Traffic chaos SAMU SILATOLU NAKASI ALMOST weekly, I am certain, a letter would comment on the “donkey years” issue, regarding everyday traffic. And it has been concentrating, I believe, within a 3km radius, from our urban centres. Not only weekends or long public holidays, but everyday. Is the Government going to just cope with the status quo? Is the “complacent mindset” of leaders not being disturbed by the existing scenario? In fact, what is the expected proactive action to resolve our traffic problem? Fiji has so many capable countries to benchmark itself against, in my view. And yet, almost all previous governments, I believe, have been duplicating the same. Realistically, with all due respect, I think, all PMs after 15 years of Fiji’s independence, had very limited vision, towards hard infrastructure transformation. The governance focus was more towards “party 06/04/2026, 16:48 The Fiji Times https://edition.fijitimes.com.fj/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&pubid=e4fad093-33c6-4e8c-8f9d-b19c68c8b31a 1/2 politics”, instead of Fiji’s generational welfare, in my view. Presently, the trend still exists and unfortunately, in my opinion, it is getting worse than anticipated. I believe the buck stops with the PM!
Parochial thinking RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA THE Great Council of Chiefs proposal to reserve the name ‘Fijian’ exclusively for iTaukei (ethnic Fijians) is that a progressive vision for iTaukei and all other citizens in today’s Fiji – a multiracial modern democratic country? Or, is that a manifestation of a tunnel vision and parochial thinking? Worst still, does it hack back to the “Fiji for Fijians” slogan of the Taukei Movement fomenting the 1987 military coup with all the racial marginalisation it entailed and which we recall was supported by the Great Council of Chiefs along with the Methodist Church? Are we as a nation moving forward or backwards?
Who really wins? RAKESH CHAND SHARMA NADI 1. Iran wins by not losing. 2. USA loses by not winning. 3. China loses either way. 4. Pakistan always loses. 5. India wins either way (either Iran or USA wins). Mr Trump is doing what he was elected to do. When the “dogs of war” is reined in 2029/30, India’s ascendency will be recognised throughout this world. “Kaal Chakr” is at play. Google for details. Brother Rajend Naidu, take my advice, ‘stop flogging dead horses’ (Pulitzer, Nobel etc).
In competence or what? JAN NISSAR SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA FROM my observations over the decades, incompetence seems to be an ingrained part of the Fijian tradition and culture. It is as if without incompetence many in Fiji are not complete. Incompetence seems to be an essential requirement and a prerequisite to be appointed to the highest offices in the land. I believe a record of incompetence is highly regarded ahead of educational qualifications and experience. When people stuff up, you forgive, give them more chances and move on. It must have to do with tradition and culture, I suspect. I believe provincialism, prejudice and racism may be part of the equation as well. Or is it the case that people from Vanua Levu want to take over the running of Fiji? Or is it the case that the vulagi will never understand the Fijian way, eh? I can only speculate.
GCC agenda DONALD SINGH NAUSORI I’M glad the GCC chairman put to bed the rumours, speculations and rumblings around what exactly they wanted changed in the Constitution. former PM Chaudhary has excellently hit back at the GCC submission and former DPM Manoa Kamikamica didn’t mince his words when he openly said that I am a Fijian because I was born here (just like him and the GCC chairman). So, I don’t have to add on anything else to the two gentlemen’s words. The “Big Fijian” Vijay Singh, a former world number one and Green Jacket holder comes to mind. He wasn’t known as the Big Indo Fijian or Big Indian. Roy Krishna, while plying his trade in the A- League and Indian Soccer League, was always known as a Fijian. If one is to have a debate on my identity, I’ll obliterate the opponent in five minutes. My strength is that I look beyond race and superiority fantasies.
Politics of Fiji NAVNEET RAM (TD) LAUTOKA I BELIEVE public affairs is like watching sports. It’s not real. Pick up a beer, and talk some crap to your dirty liberal buddies. Just remember it doesn’t matter who wins. They all play for the same organisation.
Waste solutions SAMU RAILOA VANUABALAVU IF waste pollution is such a big problem in little Fiji, why is there so much opposition to a 0.9 million tonne capacity waste to energy incinerator? Let anyone who has a better solution speak.
April Fool TAHIR ALI HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND YOU may fool some people for one day but you can’t fool all the people every day. April fooled?
The Constitution AREKI DAWAI SUVA DEAR former attorney-general of Fiji, I hope that your head is not in the clouds that you’re unable to recall that the Constitution was not done by the will of Fijians through any genuine public consultation and was imposed. Know the difference please!
FIFA World Cup RAKESH CHAND SHARMA NADI A FEW days ago CNN reported that the price of Category 1 final tickets will be $10,990; Category 3 final tickets around $5785; lower category seats range between $2790 and $4210. I believe these prices are in US dollars. In addition, we (Fiji citizens) will pay a refundable bond of $US5000 to $15,000 to obtain a visa to watch matches in the USA. Even CNN commented that it was better to watch matches on television.
Nadi Town SURESH CHAND NADI THE Nadi Town entrance from the direction of Sigatoka presents an alarming and unacceptable state of infrastructure that requires urgent attention. The roundabout, which should serve as a welcoming gateway to the area, is in disrepair with fading paint and an overall unsightly appearance. The surrounding footpaths are riddled with cracks, the roads are uneven and bumpy, and there is an almost complete absence of discernible road markings, adding to the overall sense of neglect. Shockingly, the opposite entrance is in even worse condition, showcasing the same deteriorated roundabout alongside a lack of proper maintenance. The absence of adequate road signage and legible markings further exacerbates safety risks for drivers and pedestrians alike, making the area both unattractive and hazardous. These shortcomings have not gone unnoticed, as discussions on the unstable infrastructure have begun to dominate conversations among residents and visitors alike. Even so, it is concerning to think that this might only be scratching the surface of much deeper issues facing the town. Within Nadi itself, signs of neglect are glaringly apparent. Public facilities such as washrooms are in an appalling state, reflecting a lack of consistent upkeep. The bus stand appears rundown and neglected. Car parks are in disarray as the surface seal has eroded making the area unrecognisable. Overall, the condition of the town itself is generally very poor. These conditions are not just aesthetic concerns – they reflect a deeper issue of administrative negligence. The time has long passed for residents and local ratepayers to collectively demand a significant overhaul in governance and management by Nadi Town Council. It appears that instead of prioritising critical issues like infrastructure repair and urban development, the current administration is preoccupied with minor or irrelevant tasks. The longstanding nature of these problems highlights a troubling pattern — a failure to take decisive action despite years of visible decline. One can’t help but question what exactly is amiss within the Nadi Town Council. Why has there been no effort or meaningful progress in addressing these glaring 0 deficiencies? The situation calls for urgency. Immediate steps must be taken by those in charge before these unresolved issues lead to irreparable harm, further damaging both the town’s functionality and prospects for growth. Change is not only necessary – it is imperative.
Prayer for war orphans RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA I AM not a Christian and Catholic but I endorse fully the prayer service led by Pope Leo “for war orphans and deported immigrant children, and a warning to world leaders that their decisions will be judged by God one day”. The Pope who has emerged “as an outspoken critic of the Iran war”, listened to the noble prayer message on Good Friday, the day Christians mark Jesus’ death by crucifixion: “Every person in authority will have to answer to God the way they exercised their power. The power to start or end a war; the power to instil violence or peace” (Reuters/ The Sunday Times 5/4/26). I also believe that before the day rogue world leaders answer to God for the way they exercised their power, they must answer for any war crimes and crimes against humanity they have perpetrated to the rest of humanity while still living in their midst.
