An era that tried to silence us
I quote (FT: 13/12) the general secretary of the Fiji Media Association Stanley Simpson at the Fiji Achievement in Media Excellence Award, “The hard years the Fiji media has walked through some intense fires, we survived emergency regulations designed to muzzle and suppress us, censors walking into our newsrooms to decide what stories we can tell the people of Fiji, long nights rewriting stories to avoid being taken up to camp or avoid being fined under MIDA (Media Industry Development Act). The constant balancing act between duty and danger to be real, it was not easy to be a journalist in Fiji during those times. There were days we were scared, days we questioned ourselves, days we wondered what we were still doing in this persecuted industry, days we felt we were working with handcuffs and sometimes, with blindfolds on too.”
These lines can still send shivers up the spine as we collect painful memories from those days MIDA governed the media industry. That era tried to silence our journalists. Some quit, but the brave and bold, did not stop, did not bow. They went on working, reporting. They told the truth, risking their own job. We saw how journalists were victimised. I salute these golden journalists for outliving that era that tried to silence them. They triumphed through the hardest of years. Today, thanks to Fiji’s Coalition Government, MIDA was repealed and our journalists have rediscovered their voice, their purpose. I agree with Simpson that we must never allow the press to walk with clipped wings. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
No card, no ride!
I believe the Singapore system is suitable for Fiji. When cards are not available cash is utilised to pay the fare. However, the driver does not handle the cash. He merely acknowledges the right amount is paid into the appropriate box. Dan Urai Lautoka
Rising above racism
Thank you Colin Deoki for your enlightening article on racism. May I add that racism is also religious bigotry when during sermons quotes from religious texts are used to denounce and denigrate other religions. People should also remember that racism is not patriotism. We witnessed this after the 1987 military coups. A colleague of mine during a grog session in a pre-dominantly iTaukei school remarked: “Anyone not supporting the coup is not patriotic”. Today, we can see the result of that statement. Rakesh Chand Sharma Adelaide, Australia
Acknowledging police work
The death of the late police constable Dharmesh Krishna (RIP) while on duty in Labasa shows how vulnerable our police officers are when carrying out their duties. It’s a selfless service and yet many of us choose to ignore them and throw negative criticism and remarks when they are doing their duty. It takes courage to put on that uniform where anything about their security and safety becomes a secondary matter. We the members of the public are their number one priority and we are the reason for their existence. I send my condolences to the late PC Dharmesh’s (RIP) family and to the police force as a whole for losing one of their own who sacrificed his life for the betterment of our community. It’s also a high time for the FPF to create and award a bravery medal of their own to be awarded to those officers who lost their lives while performing their duties. Imagine these officers are sacrificing everything so we can enjoy our festive season to the fullest. These officers need our support and appreciation while performing their duties. A simple thank you is enough for them to go through their shifts. Just to boost their morale. Pita Soroaqali Tavua
Age care program
Amraiya Naidu – academic board chairman – comments that the graduates, as per The Fiji Times news (11/12) are always in demand to replace those who leave the country for better job opportunities. It always encourages those students who work towards their goals for lifetime learning to be continued. If you cannot find a job according to your qualifications, keep trying to go for other options. If plan A fails, then try plan B. Our life is not about exams so that we have one chance to get a job. It’s a journey of learning with experience. Work hard, do your best. I haven’t heard of anyone who has died because of working hard. Get up-move-move faster. Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year 2026 with determined resolutions. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
PREPAREDNESS, BLIND SPOT
Targeting blind spots
