing to accept defeat.
Their ability to raise the tempo in the last 20 minutes of matches is something that previous Soccer World Cups have not observed or experienced. Argentina is by the far the best team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has arguably the most talented player, Lionel Messi.
However, they will face the biggest acid test of their lives when they clash with Spain. There are huge expectations on the shoulders of team Argentina but can they handle this one more time?
What a super exciting and nerve-wrecking grand final coming up next week. I look forward to this match and am banking on Spain to rewrite the books of soccer history.
May the best team win and fans accept the result, once referee brings the game to an end.
Floyd Robinson Micronesia
One Nation direction
How can One Nation, one of Fiji’s newest political parties, welcome and proudly embrace an endorsement from former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama?
After all, this is the same man who overthrew a democratically elected government in 2006, was later imprisoned for making an unwarranted demand with menace while serving as a public official and is currently facing charges related to allegedly inciting mutiny.
Did I mention that famous car park assault on an MP outside the government buildings?
I also believe Voreqe’s son is currently serving time in a Sydney jail.
With Mr Bainimarama’s endorsement now in the mix, I can already envision the direction the Tupou Draunidalo-led party may take.
Given her history of moving between political parties, this latest political alliance certainly raises eyebrows.
Most importantly, I sincerely hope Mr Bainimarama doesn’t start sharing his famous “GDP lessons” with the party.
It would be even more amusing if One Nation enthusiastically embraced his economic insights as well.
Nishant Singh Lautoka
Our voice since 1869!
Readers can clearly capture the words ‘Your voice Since 1869’ on the front page of The Fiji Times every day.
The newspaper’s rich history and the humble days in Levuka enable us to appreciate the work of the journalists who toiled sweat, blood and tears to build a newspaper which we enjoy reading every day.
The Fiji Times, which was established on September 4, 1869, in the Old Capital by George Littleton Griffiths, braved ordeals, turbulences, media decree, criticism and scolding to deliver credible information and news.
Through its news column, local and international news are provided. We get to know about what’s happening around us.
The letters to the editor column provide Fijians a platform to raise their opinions and voices. Issues are identified and solved.
The Fiji Times is an archive, full of information.
When I had to deliver the eulogy for the late Allen Lockington, I went to the library, and I was amazed by the wealth of literature.
It made my writing so much easier.
The Fiji Times informs, inspires, educates, encourages and motivates, and it’s hard to imagine life without a copy of The Fiji Times in hand.
I started with The Fiji Times when it was sold at 50 cents, and I don’t mind paying $2 daily to get my hand on the trusted brand.
The Fiji Times is embedded deep in my heart.
It was, it is, and it will always be the voice for ordinary Fijians.
Since its inception, The Fiji Times has been a beacon of truth, resilience, and commitment.
The journey was not plain sailing, but the team has delivered, and for that I salute and wish them all the best!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
England’s fallen dream
There was a moment — brief, intoxicating, cruel — when all of England dared to believe. The Three Lions were cruising, churning forward with a rhythm that felt destined. The red and white sea of supporters in Atlanta had already surrendered to celebration, their voices rising in unison. And there, in the VIP section, football royalty led the choir: David Beckham, arm around his wife Victoria, belting out the familiar hymn that has haunted English hearts for generations. It’s coming home. The words felt different this time—less a plea, more a prophecy.
Then the song died.
In the 85th minute, the universe tilted. Enzo Fernández, with the weight of a continent on his shoulders, rifled a shot that kissed the net with cruel precision. A stunner. The English fans froze, the melody choking in their throats. But that was merely the warning shot.
The true devastation arrived in the 92nd minute — added time, that most treacherous of footballing dimensions. Substitute Lautaro Martínez rose like a phantom, his header looping into the net as if guided by the ghosts of ’86. The South American contingent in Atlanta erupted into utter delirium, a cacophony of blue and white stripes dancing atop England’s broken composure.
And through it all, their magician orchestrated the miracle. Lionel Messi, ageless and imperious, prowled the pitch like a general surveying a battlefield won. Two assists, countless probing runs, and an unshakeable belief that he willed into his troops. He had seen this script before — the unbelievable made routine, as Cape Verde and Egypt had painfully learned. Play to the last whistle, come what may. And so La Albiceleste did.The Albatross, that bird of mystery and fortune, had soared over England’s hopes. It carried the Argentine dream higher and higher, toward Spain and the final that now awaits.
