Common enemy WHILE there is a lot of discussion and opinions on our common identity, it seems we are leaving the common enemy (drugs) at the back seat. This common enemy is wreaking havoc on our daily lives, especially the people who choose to consume, sell and make money out of it. While these are two important issues (enemy/identity) the choices we make today will be reflected in the future of our country. God bless Fiji. JUKI FONG CHEW Nadawa, Nasinu
Horse ride ARTI Verma is preparing to ride a horse to work to defeat the cost of fuel. (FT2/4). A brilliant idea! I hope the stables will be provided at the workplace to park the horse. First try Suva-Nausori corridor where workers spend about one hour in vehicles in traffic jams during peak hours. Horse race! Safety first. TAHIR ALI Hamilton, New Zealand
Cutting cost LONG queues in bank branches are a significant pain point. It often results in wasted time, high customer frustration, and increased stress for staff. Sadly, I believe that banks in the country are cost cutting by not hiring more employees at the expense of their loyal customers. Sobo! WISE MUAVONO Balawa, Lautoka
Pope speaks out POPE Leo says he will continue to speak out against war after Trump’s direct attack on “the leader of the 1.4 billion member Church“ (Reuters 15/4/26). He must continue to do that for the sane part of humanity. RAJEND NAIDU Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
Trump, Modi speak PM Modi has tweeted that he received a call from his friend, Donald Trump and they spoke for 40 minutes. After discussing bilateral relations, Modi then made the statement stressing that the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea should be open and free for trade. BBC reports the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz cannot be verified. Let us hope that the next round of talks will be successful. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
National security ANTHONY SAHAI LEVUKA, OVALAU APPROXIMATELY three weeks ago, unknown individuals managed to intrude into two military camps, undetected, and attempted to gain access into facilities within the establishments. And just two days ago, a 42-yearold man was charged with the rape of a 25-year-old man who was his cell mate at a Police station. I reckon it borders down to sheer laxity and negligence whilst on duty. Or is it due to been overtrained that one gets to sleep on the job or is it just due to the “mokusiga syndrome”, whiling the hours away on social media? Those serving in the security sector, both military and law enforcement, are mandated to maintain high situational awareness. They need to be alert at all times. These institutions are responsible for law enforcement, public safety and national defence. It’s not a joke. Heads must roll.
The Fijian question DONALD SINGH NAUSORI THE commentary and debate rambles on regarding my name. I have given my 50 cents and saqamoli, some have given their saqamoli, fifty and twenty cents, a few their ten and five cents; however, the two cents and one cent opinions never saw daylight thanks to the FT editorial team. Each opinion, whether for or against the common Fijian name, makes some sense. Freedom of opining and these pages seem more effective than any public consultation held anywhere on the matter. Another saqamoli from me. iTaukei people, their culture and language were here first, well before the Leonidas brought my great, great aja and nana. They came as Indians and were known as Indians for a very long time. Then a hybrid name Indo-Fijian came and then finally came the equal citizenry via the common Fijian name for all citizens of Fiji. The Indo-Fijian Fijians to this day hold respect and reverence for iTaukei people and their culture. The argument from the defenders of the Fijian name for all of us, iTaukei, Indo-Fijians, naturalised Chinese and other residents, is not based on desperation. No, I am not desperate to be called Fijian. I am Fijian, by nationality. All the Chinese friends sustaining our vegetable supplies from their farms and market stalls are Fijian by nationality. The list is long. To the defenders of the idea to reserve the Fijian name for the indigenous only, there is no reason for panic and commotion. We the nonindigenous are not stealing your identity. The argument is about nationality, not race. The tragedy would actually be if the new Constitution robbed me of my identity which directly reflects my nationality. It has been almost 150 years since we came and made Fiji home, the only place we now know. It’s 56 years since Fiji gained independence, yet, somehow we are still arguing names. I go to a church with predominantly iTaukei members. I work with hundreds of iTaukei people. I see them as iTaukei and respect their culture. They see me as Indo-Fijian and maybe try to understand things about me. But we all pray together and work together for the same collective goals, for Fiji, a nation that belongs to them and me alike. On the ground there is no dispute. My neighbours are mainly iTaukei and we live in harmony. There is no question of identity theft. In fact, my identity would be stolen if I am called anything apart from Fijian. By race and culture, I am Indian, proud Indian with a hybrid Indo Fijian name because I am a Fiji citizen. By nationality I am Fijian. that’s it.
