Living beyond fear INDAR DEO BISUN SAKOCA HEIGHTS, TAMAVUA MOIRA Vilsoni’s courageous story, recently shared in The Sunday Times, is more than a personal testimony, it is a message of hope for many silently living in fear and crisis. Her battle with necrotising fasciitis reminds us that suffering does not discriminate, and survival often depends on resilience, timely medical care, and community support. Across Fiji, there are countless individuals facing life threatening illnesses, trauma, or personal hardships who choose silence over support due to stigma or shame. Many endure pain privately, believing they are alone. Moira’s openness challenges this culture of silence. By speaking out, she has given strength to others who may be struggling in the shadows. Fear can paralyse, but shared experiences empower. As a society, we must create safe spaces for people to speak about illness, mental health, and crisis without judgement. Awareness saves lives. Compassion restores dignity. Let us encourage survivors to tell their stories and remind those suffering that courage is not the absence of fear, it is choosing to move forward despite it.
Traffic blocking SAMU SILATOLU NAKASI MINISTER Naisa Tuinaceva pointed out ‘bus blocking’ traffic flow (FT 13/2/26). This issue has existed even when the congestion was minimal. What did he do when he was LTA boss? Even being with the FFP administration. Nothing constructive that actually altered the fact. I believe, only now, after all traffic problems are stacked up and boiling over, have such comments arisen. In fact, ‘proactive’ measures are a major traffic disaster. Not even flexi-hours will resolve it, in my view. The ‘complacency’ mindset with Fiji’s existing transportation system, has to be uprooted. The ups and downs all the MPs on both sides have been voicing, I am certain, are only for their own political survival. The ‘donkey years’ traffic jam will never cease, until ‘hard infrastructure’ investment materialises. And I believe, it has been dragging along all the various ‘interlinked public systems’ for quite some time. A ‘total’ change in governance is inevitable.
FNPF saga RONNIE CHANG MARTINTAR, NADI IN Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and some UE countries, including some better respected South Pacific Island nations, senior pensioners in their twilight and fast fading years, are very well looked after. Inflationary costs are taken into consideration with much care, empathy and respect. Fiji just failed us, again, very painfully. The Minister of Finance’s statement was terse; unapologetic; lacked tack and diplomacy towards betrayed FNPF pensioners who are today well into their 70s, 80s and 90s. There was no empathy, no compassionate, stone-cold cruelty at its best. You crucified us in the very footsteps of convicted former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama and his cohort, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Wait and watch for the political tides to turn against you. We held enormous hope and goodwill. We were wrong. This wholesale betrayal of about 1400 of us, survivors, will have serious consequences. To all future pensioners, take heed. FNPF can also breach your irrevocable pensions too. A trust in irrevocable pension and contract is completely broken. Will some caring KC please lend us, the betrayed seniors, your wise counsel on a pro bono basis? Broken contracts cannot just pass.
Poetry saga RAKESH CHAND SHARMA NADI IN a small town, there lived a poet. One night a burglar entered his one room apartment and began looking for pots and pans. The poet caught him and said: “If you listen to my poetry, I will not report you to the police”. After the 5th or 6th poem, the burglar pleaded with the poet to send him over to the police. Similarly, I believe brother Rajend Naidu’s visit to India happened (as he claims), due to a schoolteacher’s LTE.
Breaking through with humour! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU I HAVE never met French-born anthropologist Greg Randin in person, but I have fallen in love with his page on social media and the videos he posts there. Randin arrived in Fiji a decade ago as a volunteer. His experience was a tough ordeal, but like a lion, he survived. Randin barely spoke English. He had to take cold shower and adjust himself to the Fijian culture, food and vocabulary. He did it and today he is a renowned face on social media and a prominent figure on the streets of Suva. I watch his videos and they fascinate me. The topics and issues that Randin choose are real-time issues here at home. These include education, culture and the consequences of taking drugs. Sadly, his street quizzes show the lack of general knowledge that our students have. He asked a group of students to answer a simple question — what is the capital of Australia? Believe me, our secondary school students could not answer the question. I read his story (ST: 15/02) that our award-winning journalist Samantha Rina shared and I salute Randin for making Fiji his home. The laughter around the tanoa, communal way of living and his ability to mingle so freely with Fijians shows the world that ‘Fiji is the way the world should be’ in terms of providing warmth and hospitality. Randin has a huge fan base here. He is loved and adored!