For England, the structured composure that had carried them so far shattered like glass. Fans — those who had sung so lustily moments before — were left in heartbreaking silence, their joy transmuted into overwhelming sadness.
A nation of 60 million stood still, watching the ghost of victory slip through their fingers once again.
And yet, this is why the beautiful game is blooming and blossoming around the globe. Because in the space of seven cruel minutes, joy and despair danced their eternal tango. Because the ball is round, and the whistle has no mercy. Because football, in its infinite cruelty and glory, refuses to obey the narratives we write for it.
England will mourn. But Argentina will soar —higher and higher, toward the final frontier. And the Albatross, that harbinger of fortune, will carry them there.
It’s coming home. Just not tonight.
Seveci Tora Tacirua Heights
Nuclear free Pacific
Mr Tau of PANG (Pacific Network on Globalisation) is right.
There is no use just flagging or dare I suggest, fluffing about Chinese, American, Australian or French, (or any other nationality bigger than us) doing nuclear missiles tests in our back yard.
Do it in your own countries if it’s so safe.
This is not “maintaining the balance” whatever that may mean, with either China or Australia and their leaderships.
Unless of course that means receiving aid means we become their pawns as they build roads and bridges using their own labour force not ours (Chinese) and then letting them remain in the Pacific Island forum after they test a nuclear missile here?
Is that what receiving aid means?
Australia too has a long association with Fiji but we are not their pawns either – are we?
Please, Mr PM, Nuclear testing is a no no in the Pacific region. Do we not remember Bikini Island, or Mururoa, or the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior in New Zealand waters by the French? ave these historical facts in our Pacific Ocean escaped memory? Then please Mr PM, let them all be remembered – we don’t want history repeated needlessly, “lest we forget”. As Mr Tau makes plain, the “Ocean of Peace” means keeping it this way. Peaceful – without nuclear ships or subs or testing here, thanks very much.
Saying no to nuclear testing in the Pacific was the 1970s catchcry in our NZ state school system. The posters of our classrooms were the infamous atomic mushroom cloud with “Kiss your neighbour goodbye” written underneath. That is because if you live to see that mushroom cloud – for our younger readers – it’s over for you; and everyone around you. Over.
The horrors of Nagasaki and Hiroshima (after Pearl Harbour 1941) proved that American “democracy” and military retaliation is capable of expressing a horrendously evil violence on mass populations.
Even the seven original American atomic scientists who developed ‘The Bomb’ desperately tried to memo the American president of the day – to never, ever use or test this atomic bomb on human populations.
Tragically, those memos were deliberately vetoed and never heeded. But the scientists knew. And we do too. What ensued changed Japan’s modern history. Populations were genetically mutated from its drop in 1942. As with Mururoa and Bikini Island — testing, then accidents like Fukushima, and Chernobyl.
No to all nuclear power plant potential for disasters. New Zealanders, also part of the Pacific Island Forum, know that should PM Luxton change our no nukes stance to accommodate American pressure for any nuclear-powered ships or submarines, that he will forfeit his right to remain PM of NZ come the Oct /Nov 2026 elections.
Despite any other new rhetoric. This is foundational to our safety in NZ; and to the Antarctica Global Ice cap. Should it melt in a nuclear powered accident – there goes our Pacific Islands – all of us under the sea.
Voters have the right to make a stand if their elected PMs won’t. We do not cede territory to ‘neighbourly big brothers’ nor bullies. It is in our DNA – no nukes in NZ. Or the Pacific. Those who don’t support this don’t care about the safety of our smaller populations in either NZ or any other of our Pacific Island nations collectively. We are not large land masses like Australia or America or China. We are small but hugely significant to our bigger bros strategically.
So Mr PM please don’t fence sit. It tends to hurt vital organs. Either stand up for Fiji as part of a nuclear free Pacific in the Pacific Island Forum, and actually in the world – or simply get out the way. Do not capitulate generational futures. It is neither “balanced” or negotiable – it’s dangerous, abusive control. Few arguments about improved nuclear powered technology today carry significant weight being used in our huge Pacific Ocean either. Every square km is vital to life on this planet. Nuclear powered things simply involve more sophisticated ways of killing human beings en masse faster.
Jean Helan Hatch Pacific Harbour
Talking About Decrees
Were Fiji’s decrees during the former administration a legal revolution or a dangerous concentration of power and manipulation?
