ANZAC Day – A moment of reflection
ANZAC Day, which is one of the most important national holidays celebrated both in Australia and New Zealand, was commemorated on April 25 in honour of Australian and NZ soldiers who served and died in military operations for the country. During World War I, these soldiers fought at Gallipoli in Turkey. The soldiers landed on Gallipoli early on the morning of April 25, 1915, and a year later, the date was officially declared as ANZAC Day. Their sacrifices remind us of the role our soldiers play in peacekeeping duties. Hence, it is important to respect and honour those who have served, and what it takes to take care of those who have been fortunate enough to return home. While wars and conflicts continue to afflict the world and families and friendships continue to be torn apart, we must aim to turn their sacrifices into beacons of peace and hope and pray for a brighter future. Leaders must redouble their efforts in fostering tolerance and strengthening democracy. Peace and harmony are essential tools in creating a united Fiji! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
Language barriers
Recently before the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission, I spoke about the urgent need to teach Fijian and Hindi languages as compulsory subjects in primary schools. Language is a very powerful tool which can help bring different cultures and races together. Once the communication channels are opened between the races the other barriers will automatically fall apart. I have spoken and written on this subject before and I am frustrated that the Ministry of Education and Culture has paid scant attention in this direction. I do not understand the hidden agenda but common sense tells us that no matter how much truth telling by the victims and the perpetrators continues; the languages will still stand supreme. It is a national shame that after living together for one hundred and 47 years, we have not yet broken the language barriers. Why can’t we have our own lingua franca instead of just relying on the English language as a communication tool. I urge the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission to make a strong case to the President in this regard. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Exemplary setup
Grace Road Group operates several supermarkets across Nadi, including locations in Sabeto, Nasoso, Wailoaloa, Nadi Back Rd, Navakai, and Nawaicoba. I have visited almost all of them at least once, and they stand out for their thoughtful design and strategic placement, catering not only to urban shoppers but also to those in rural areas. Each supermarket is easily accessible with convenient drive-in and drive-out options, underlining their focus on customer ease. A closer look at the business practices of Grace Road reveals their emphasis on creating secure, well-organised shopping environments. Their approach prioritises delivering a pleasant shopping experience complemented by practical features such as ample parking spaces with clear signage for entrances and exits. This attention to detail extends to their impeccably maintained tarsealed car parks and their neatly spaced store layouts, which are thoughtfully designed for maximum convenience. An additional highlight of their stores is the clean and welcoming washrooms available at all locations, showcasing the company’s commitment to maintaining high standards of customer comfort. Across the board, their facilities are well-kept and thoughtfully constructed, reinforcing their dedication to quality and service excellence. Grace Road Group’s approach stands out as a benchmark in retail management, combining functionality and comfort seamlessly. It sets an example that other businesses could benefit from emulating by creating similarly inviting and efficient environments in their stores. I can only hope! Suresh Chand Nadi
Public spending
I wish to respectfully suggest that there may be opportunities to apply more innovative thinking to the Ministry of Education’s current office accommodation arrangements in Suva, particularly in relation to rental expenditure, which is a non-asset-building cost to the public purse. As the largest ministry in Fiji, it may be timely to review whether the current use of multiple rented properties is delivering optimal value for public funds. A cost-benefit analysis could help determine whether consolidation of office space or revised leasing arrangements would improve efficiency and reduce ongoing rental expenditure. While ministry-specific figures are not always presented in consolidated form, government-wide spending on office rentals is understood to run into tens of millions of dollars annually. In this context, even modest efficiencies within major ministries such as education could translate into meaningful long-term savings. It may also be appropriate to consider whether all administrative functions need to remain centrally located within Suva, particularly where alternative arrangements could improve space utilisation and reduce duplication. Given that the Ministry of Education serves hundreds of schools across Fiji, it may also be worth considering whether the current concentration of administrative operations remains the most efficient arrangement for a truly national system. Ash Dee Lautoka
Offshore critics
Tolerance, at almost all levels, is a sure sign of strength. Endless criticisms are also almost always a sign of being weak and inadequate. Stand strong Fiji. Our offshore critics always make their presence felt … one way or another. Critics who move to distant and supposedly greener pastures, need to move on — keep going. We are better left to paddle our own canoes. Sink or swim, is our destiny. Fiji is not a perfect country. We have our own set of strength and weakness; successes and failures; good times and not-so-good times too. We will strive to sort our differences, our Pacific way. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