Legal curiosity COLIN DEOKI AUSTRALIA KEREKERE mada, just a small legal curiosity from a nonlegal person trying to keep up with extraordinary times. Perhaps someone learned in the law can help clear the fog. If a law is passed by an administration, some would describe as illegal, is any decree they pass, legal? Or does legality require legal parentage? And while we’re polishing the lens of hindsight, was the 2012 administration itself legal or illegal? Or, does legality, like beauty, rest entirely in the eye of the beholder and the holder of power? One more humble question, if I may. If decisions were made by an unelected administration affecting old age pensioners’ funds during that period, do those decisions stand purely because they were enforced or because they were lawful? I ask not to stir trouble, but to stir clarity especially with some of the “liu muri” gang. Many of us old age pensioners have plenty of time to 16/02/2026, 15:58 The Fiji Times https://edition.fijitimes.com.fj/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&pubid=e4fad093-33c6-4e8c-8f9d-b19c68c8b31a 1/2 think which some will tell you can be a dangerous thing. And sometimes thinking leads to awkward questions, I know! My apologies if these queries sound naive. My legal understanding only comes from reading receipts and supermarket return policies, if you get my drift. Sobo sobo, you may well say! Vinaka vakalevu.
Impact of freebies DAN URAI LAUTOKA PEOPLE are encouraged not to work hard. We see an increase in the number of people turning to begging for a living. Those who introduced freebees, if they had some grey matter, should now realise how freebees negatively affected development of the country.
Political direction RAKESH CHAND SHARMA NADI REFER to World News (15/02) that says Bangladesh National Party won two thirds majority after 18 months of political uncertainty. The Modi Government has a understanding with BNP leader, Tarique Rahman for the protection of Bangladeshi Hindus, Christians and Buddhists. The next few months are crucial for Bangladesh’s new political direction.
Use-by date JAN NISSAR LAUTOKA WHEN things go past their use by date they are discarded. People look at the expiry date and lodge complaints with the Consumer Council of Fiji if items go past their use by date. When people in the highest offices in the land go past their use by date, why don’t people complain? Many in Fiji think they are still good past their use by date. The people in these offices certainly think so too. But the reality as we can all see is that they are rotten. More importantly, where do we go to complain? I’ll ask the Consumer Council next time I am in Suva.
Peace board RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA ISRAEL has joined US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative for the post war reconstruction of Gaza (Reuters/ FT 13/2). I wonder how many countries that have only recently been engaged in war have joined the “Board of Peace “?
Fiji stands tall at home! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU AS a resident of Nasinu, I’m super proud that Ailava Samuels, who represented Nasinu and our beloved Fiji, was crowned Miss Pacific Islands in a historic, exciting and emotional crowning. There was a lot of controversy surrounding her nomination after Miss Labasa Dr Peggy Ravusiro refused to sign the contract. There was extensive pressure on Ailava who accepted the call to fly Fiji’s flag at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant. The 19-year-old faced scrutiny on social media. She was abused, but she stood her ground. In my letter titled ‘Let’s support Miss Ailava’ (16/01), I urged the nation to unite and support Ailava as she prepared to win the crown at home. I’m so thankful that Ailava rose above the noise to prove critics wrong. There were cheers, tears, and a sense of relief as Ailava ended a six-year wait for a Fijian winner. Emotions ran high as Ailava was handed the sash and crown by the outgoing titleholder, Litara IeremiaAllan from Samoa, in front of a passionate crowd. Ailava deserved the crown. She was draped in the Fijian flag. Her resilient journey is a moment of pride, a reminder of the strength and grace of a young woman. Throughout the week, Ailava showed confidence and courage, championing online safety and reminding followers the need to use social media responsibly. I loved this line from her powerful winning speech, ‘A crown is not a reward, but a responsibility’. It came deep down from her heart as she carried the weight of a nation. She faced online bullying but chose courage over silence and leadership over fear. Even after winning the crown, it saddened to read the negative remarks hurled at Ailava. Some couldn’t accept that she won. Ailava stood tall. Congrats!
Congratulations in order JAHEED BUKSH MISS Fiji has undeniably overcome considerable scrutiny and criticism. Despite ongoing negativity, it is crucial to remember that the ultimate decision regarding the winner rests solely with the judges. We urge an end to all forms of racism, jealousy, and hateful rhetoric directed at any contestant. While only one winner is selected, all participants have showcased remarkable talent that has inspired many. The chosen individual will represent us all. Congratulations to Ailava Samuels. Congratulations.