Propaganda isn’t new. But its reach and power have never been greater. It doesn’t shout anymore; it whispers. It doesn’t always tell lies; it twists truths just enough to make them believable. And it doesn’t only target the ignorant; it targets everyone because every mind, no matter how educated, has its blind spots. History shows how easily clever manipulation can capture hearts and minds. The Nazis did it through fiery speeches, symbols and slogans. Today, it happens through algorithms, emotional headlines and viral videos. The medium has changed. The psychology hasn’t. At the core of propaganda lies emotion over evidence. It bypasses logic and appeals to fear, pride, anger, or belonging. Once those emotions are stirred, facts begin to lose their power. People start believing what feels right rather than what’s true. In our Pacific communities, where family and faith are sacred, the danger is real. Misinformation that preys on emotion can divide villages, churches and families. A single false post can spread faster than the truth ever will. So how do we protect ourselves and our children from being manipulated? First, pause before reacting. Ask, “Who benefits if I believe this?” Second, verify before sharing. Not everything that looks sincere is genuine. Third, listen with empathy. Propaganda thrives on anger; truth grows in understanding. And finally, stay anchored in the values of honesty, humility, respect and compassion. These are the moral compass points that keep us from drifting into darkness. Because propaganda can only win when people stop thinking for themselves. In the end, the fight for truth isn’t just about politics or power. It’s about protecting the soul of our humanity. Each of us has the ability and the responsibility, to ensure that light, not lies, guide the next generation. Colin Deoki Australia
Preparedness not an option
In reference to my letter to the editor published on November 24, 2025 under the heading “Preparedness isn’t an option,” the current weather situation affecting Fiji due to Tropical Disturbance TD03F is a timely reminder of that very message. The Fiji Meteorological Service has already warned of heavy rain, strong winds and possible flooding as TD03F is expected to influence our weather in the coming days While this system may or may not develop into a tropical cyclone, its projected impacts alone are enough to warrant serious attention and early action. Too often, preparedness in Fiji is treated as a reaction rather than a responsibility. Warnings are issued, yet communities delay action, households remain unprepared, and basic safety measures are overlooked until damage has already occurred. Flood-prone areas, informal settlements and low-lying communities are usually the hardest hit, despite repeated experiences and lessons from past events. This disturbance should serve as a clear warning, not just for authorities, but for every citizen. Preparedness must begin at home: securing properties, clearing drainage, safeguarding important documents, checking emergency supplies and listening carefully to official advisories. At the same time, government agencies and local councils must ensure readiness, coordination and clear communication. Natural hazards are inevitable; disasters are not. The difference lies in preparation. TD03F is no exception, it is yet another reminder that preparedness is not optional, it is essential. Indar Deo Bisun Sakoca Heights Tamavua, Suva
QUICK VIEWS
Drug greed
“The love of money is the root of all evil.” Sad but true, the effect drug money has despite knowing its capability to destroys one’s future. Dan Urai Lautoka
TRC process
Even if somewhat belatedly, it is good to see the NGO Coalition join the many ordinary citizens who have raised concerns over the work undertaken by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FT 13/12). Some have even condemned it as a phoney roadshow designed to maintain the status quo and not rocking the boat regarding the coups in Fiji. They contend no real change is likely to come from it. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Trump’s call
While USA’s trade negotiating team was in talks with PM Modi’s team in Delhi, President Trump called Modi and discussed many of the issues currently in play in the world. We use the Hindi expression to describe the situation as: “Ab aaye uuth pahad ke niche”, meaning – the camel has now come to stand beside a mountain. In the desert, the camel thought it was the tallest thing around and the most important. Rakesh Chand Sharma Adelaide, Australia
Teenage pregnancy
It’s alarming to read in The Fiji Times about teenage pregnancy, with the picture of a teenage pregnant girl (FT 22/11). The Minister for Women Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran has revealed that our children and sexual abuse is out of control and we all have to take active part in controlling it. Awareness programs are always activated as we have seen abuse of mobile phones, drugs and social problems in all communities. The community, NGOs, and religious organisations, are always there to work in partnership with the security forces to help. I believe parents are the most responsible for their children’s whereabouts as they themselves are to be the best role models. Charity begins at home. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Lie detector
Donald Singh wants to know if the TRC could use the lie detector (ST 14/12). There is no need for it. I believe the people of Fiji know all too well when they are lied to by people appearing before the commission to tell “the whole truth”. Rajend Naidu Sydney