Help me understand RONNIE CHANG MARTINTAR, NADI WILL the CEO WAF please help me understand? WAF disruption notice on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 stated areas in Votualevu, Martintar, Nasoso, Denarau and nearby areas were to expect disruption on April 16/17. I live in elevated Gray Rd, Mountainview, Martintar, Nadi – first floor. We had no water since 4pm Tuesday, April 14, 2026, almost 30 hours too early. Who made this serious error? Water is an essential service. Why must we suffer such inconvenience, discomfort and unnecessary stress and anger as 74-year-old betrayed senior FNPF pensioners? Pensions stolen. Now, no water. What next?
Meaning of reguregu PAUL GERAGHTY USP, SUVA PLEASE allow me to clarify the difference between reguregu and ireguregu, since many writers seem to misunderstand. Reguregu is a verb meaning to express condolence and present appropriate gifts. Like any verb it can also be used as a noun without affixation, for example nodra reguregu “they’re going to present gifts etc”. On the other hand, ireguregu is a noun meaning what is presented, so nodra ireguregu means what they present at a reguregu. Anyone who has got this wrong is in good company, as the Government announcement (15/4, Page 24) refers to ‘traditional ceremonies of “ireguregu”. Additionally, referring to reguregu as ‘traditional’ is tautological. There is no such thing, to my knowledge, as a ‘nontraditional reguregu’.
Any doers? JAN NISSAR ATHENS, GREECE KIRTI Patel should really take up the case of the “robbed” FNPF pensioners by the previous “illegal government”. Otherwise, there is just too much hot air coming from people all over Fiji, including from members of government and nothing changes. And should I mention all the endless hot air coming from the aggrieved pensioners. Aren’t there any doers in Little Israel? Or are there just complainers and those who blame others?
Transparency through visibility ASH DEE LAUTOKA A SIMPLE and practical reform could help strengthen public trust in government: reducing heavy tinting on official vehicles. In Fiji, where public confidence in institutions is important, visibility matters. Government vehicles are funded by taxpayers and represent the state in everyday life. Ensuring they are clearly visible reinforces the idea that public service should remain open and accountable. This would be a low-cost, low-risk step with meaningful impact. It could help discourage misuse, promote responsible behaviour, and signal a commitment to transparency in a way that people can see—literally. Sometimes small changes carry powerful messages. This could be one of them.
Final salute DHIRENDRA PRASAD LAUTOKA I FEEL obliged to pay my homage to our former President and more importantly the revered and respected, down to earth, high-ranking chief, Na Turaga Taukei Naisogalaca, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau. Sir, you have proved that being a person of such a high calibre, people in the lower ranks mattered in life. You have shown the true qualities of a considerate and duty bound leader. I cannot forget the words of wisdom which showed your maturity in displaying excellent human attributes. Your humbleness in meeting people of all walks of life along your way in the streets cannot go unadmired. This did not take the professionalism of being a leader of such a high rank from you sir. You had never desired to be treated differently while amongst the citizens although protocols needed to be followed. Your concern for the health and wellness for all stood out at the highest level of leadership as an ambassador for fighting against HIV/AIDS. The human values you practised is unmatched by many at your level. While you are on your way to join the paradise of the Lord, be assured that the legacy you have created will be embraced by us in this little nation which is still trying its best to create better livelihoods for all its citizens. We will always be guided by your way of life that included thinking, comradeship, professionalism, compassion and the creation of an environment suitable for all no matter how tough life may have been to you at times. May the people of Fiji learn and embrace the best qualities obtained from you and pave a better way for our nation in future. God bless your soul and Fiji as a proud nation which embraced a leader such as you, sir. You will always remain in our hearts forever. My final salute to you sir. Bye our Ratu.
Emotional tribute! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU THE reguregu for the late former president Ratu Epeli Nailatikau showed great respect, one that the high chief, former president, speaker of Fiji’s Parliament House, and distinguished and passionate leader truly deserved. The reguregu at the Coronation Grounds, State House, showed great solidarity and unity, something that Ratu Nailatikau emphasised as he served our beloved country. His humility, simplicity, unconditional love and care, unwavering dedication and commitment, and integrity made him stand out as the people’s leader. The reguregu highlighted the iTaukei culture, traditions, ties and links. Ratu Nailatikau’s journey honoured a leader who shaped our leadership and identity. He will be accorded a state funeral today with full military and traditional honours and observation of ceremonial rites. The military parade brought former military leaders together. Yesterday, the high chief took his final journey silently through the streets of Suva where he once walked without any bodyguards and met ordinary Fijians, including vendors, drivers and shoe-shine boys. The final journey was solemn. It moved people to tears as they honoured the Statesman. The nation mourns the passing of a leader who climbed the ranks to become a successful and revered leader who will be remembered. It was touching to see Princess Royal Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu expressing her emotions, shedding tears. Many had the same emotions for him. Rest in peace, beloved Ratu Epeli Nailatikau!