To try and understand why this might’ve happened, I went in search for answers. What I found was a treasure trove of information. But I have to be honest, it had me scratching my head trying to fathom it all because I’m not a legal eagle.
But here’s what I found. When a government stops governing through Parliament and begins ruling by decree, a fundamental question arises: who really holds the power – the people, or the executive? Following Fiji’s 2006 military coup and the constitutional crisis of 2009, the country entered a controversial period where laws were introduced through decrees rather than through a democratically elected Parliament.
At the centre of this legal transformation was the then Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, who became the chief architect and defender of what the government described as, a “new legal order”.
Supporters argued that the decrees were necessary to modernise Fiji, remove outdated laws and rebuild the nation after years of political instability. They argued that strong executive action was needed to create a more unified and efficient system of governance.
Critics, however, warned of a far more troubling precedent: when one branch of government gains the power to make, change and enforce laws without parliamentary scrutiny and oversight, the foundations of democracy can become dangerously vulnerable and fragile to errant forces.
The debate isn’t about whether decrees have existed throughout history. They have. Many countries have used them during wars, emergencies and periods of political upheaval.
The deeper question is whether extraordinary powers granted during a crisis should become the normal way a nation is governed. Legal scholars, I discovered, have long examined how new political orders emerge after revolutions, coups, or constitutional breakdowns.
Theories such as “revolutionary legality” and “legal positivism” explore how a new system can claim authority once it controls state institutions. But critics argue that legal effectiveness isn’t the same as democratic legitimacy.
A government can create laws. The harder question is: who gave it the moral authority to create them? Just let that sink in for a moment.
The history of the world offers many examples where governments used legal mechanisms to expand power and weaken checks and balances. That’s why strong constitutions, independent courts and accountable parliaments exist, not to slow democracy down, but to protect it from tyranny and the abuse of power. The Fiji debate remains a powerful reminder:
The true test of democracy isn’t how a government gains power, but how willing it is to limit its own power once it has it. Because history teaches us one enduring and enlightening lesson:
A nation’s freedoms are rarely lost overnight. They’re usually surrendered one legal step at a time.
My late father, when he was Fiji’s A-G in the Mara Administration had an interesting saying: “Truth will triumph!”
In a way I wish he was still around to bring some clarity to this issue. Because to be perfectly honest, I’m still trying desperately to understand why anyone would want to use decrees to forcibly establish a new legal order.
My hope and prayer is that truth will triumph and expose the shortcomings of those illegal decrees that’ve brought about such chaos and destruction in the country.
Colin Deoki Australia
Traffic light signal timing
Commuters traveling between Nadi Town and Namaka corridor encounter daily traffic delays, primarily due to the lack of traffic controllers and the malfunctioning, poorly synchronised traffic lights. As a daily user of this route, I have observed that the current timing of the traffic lights is causing significant and avoidable delays, particularly during peak hours in the morning and evening at Martintar.
In Nadi Town, there are no operational traffic lights or regular traffic controllers present. Additionally, I would like to point out that the traffic lights at the Mt St Mary’s intersection have been non-functional for several months.
Furthermore, at the Mountainview junction, the signal sequence appears inadequately designed for the high volume of traffic on the highway, resulting in several issues: – Prolonged wait times: The greenlight for highway traffic is frequently too short, while the red light persists for an unnecessarily long duration. This leads to a considerable number of vehicles waiting, even when cross-traffic is minimal or non-existent. – Severe congestion: The resulting backlog of vehicles extends well beyond the intersection, creating dangerous conditions and prolonging commute times for hundreds of drivers each day.
Increased fuel consumption: The inefficient stop-and-go pattern caused by poor timing results in higher fuel usage and increased exhaust emissions, adversely affecting both personal expenses and the environment. We have been enduring this chaotic traffic situation for an extended period.
This has become a persistent source of frustration for commuters in our area. I respectfully urge your department to reassess the traffic signal timing at the Mountainview intersection and consider implementing a more effective coordination plan.
Optimising the signal timing could significantly improve traffic flow, reduce commute delays, and enhance safety for all road users.
I hope the matter will be given the attention it deserves.
Suresh Chand Nadi
Defining Moment for Sugar
The sugar industry’s true significance lies in the 300,000 thousand lives it has touched in Fiji, the prosperity brought to towns stretching from Sigatoka to Labasa, and the generations of Girmitiya descendants, iTaukei landowners, mill workers, transport operators and rural businesses whose livelihoods became intertwined with its success.
