Much improved performance
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua lost to the Chiefs 42-22 but won hearts with a resounding performance away from home. The Chiefs benefited from a bizarre try (thanks to fullback Ilaisa Droasese) to go second on the Super Rugby Pacific standings. The Drua made errors that gifted the Chiefs the much-needed bonus-point victory. However, unlike other away matches where they were pushed around, this time the Drua held on and look set to beat the Highlanders in Ba this Saturday. Playing in front of a huge crowd was always going to be a mammoth task, but the Drua gave everything that they had in the tank. The Drua need to minimise on errors and play the full 80 minutes. I have noticed that the Drua end up conceding points in the first half. Momentum must swing on. Wishing the Drua all the best! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Vehicle registration
Yesterday morning, 27/04, I went to renew my vehicle registration. The stretch of road between Namotomoto Village and Martintar has tarseal removed at certain places. In Martintar, leaving one, none of the traffic lights are working. Looking at the state of the roads in Nadi, I suggest the Coalition Government reduce the vehicle registration fees or further reduce the VAT to 10 per cent. We try to maintain our vehicles ‘road worthiness’. But we become helpless when the roads are not worthy of driving. These days the rattling of vehicles is described as: the more ornaments one puts on, the more clattering, tinkling, jingling you hear. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Nadi bus stand renovation
Given its rapidly declining state, it is evident that the Nadi Bus Stand urgently requires a complete renovation. To begin with, the surface of the bus stand is clearly worn down, which not only detracts from its visual appeal but also poses dangerous conditions for both pedestrians and vehicles. Furthermore, the height of the surface needs to be significantly increased to mitigate frequent flooding issues during inclement weather. Alongside the surface concerns, the structural stability of the bus stand has also become a critical issue. It has now reached a point where it can no longer be deemed safe for daily use by commuters and travellers.
Consequently, building a modern facility with improved roofing and better protection from both heat and rain would be a sensible solution to address the challenges faced by commuters and bus drivers. Another major issue that requires immediate action is the unacceptable condition of the public washrooms. Currently, these facilities are outdated, poorly maintained, and do not meet even the most basic hygiene standards. This situation is particularly intolerable for a tourist destination like Nadi, which prides itself on its hospitality reputation. It is crucial that we foster a welcoming atmosphere rather than subjecting visitors to inadequately maintained amenities. In summary, tackling these urgent issues is essential not only for ensuring safety and functionality but also for maintaining the town’s image as a welcoming destination. A completely renovated bus stand will improve public satisfaction, enhance the travel experience, and provide long-term advantages for both residents and tourists alike. Suresh Chand Nadi
Right the wrong
SODELPA has declared a very strong political stand (FT 27/4/26). Even it viewed its leader as the next Prime Minister. What a bold public statement, in my view, for a party that won only three seats in the last general election. It also emphasised its 25 years of service for all, the iTaukei, Indo-Fijians, Rotumans, etc. The usual “political rhetoric” prior to any general election, in my opinion. The interesting part is to “right the wrongs” the party has been indebted, during its years of service. Is it apologising or forgiving? However, when it made its choice as the king maker during the 2022 General Election, I believe the “act” itself exposed the “true character” of SODELPA’s leadership, when it matters most. In fact, the test of our progress, I think, is whether we provide enough for those in need and not add more to those who have much. In simple terms, prioritising the “nation’s growth”, over personal “right of comfort”. And I am certain, there is a huge difference between genuinely representing the people and being a habitual societal opportunist. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
A sad day
It’s disappointing to see the Prime Minister openly backing the proposed waste-to-energy project in Viseisei, Vuda. If the outcome was already leaning this way, what was the real purpose of the public consultations? Were they genuine exercises in public engagement, or just a box-ticking exercise? At a time when Fiji presents itself on the global stage at COP meetings as a climate leader, this sends a conflicting message. It risks making a mockery of our commitments and undermines public trust in the very processes meant to uphold transparency and accountability. A sad day indeed. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Stay safe
I have noted that if an incident occurs somewhere within Fiji, the same will continue for a certain period of time before it ends. Recently we have seen incidents of fire happening within days apart, in which lives are lost and properties damaged. It is not only fire incidents but other incidents which have caused loss of life. Apart from fire incidents, there are some others such as fatal accidents, missing persons found dead, drowning, fatal domestic cases and many more. Let’s be careful and vigilant at all times and do not become a victim of any of these incidents. Stay safe and always play safe at all times. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
Electricity tariffs
EFL runs again to the Commerce Commission for a tariff increase because of higher fuel cost crisis that affects the country. With a good profit in the last five years, EFL still wants to make more money and doesn’t want to take a small dent on their profits. Have a heart EFL. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Tariff increase
Energy Fiji Limited is requesting a 11 cents increase in electricity tariff because they are heavily dependent on fuel. Why can’t they invest more into renewable energy? If there are countries that already generate over 80% to nearly 100% of their electricity from renewable sources, why can’t we? Wakey wakey EFL, start thinking creatively. Or as we say in Lau, “Think divergently”. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Embarrassed or what?
Jan Nissar. I thought you were an Aussie and not Fijian? Edward Kumar Lautoka
Blame game
With nine people missing at sea, the father of one of those who is still missing is blaming police for the 48-hour rule search and rescue operations. He may be correct to some extent, but my question is why those people didn’t even apply that 48-hour rule to wait for the weather to calm down before heading to the sea? Every decision we make has its consequences. Pita Soroaqali Tavua
Christ’s kingdom
Why declare Fiji a Christian state when we as Christians are waiting for Christ to establish His kingdom. Not a democracy but a paradise kingdom under the rule of our king, Jesus Christ. Edward Kumar Lautoka
Christian issue
Please leave the State alone. Those wanting Fiji to become a Christian State, ought to be a Christian and live by it with serenity and principles 100%.Not by just harping and warping and making noises. Live by its absolute truth and dignity. Jioji O. Toronibau Navetau, Tunuloa
Wildest try
There’s a saying – sinai ga na nona taga. Anyway, Super Rugby Pacific wrote “It doesn’t matter how you get them” in regards to the wildest try of 2026. Well, that’s the product of the coach if I can say! AREKI DAWAI Suva
Solar farms
Why is the Fiji Government not encouraging investors to set up solar farms to feed onto the EFL grid? We have sunshine all year round. Dan Urai Lautoka
Freedom and accident
Freedom of speech
Nishant Singh, I read your letter “He speaks again” (FT LTE 1/4) in which you express your discontent on the former A-G being given space to talk. Nishant, many people are of the same thought as you; however, I would not try to suggest to the media to stop giving him publicity. In fact, the media is not giving the former A-G publicity, the media is freely practicing freedom of speech. That freedom belongs to me, you, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum, and everyone else, The fact that you could write about your discontent and the paper let it see daylight is proof enough of the freedom that we all enjoy. We incessantly hear that “every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future”. It’s true to some extent. Someone who is fronting the court on legal matters is not tabooed from talking about national issues. Dua ga na bula brother. Let’s learn from the past, from people who may have erred, from people who continue to err, and let’s try not to err ourselves. Let the media report freely. Let everyone talk freely. Because we can. DONALD SINGH Nausori
