Noble idea
The honourable Prime Minister’s announcement of a 20 per cent pay cut for MPs, ministers and assistant ministers sounds well intended, under the circumstances. The new rules on government vehicles also sound good. However, the pay cut is reportedly subject to parliamentary approval. Reflecting on the last parliamentary vote on pay, there was overwhelming support for the increase, and I now believe it was somewhat alright. This time though, the motion on pay reduction might not attract overwhelming support. Let’s just hope our ‘honourable’ members of the august house do the honourable thing by not liumuri the motion, if it does get tabled. Desperate times call for desperate measures. However, by the time the motion is put to vote, I hope the fuel situation will have eased. I personally don’t think the pay cut is a good idea. Donald Singh Nausori
Remove democracy
Since the Great Council of Chiefs recent and controversial recommendations to the CRC, how about we just rebrand Fiji altogether? Let’s move away from being identified as a developing democratic country and classify ourselves as a “Chiefdom” nation? And why not? After all, with such primitive ideas being put forward, we are definitely on the right track of navigating our way back into the colonial era. Really, there’s no point in preaching democracy. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Chief condemns act
We read in The Fiji Times on April 9 that the Constitution Review Commission is conducting nationwide consultation to review the 2013 Constitution which “aims to strengthen democracy”. I believe democracy will be strengthened when citizens of Fiji learn the significance of mutual respect regardless of a fellow citizen’s ethnicity and an abiding respect for the values and norms governing a modern multiracial democracy.
Without these, democracy will not be strengthened no matter what name we give ourselves. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Traffic congestion
Traffic congestion in Fiji is increasing daily, and without innovative solutions, prospects for improvement seem limited. A significant priority should be to focus on effective road maintenance and ensure sustainability for the future. Many of the busiest routes have deteriorated, resulting in unsafe driving conditions and contributing to slow traffic flow and serious jams. In Nadi, the main issue stems from inadequate road infrastructure. Bottlenecks are evident, and without action, expecting any improvement is unrealistic. One possible solution is to construct additional bypass roads and new bridges to improve connectivity and reduce congestion. These measures are essential to prevent the situation from worsening. Immediate actions and strategic planning are necessary to address the issue before it becomes unmanageable. It is also important to note that much of Fiji’s road network was established over a century ago during colonial times and continues to follow its original design. This highlights a lack of commitment to modernisation and an inability to adapt to the needs of a growing population and evolving technology. Suresh Chand Nadi
Cost cutting measures!
In a bold move on Wednesday night, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka ordered sweeping austerity measures, slashing ministers’ pay by 20 per cent and grounding overseas travel for politicians, civil servants and permanent secretaries. In his national address, PM stressed the need for leadership and leaders to lead by example during such challenging times. He also highlighted the freeze on new civil service positions, suspension of overtime payments and strict controls on the use of all Government vehicles. He shed light on the new norm and way forward —carpooling and virtual meetings to replace in-person gatherings. PM’s directive aims at reducing Government expenditure, preserving resources and demonstrating fiscal responsibility from the top down. Appropriate cost cutting measures, PM! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Bula FC
I was extremely disappointed after learning that all of Bula FC’s games in the Fiji circuit will be played at Govind Park’s 4R Stadium in Ba, while none will be played at Suva’s HFC Stadium. This is unjust to the fans in the Central Division who wish to witness Fiji’s first professional football team in action, however, this is not made possible for reasons unknown to the public. I understand that the 4R Stadium is new and is situated in the football crazy town of Ba, however, the purpose of having the competition in two venues in Fiji is to promote the newly inaugurated OFC Pro League across the country. So many of Bula FC’s players are from districts in the Central Division, most of whom wished to play in front of their families, friends and fans, however, that has been made difficult with all games being held in Ba. HFC Stadium is Fiji’s national stadium and so our country’s first professional football team should play at our national ground, to honour the history it holds. Why are other clubs getting to play in Suva while Fiji’s own team is not scheduled to play in Suva? Can Fiji Football Association kindly respond? Raynav Chand JP Maharaj St, Nakasi
Pope’s call
Pope Leo a man of peace for the whole of humanity is absolutely right in saying US President Donald Trump’s threat against the people of Iran is “unacceptable” (Reuters 9/4/26). If his threat “a whole civilisation will die tonight” took place, what would that say about American civilisation under Trump? What did humanity say about Hitler’s “Final Solution” to exterminate all Jews? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Labasa flight
The Fiji Times‘ picture of Labasa Airport (FT 27/3) will hopefully be upgrade to an international airport. I believe this will help us to travel frequently to the Friendly North, Labasa from abroad, boosting Fiji tourism. The Fiji Airport CEO Mesake Nawari highlights that this is an important investment for Fiji. For many of us, it will be our civic pride to see this town grow into a city. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Country name
How about we change our country name from Fiji to Viti? Then all our citizens could be known as Vitians or Viti Islanders and the iTaukei as FIJIANS. Vijay P. Madhavan Borron Rd, Suva
US limits
Iran has exposed the USA’s limits as a superpower. April 8, will be remembered as the beginning of a new world order. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Electric vehicles
With the cost of fuel going up, and a sense of uncertainty whether the ceasefire in the US-Iran conflict will hold, it would be an intelligent move for the government, to start looking into switching its vehicle fleets, from fuel-based to electric. Electric vehicles have been proven to be environmentally friendly, it reduces operating costs and has superior performance. Let’s go green Fiji! Manoa Kaleca Nakasi
Pay cut
In 2024 members of parliament approved the recommendation by the chair and members of the Emoluments Committee for a pay-rise for the selected few in government including members the opposition. At present the Prime Minister has publicly announced his recommendations for a 20 percent pay-cut etc that will be put forward for Parliament approval. See how this three-wheeler Coalition Government work, Machiavellian intelligence indeed.