Today the national debate on sugar has entered a new phase. It is no longer simply about declining cane production or rising financial losses. It is increasingly about governance, accountability and public confidence. Recent calls for a special audit of the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), concerns expressed in Parliament, questions raised by the permanent secretary for Finance over continued taxpayer support, and The Fiji Times editorial comment, “Defining moment for sugar!” (FT Editorial, 15/07/26), collectively suggest that Fiji has reached a watershed in the management of one of its most important national industries.
Few dispute sugar’s continuing economic and social importance. Rather, the question is whether Fiji now possesses the institutional courage to understand, through an independent and transparent process, why an industry that once stood as the backbone of the national economy has steadily declined despite repeated policy interventions and substantial public investment.
Importantly, the case for a Commission of Enquiry does not arise from a single parliamentary debate, a single newspaper editorial or a single allegation of mismanagement. It emerges from the cumulative weight of evidence developed over many years. Parliamentary debates, FSC Annual Reports, Parliamentary Standing Committee proceedings, industry consultations, official statements, repeated government financial interventions and persistent concerns expressed by growers have all pointed—albeit from different perspectives—to recurring questions about governance, operational performance, institutional accountability and long-term sustainability.
Viewed individually, none of these developments necessarily justifies a Commission of Enquiry. Considered collectively, however, they establish a compelling prima facie case that an independent, multidisciplinary examination is now in the national interest.
Such a Commission would not exist to determine guilt before evidence is heard, nor to revisit history for political advantage. Its purpose would be far more important. It would seek to establish an authoritative account of how the industry reached its present position, identify the institutional and policy factors that contributed to its decline, evaluate whether existing governance arrangements remain fit for purpose, and recommend reforms capable of restoring confidence among growers, taxpayers, investors and the wider public.
A Commission of Enquiry examines a much broader question: whether governance systems, strategic decisions, institutional reforms and public policy have served the long-term interests of the industry and the nation.
If Fiji is to ask taxpayers to continue supporting sugar, then taxpayers are equally entitled to expect that every major question surrounding the industry’s governance has been examined openly, independently and without fear or favour.
DR SUSHIL K SHARMA Lautoka
My little take!
Though still nowhere near perfect, Fiji today, after the man-made adversities of 1987, 2000 and 2006, is a little better country. Democracy is alive today, and ably supported by Commander Major-General, Ro Jone Kalouniwau, the head of Republic of Fiji Military Forces. In a special way, we are very thankful and blessed Fiji has him today. We are truly relieved for the distinction of his leadership.
Allow me to share my little take in these open columns, please. To the distinguished chairman of the Constitutional Review Commission, I request, at this late hour:
The term of the Prime Minister is limited to 2×4-year terms, maximum;
The holder of the Office of the Prime Minister must have formal tertiary leadership background to assist him/her through this challenging task. Preferred disciplines in management are emphatic prerequisites;
Similarly, the holder of the offices of the:
(1) Attorney-General;
(2) Minister for Finance;
(3) Minister for Health;
Leading Fiji into the challenging years ahead, parliamentarians, by the very nature of their work, to serve a growing nation, must meet minimum levels of tertiary education and required proven experience;
Coup makers and those directly immediately involved and openly supportive of such coup leaders, are automatically disqualified from all general elections; and
Immunity will not apply.
I make these solemn requests for a better Fiji as I, with many others suffer immense financial loss, severe emotional stress, continuing aggravated financial pressure from the unapologetic pattern of uncooperative behaviour of the Fiji National Provident Fund (a bullying, cruel and heartless custodian of members’ pensions). In our twilight years, our fading years, the betrayal of trust towards senior citizens by the fund is beyond human comprehension.
Restorative justice and restitution, for us is a paramount prerequisite for a happy death. We deserve no less. The Fiji National Provident Fund, today lacks empathy, goodwill, compassion and the respect of citizens who also served Fiji well, with nation building. This plea is a desperate SOS.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka holds the golden key to make things right; correct yesterday’s wrong. We, the betrayed seniors are counting on you, sir. There is no one else.
Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Sterile needle access
Uate Tamanikaiyaroi’s piece on the true nature hindering our society is superb. Please listen to him.
The need to distribute access to free sterile needles for drug users is imperative to save young lives in our country.
As he proves, it is well past the time to be doing this Fiji – and to those pharmacies and hubs that are, you are lifesavers to implement these support programs. More is imperative to save lives right now in Fiji.
