Poverty and wages DAN URAI LAUTOKA
GOVERNMENT must ensure workers are paid wages that lift them above the poverty line, not wages that keep them bound to it.
A day to remember KIRTI PATEL MOHAN SINGH PL, LAUTOKA
THE day of merrymaking is here. This is the most anticipated day for many. A lot of jovial people will be around sharing the joy with each other. Lots of travels will take place. No matter where one decides to go, keep safety in mind. Secure your houses and leave it in the hands of a responsible person. Don’t drink and drive. Look after your loved ones. Everyone will not be in the same boat though. There are some not so fortunate to celebrate while some not being in the mood due to loss of loved ones. We hope this festive season gives them some reasons to smile. To our law enforcers who will be out and about for our safety, we say thank you for your efforts in ensuring that our country is safe and people are able to celebrate peacefully. Please share the joy with the less fortunate ones with whatever you can at your capacity. To the letters to the editor family, vinaka for all the great thoughts. Hope to see more new writers in the coming days. How can I forget Fred Wesley. Thank for your continuous support and your great editorials. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Master of his trade DONALD SINGH SUVA
THIS letter has nothing to do with the recent FMA awards. Many were called onto the podium on that night for various gongs. But podium or no podium, gong or no gong, one name stands out tallest. Vijay Narayan, to most citizens, of whatever political affiliation, whatever race, or even follower of whichever news agency, is the top striker. There have been a few times I may have not agreed with him and he has very politely and respectfully exchanged communication with me on the subject matter each time. There have been instances where I have felt that his Straight Talk was not going all out with questions. Actually, we viewers want to see confrontation, controversy and drama each time his show is on. Vijay has held his nerve during his shows and has always allowed his guests to speak more rather than obliterating them with his own agenda. I’m sure most of his shows have concluded with a basin after the curtains are down. It would take a lifetime for most journalists to reach the current levels of Vijay. There are no doubt older media personalities out there, but I have a belief that old doesn’t necessarily mean experienced or mastery. Vijay is not old, has enormous experience and is a master of his trade, and his demeanor shows that he is only getting better. It is almost election year, and it is Vijay who will lead the line in delivering the full episode, including the behind-the-scene stuff. Full respect to all my friends in all the media houses, but even they would tip a hat for Vijay. Keep punching brother. You are the region’s best. You have class, and class is permanent. Vijay means victory.
Christmas in Fiji EDWARD BLAKELOCK ADMIRALS CIRCLE, PACIFIC HARBOUR IT’S Christmas once again in Fiji, but no reindeer, no winter or snow, no sleigh ride, no homegrown turkey, not even any mistletoe. Just hot and humid weather, rain and sun follow each other. Lovo lunch and seafood platter, children yelling amidst all the laughter. The girls on TikTok giggling, the boys under the tree spoiling and joking, The ladies on the mat busy gossiping. While the men in the shed groging. Another Christmas and New Year, another family get together. They do this every year, but some already left for the hereafter !
Incomplete picture BHARAT MORRIS RIFLE RANGE, VATUWAQA, SUVA.
THE front page picture of smiling former prime minister Voreqe Banimarama and current Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka appears to be incomplete. (FT 23/12) ) I believe the inclusion of equally smiling George Speight could have completed the picture which could have also served as an ideal photo reference for the future students of our coup history.
A dream of a united Fiji RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM BALGOVIND, NADAWA, NASINU A UNITED Fiji is every Fijian’s dream. Peace and religious tolerance are elements that will forge a better and united Fiji. Heading into 2026, this should be the vision of the People’s Coalition Government. Race relations have depleted. Read social media comments and you’ll realise this is not the Fiji that we want. I commend His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu for bringing together former military leaders in Voreqe Bainimarama and PM Sitiveni Rabuka and former Heads of State Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konusi Konrote. It was a beautiful sight seeing these leaders converge at the State House. The smiles, handshakes and hugs are the way forward for a loving and forgiving Fiji! I am adamant that we will use this to unite Fijians heading into 2026 — end the division and hatred! This December marked three years since the formation of the People’s Coalition Government. One more year to go and the coalition has tested its fair share of challenges and obstacles. Merry Christmas!
Drivers over 80 DEWAN CHAND NAMADI HEIGHTS, SUVA
I WRITE this open letter to the CEO of the Land Transport Authority seeking explanation as to why drivers over 80 have to write a letter of request for the renewal of their driving licence. The information is already provided on the LTA form which we are required to fill. Is this not the duplication of paperwork? Further, we are asked to wait until the approval comes from the CEO in Valelevu. Telephone number is recorded on the form and the clerk tells me that they will call me later. This is an unacceptable situation in the digital age – unnecessary run and additional cost for the clients. In my view if the medical report is submitted and relevant LTA form filled, the renewal process should be automatic. Taking elderly people for a test drive seems to be a colonial hangover and completely unnecessary humiliation. Mr CEO this is food for thought. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Practical realities RAJEND NAIDU JAIPUR, INDIA
I AGREE with your editorial ‘Christmas Eve reflections!’ (FT 24/12 ) that when we “reflect and take stock of our politics and way of life as it is now” following the political change that followed the 2022 elections, there are indeed many positives but “practical realities remain”. For building a better Fiji for all its people, particularly the poor in our midst, we must meet the challenge posed by the practical realities that remain intractable.
Bai’s take SUKHA SINGH LABASA
WHEN asked if he would appear before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Voreqe Bainimarama said what good would it do, nothing is going to happen. He is so right.
More work DAN URAI LAUTOKA
I BELIEVE legislation must be reviewed to protect our country from the infiltration of drugs among the community. The Fiji Police Force is doing a great job to single out crooked cops. However, there is more to do.
Building permit COLIN DEOKI AUSTRALIA
BUILDING without a permit can attract a fine. And that’s understandable given that some people take short cuts and build structures that are dangerously rickety and prone to damage and destruction especially during cyclones and floods. But here’s the conundrum – who approves the building of a bure in a village setting?
Remember the disadvantaged JIOJI O. TORONIBAU NAVETAU, TUNULOA
AFTER the Christmas parties and hosting civil servants of the State, old senior citizens and residents of the HART needed that portion of joy and peace for Christmas. Please, there’s so much funds used on sparkling wine, food and transportation. Let’s not forget the poor souls who also deserve a treat. Oh, they are struggling and most of them miss a meal or two. Please don’t keep looking up, look down on these earthlings before New Year’s Day. They are prisoners in their own set ups.