We are Fijians
Vinaka! Areki Dawai writing on “Unity in diversity” that Fijian name is only for Fijians (FT/LTE 13/4) as emphasised by members of the GCC. I believe we all are Fijians, who qualify to live in Fiji’s diverse society. Some time ago some politicians used to make noise that “Fiji is for Fijians”. So we all are Fijians. Born, bred and live in Fiji. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Hidden enemy
Did you know that the wide use of chemical contraceptives (pill or injection or other means) has had serious consequences for the general public? These chemicals are artificial hormones that are not completely absorbed by the body but are excreted and end up in the water table and ocean. This polluted water affects developing brains and genitals, not only in the ocean’s fish but in the unborn baby. Male fertility around the world has greatly decreased in recent times, and prostate cancer has greatly increased. The extreme rise in ADHD and ASD has been blamed on polluted water. Fish are particularly vulnerable because they accumulate these hormones and pass them on to consumers. Fergus Garrett Vatuwaqa, Suva
Little variation
I heard that there were 15 buses. Despite this, Ba still did not win on Sunday. I think they should bring a couple of tractors and Bedford trucks on the next occasion. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Investigative journalism
We read in The Fiji Times report “Chaudhry seeks Parliament intervention” (FT 25/4/26) that Fiji Labour Party leader and former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry said in light of the “immense national concern” regarding the Vuda waste-to-Energy project “Parliament must also investigate the manner in which the entire matter has been handled, the absence of accountability, the blatant breach of proper procedures in dealing with the environment impact assessment (EIA) report and the involvement of top government ministers. The haste with which this project is being fast-tracked is fraught with irregularities, inconsistencies and improprieties”. I believe, to get to the bottom of the intriguing circumstances surrounding this billion-dollar-plus big money project, an ABC Four Corners style investigation is warranted. The people of Fiji need to know the truth. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
USP head?
Who is steering the University of the South Pacific (USP)? Since the departure of its vice-chancellor in September 2025, the region’s premier university has operated for months without a substantive appointment. Yet it was only in March 2026 that an advertisement for the position appeared. Such delay raises serious concerns about urgency and leadership continuity. Equally concerning is the absence of a clearly designated acting vice-chancellor. In the absence of visible leadership, questions of accountability become unavoidable. At the same time, staff reportedly received pay upgrades and bonuses in December. While staff welfare is important, major financial decisions without clear leadership warrant scrutiny. The continued reliance on long-term “acting” appointments across the university further compounds the issue, raising questions about transparency and institutional stability. USP is funded by Pacific nations and accountable to its people. When can the public expect a new vice-chancellor to be appointed? And in the meantime, who is ultimately responsible for the direction of the university? Silence on these matters only deepens public concern. Ash Dee Lautoka
Super Round
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua were honoured to close out Super Round at the state-of-the-art (with a roof) One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch. Super Round started on the highest of notes as the mighty Crusaders, the most successful Super Rugby team, recorded a bonus point win against the NSW Waratahs 35-20. On Saturday, both NZ teams, the Hurricanes and Blues, won against Australian opposition in the Brumbies and Reds 45-12 and 36-33, respectively. he Highlanders v Moana Pasifika and Chiefs v Drua also attracted a huge crowd among who was an ardent Drua fan in Ansh Lingam. His dad Adishwar Lingam never misses any Drua games in NZ and is familiar with most of the players in the team. No matter where the Drua play, they boast a good crowd and have become the darlings of Super Rugby Pacific. I’m proud of the Drua as the side has outmuscled teams like the Crusaders (back-to-back) and Brumbies (back-to-back home and away), Chiefs, Reds, Waratahs, Force, Rebels and Hurricanes (twice). The Drua are left to beat the Blues and Highlanders. Yesterday against the number 2 ranked Chiefs outfit, the Drua did not lack support as fans spurred the side against the power-packed Chiefs, laden with stars. The Drua must perform consistently to stay in Super Rugby Pacific. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Good leadership
The PNG newspaper The National has a letter “Nation needs honest and strong leadership” (22 April, 2026). It does. Not only in PNG but everywhere. Unfortunately such leadership tends to be scarce in today’s world. Instead we have more and more in leadership who are crooked, corrupt and greedy. They often put their own vested interest above that of the people they are meant to serve. Such leadership is a national disgrace. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