The legal infrastructure is already in place. It’s the mentality that lags and hinders and put plainly, is ignorant of what is needed, or is in denial about these dying facts, and still trying to hide shame or whatever they do. Please, for God’s sake: stop it.
Judgmental here begs belief; when mercy – and planned implementation is well passed needed. It’s a moral problem to deny this support when kids are dying from sepsis in our hospitals, Central and Western.
Stop hindering the need for kids to get help! It’s not condoning drug use either, nor helpful to hit our loved ones on the head with Bibles: they need compassion, dignity and specific trained help real fast; or if we don’t put in place the measures Mr Tamanikaiyoroi is suggesting – it will be too late. If it isn’t already, that will be a miracle right there.
His example of the Moonlight Program in Suva is telling.
These programs providing practical help and all SRH (sexual and reproductive health) hubs are doing the start of a mountain of work to be done in Fiji. They need support not judgement. Money to fix lives; not judgement – which is fear and not facing reality.
Each step to improve and help the lives of our shattered children and adults is doing godly work. “Koda” and “bluetoothing” are realities here. They are using shared syringes to kill themselves faster. Clean, single sterile syringes will lessen this danger.
For the eight children under 15 who died in 2024, two years ago, so who knows how many other kids under 15 have died already by now from these sharing practices? This, and the trajectory of youth, 15-19 who already have HIV (from six in 2022 to 165 in 2024). This exponential growth now in 2026. Do the math.
Fiji, act now; or it will already be too late.
Its sterile needles that are needed asap.
Not more meetings and group photos, or judgement.
Please act and allow those who know to get on with this implementation.
Vinaka vakalevu to Uate Tamanikaiyaroi for educating the public. Please listen to him.
Jean Helan Hatch Waikalou Rd, Pacific Harbour
Food and security
The Fiji Times opinion on food security – national security (FT 28/6) is a major concern for all of us.
Let’s take some immediate steps as we are well blessed with a tropical climate. Self sufficiency in our arable land is the way to progress.
“Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up. It knows it should run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up, it knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle else it will start to die. It doesn’t matter if you are a lion or gazelle, when the sun comes up you better be running.” – African proverb.
Secure food for survival.
Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
The Hidden Paradise!
Writing about Savusavu is never easy. I was born and raised in Vunilagi Estate, an hour’s drive from Savusavu Town. The Hidden Paradise, as it is commonly known, has a special place in my heart. When I’m there, memories spring up and bring tears to the eyes.
I attended Vunilagi Primary School and Khemendra Bhartiya School. Academic excellence, extracurricular activities like scouts and sports were part of our upbringing. We were taught basic values and respect to our elders. There was no modern technology, no internet, no mobile phones and laptops. Football was in our blood. We grew up watching great players bring pride to Savusavu. Today, all those victories are part of beautiful memories as Savusavu struggles to beat teams like Bua, Nadogo, Dreketi and Seaqaqa.
I have vivid collections of football success at Ratu Ganilau Park where Savusavu faced teams like Navua, Nadi, Nasinu, Tavua and Lautoka in the promotion and relegation series. Back then, Savusavu was a family where people knew each other. Elders corrected our mistakes and behaviour, and corporal punishment was part of life. We competed against each other for honours during the annual awards day.
From Savusavu, I made it to Natabua High School. It was a rare feat for someone from Savusavu to make it to one of Fiji’s best academic and sports-oriented schools. I pay tribute to the late Mr Bir Singh (principal). I was part of Mars House. Reality struck me when dad was transferred to Wainikoro Public School and I had to join Nadogo Secondary School. The hardships of crossing the deepest River (Wainikoro River), the rampaging floods in 1997 and the El Nino in 1998 failed to dampen my performance. From Nadogo to Labasa College and then Fiji College of Advanced Education for a teaching course.
My first posting was at Savusavu Secondary School – how much profound pleasure and joy I had to give back to the Hidden Paradise. Last weekend as I toured Savusavu, I found a lot of friends and I spent valuable time with my loved ones. I took my daughter to Nawi Island. It has been transformed into a wonderful tourist and local visitors’ destination. A short boat ride from the mainland to Nawi and one would be fascinated with what the island offers. During our days, Nawi Island was a fishing and picnic spot. Today, it is the pride of Savusavu.
To those living in Savusavu, cherish the moments, for they will one day be part of your history. To those who have left Savusavu – it is still our priceless home!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