AREKI DAWAI Suva
Relief effort
We in the West are waiting for the PM to announce cyclone relief or at least FNPF partial withdrawal for repairs to our homes. Maybe the honourable PM is not aware that a cyclone passed by on Tuesday. Can the MPs please remind him. Edward Kumar Lautoka
Pension and problems
Brush with death
I refer to the letter by Dewan Chand (FT 08/04) on the above topic. Sorry to hear of your painful and frustrating experience and your acknowledgment towards the good you received. Such painful and sad scenarios make us realise how fragile life is. One moment we are full on the run and the next we get knocked down just like that. Some are not fortunate to make it through. Imagine the dreams that fades with them. Take for instance the FNPF pension that was snatched away just like that by the previous regime. The hard-earned treasures for many. Today they are helplessly but hopefully asking for justice to get their pension money back. Yes, their money back. That money was from their sweat through their efforts. That money does not belong to the FNPF or the Government. Why our people are not able to get their money back? Some have sadly passed on waiting for the good news of getting their pension back. Imagine the dreams they had and still have to fulfill with those pensions, let it be in terms of health, house or securing their families to some extent. Dreams were shattered. The pain given by the previous regime is still fresh on people’s lives and minds because they are the ones who are suffering yet hopeful. The slap that previous regime slammed upon many can be healed by this Government. We have seen how money is splashed on various unnecessary scenarios and necks being held tight for smaller amounts that are used for valid reasons. The last thing people want is to have to ask for or beg for their own money. We know times are hard now with the fuel price increase affecting the cost of living but again it’s not the fault of those suffering people. Hopefully with tensions easing in these terms the forgotten pension is being considered. Dear authorities with every genuine pain and cry, comes along a curse as well. There is something called karma. We do not wish bad upon anyone and the authorities know their situations well. So, I humbly request please if it’s in your ambit please help these hopeful people. After all they are just human beings who are asking nothing much but just their hard-earned pensions. You will get blessings instead if you believe in it. Hope good sense will prevail which can bring smiles to many faces. Wishing you a speedy recovery Dewan Chand. Kirti Patel Mohan Singh Pl., Lautoka
Real-world problems
Fiji is grappling with a very real and urgent crisis, an ongoing fuel dilemma and the destructive aftermath of Severe Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, which left parts of the Western Division, including Lautoka, critically battered. These are issues that demand immediate attention, practical solutions, and serious leadership. Yet, amid all this, some “chiefs” seem to be preoccupied with an identity debate that, quite frankly, does little to move the country forward. Whether one is labeled iTaukei, Fijian, Fiji Islander, Indo-Fijian, weeds, tera baar etc will not fix fuel shortages, rebuild homes, or restore livelihoods. A constitutional name tweak won’t magically solve national challenges. What is perhaps more puzzling is the growing identity confusion at an individual level. Walking through town recently, I found myself genuinely unsure of how to address certain individuals — whether “he” or “she” applied. To avoid offence, I settled on “shim”. The term “pronouns” seems to be a thing with certain people these days. And of course, many of these individuals who are experiencing their own identity crisis are committed on social media, promoting themselves as “influencers”, while the country deals with real-world problems. Hey Bhagwan! Nishant Singh Lautoka
