State of the nation
THE recent news surrounding the fate of a known drug suspect at Delainabua Camp has sparked a necessary, albeit difficult, conversation about the state of our nation. As Fiji stands on the brink of becoming a semi-narco state, the time for soft diplomacy in the fight against drugs has passed. For too long, major traffickers and their accomplices have exploited our legal system, treating fines and standard prison sentences as little more than operating costs. While civilian authorities are often constrained by limited resources, legislative gaps, and increasingly sophisticated criminal networks, the military represents a level of discipline and deterrence that these cartels genuinely fear. The presence of the RFMF in supporting roles is a step forward. However, we must ask whether a more robust, security-driven approach is required to protect our youth and safeguard our sovereignty. If individuals are dying from HIV/AIDS linked to intravenous drug use, and others are suffering lifelong psychiatric harm, then the penalties imposed on those responsible should reflect the severity of that damage to our society. If we are serious about dismantling the syndicates destroying our communities, punishment must match the gravity of the crime. When criminals wage war on our social fabric, they should not be surprised when the state responds with its strongest measures. Let the Delainabua incident serve as a grim reminder: those who profit from destroying Fijian lives through illicit drug trafficking should not expect a lenient path through the justice system. MELI MATANATOTO, Suva
Road menace
I WISH to call on the relevant regulatory authorities to address a growing hazard on our roads: the increasing use of excessively bright, searing white aftermarket LED fog lights. Over recent months, their prevalence has risen noticeably, and they are often used indiscriminately — regardless of daylight conditions. These lights are not only unnecessary in clear weather but also dangerously distracting. Like a moth drawn to a flame, I find it difficult to avert my gaze when encountering them — something that happens several times during a routine commute, both in the morning and afternoon. At times, it feels as though a supernova is approaching. This is more than a nuisance; it is a genuine road safety concern. I urge the authorities to take decisive action before these lights cause lasting harm to drivers’ vision and contribute to avoidable accidents. ASHVIR SINGH Nasinu
Don’t shoot the messenger
JAN in Athens, Greece, thank you for your suggestion (FT 15/04). Wish it was so simple. Why didn’t you just correct any misunderstanding I may have had about your use of “Fijian” in your referenced letter? Then we would all be the wiser about who you are so regularly sarcastic towards in your letters. More relevantly, why don’t you tell us what moniker you most identify with and why? Is it Abo, Australian, Girmitya, Fijian, Indo-Fijian, or Indian? And does it change according to context or audience? You are so blessed to have so many alternatives to choose from. Lastly, some advice: don’t shoot the messenger; instead, deal with the message. DANIEL FATIAKI Suva
Thank you WAF
I write to formally express my sincere thanks and appreciation to WAF CEO. Thank you for promptly attending to my complaint. There was unexplained premature disruption to our water supply — approximately 32 hours earlier than planned disruption scheduled for April 16/17. Your team attended to our water meter connections in elevated Gray Rd, Mountainview over two days (April 16/17) It is now 07.4am Saturday, April 18, 2026. We are finally enjoying excellent water pressure in our showers, upstairs. Our 5000-litre water tank is also full, this morning. A huge relief indeed. Vinaka vakalevu WAF for a job well done. RONNIE CHANG Martintar, Nadi
Twisted mind
RAJEND Naidu, as always, with his twisted and pre-disposed mind, is not able to understand the effect of the use of the word “friend” by PM Modi. Rajend Naidu should be grateful to Modi for providing refined oil to Australia. Of the two small refineries, Australia’s one refinery has burnt down. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
Farewell Ratu
YESTERDAY’S rendition of the Last Post for the late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was probably one of the most moving I have ever listened to. The arrangement of the music that accompanied the Bugler was outstanding. To the bandsmen and women of the RFMF and Navy, vinaka vakalevu. E sa veiganiti ka vakaciriloloma dina (It was relevant and touching). Farewell Ratu. JACK VOSAWALE Nadi
Traditions or health
IT was interesting to note that the current Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, did not take a lead role during the funeral of the late former president and speaker Ratu Epeli Nailatikau. Normally the PM is first in line to take all the glory at major events. I guess it must be to do with tradition and culture which the vulagi would never be able to understand. Or is it because of the PM’s health or both? JAN NISSAR Cairo, Egypt
Trump is sick
RONNIE Chang says Trump is sick following his image of himself as Jesus-like after his feud with Pope Leo (FT 16/4). I agree. The man is sick — very sick. His own niece, clinical psychologist Mary Trump, described him as a megalomaniac narcissist. A megalomaniac narcissist is an individual with severe Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) who exhibits delusional, god-like beliefs regarding their own superiority, power, and intelligence. They display extreme grandiosity, entitlement, and an obsessive need to control or dominate others, often viewing themselves as destined for greatness (AI Overview). The description fits Trump fully. RAJEND NAIDU Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
Fijian or Fiji Islander
WITH utmost respect, it is virtually impossible to please all men and women all the time. There will always be some minority who object. Their opinions are respected. Life has to go on. (After all, the word Fiji is not iTaukei). Can we all agree to disagree, and remain civil? There is no better way forward, in my humble view. RONNIE CHANG Martintar, Nadi
ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day, commemorated on April 25, is one of Australia’s & New Zealand’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as Anzacs, and the pride they took in that name endures to this day. When war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federated nation for only 13 years, and its government was eager to establish a reputation among the nations of the world. When Britain declared war in August 1914, Australia was automatically placed on the side of the Commonwealth. In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany. The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915, the allied forces were evacuated from the peninsula, with both sides having suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. More than 8000 Australian soldiers died in the campaign. Gallipoli had a profound impact on Australians at home, and April 25 soon became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who died in the war. Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the actions of Australian and New Zealand forces during the campaign left a powerful legacy. What became known as the “Anzac legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways in which they viewed both their past and their future. Australians recognise April 25 as a day of national remembrance, which takes two forms. Commemorative services are held across the nation at dawn – the time of the original landing, while later in the day, former servicemen and servicewomen meet to take part in marches through the country’s major cities and in many smaller centers. Commemorative ceremonies are more formal, and are held at war memorials around the country. These days, Anzac Day is a time at which Australians reflect on the many different meanings of war. Poppy Appeal reminds us that we need to attribute and contribute, in aid of those serving in the Armed Forces. So donate generously, support the worthy cause, and wear poppy flower today. NEELZ SINGH Nelson , New Zealand
Pope Leo speech
IN a forceful speech, Pope Leo urged the Cameroon government to root out corruption and resist “the whims of the rich and powerful”. He told Cameroon political leaders that “in order for peace and justice to prevail, the chains of corruption — which disfigure authority and strip it of itscredibility — must be broken. Hearts must be set free from an idolatrous thirst for profit” (Reuters/ FT17/4). Pope Leo’s profound message has relevance for political leaders everywhere including Fiji. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Voted out
HUNGARY’S PM has been voted out of power after 16 years with claims of corruption. Dan Urai is right in saying “the beauty of democracy is no one rules forever” (FT 15/4). That’s just as applicable to the Rabuka gang in government as it was to the Bainimarama mob. Dan would no doubt know that. RAJEND NAIDU Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
