Bitter memories
Ten years down memory lane, but bitter memories from the scars left by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston, an extremely destructive category five cyclone that struck Fiji on February 20, 2016, continue to haunt many. STC Winston was one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere. Its 185-mph winds caused devastation and wreaked havoc, bringing pain and despair as Koro, Ovalau and Taveuni islands were the first to be struck, sustaining severe damage. STC Winston swept across the country, reaching its peak strength before making landfall near Rakiraki. There was massive damage around the country. Houses, schools and health clinics and medical facilities were damaged, and the cyclone destroyed crops on a large scale, compromising livelihoods. STC Winston was responsible for 44 deaths and estimated damages of about $2 to $3billion, making it the costliest natural disaster in our history. As I read yesterday’s front page and pages two and three, I recollected those bitter memories. I shivered as I remembered seeing firsthand images of the devastation when we went to deliver food rations and water bottles to families in Rakiraki. The stories shared were heart-touching, heart-breaking. I pray we never ever encounter another monster like STC Winston. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Naming the vendor
A recent media release from the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has reported of an action initiated by it, whereby a Nadi hardware and parts trader was fined $8000 by the Nadi Magistrate’s Court for accepting money from at least eight consumers and not supplying the goods. As usual, the vendor has not been named. I am asking FCCC, that if it does not name the culprits, how does it expect and forewarn other non-suspecting customers into falling in the same pit? I am also asking the FCCC what law, if any, is preventing it from revealing the name of the vendor, especially if it has already been rolled through the court? I conclude that if names are not released, it does not add any value and credibility to its work and it is senseless and useless to release such media reports. They might as well remain within the grips of the rich and powerful. Ajai Kumar Nadi
Daily traffic
What has happened to the Fiji Roads Authority which used to be present at major traffic lights in the morning and afternoon along the Suva-Nausori corridor? With so many calls from frustrated commuters regarding traffic, it seems the authorities maybe are in slumber or least bothered. The presence of points men, especially in the afternoon from 5pm to 7pm is nowhere to be seen from the end of last year. The morning traffic congestion near CWM Hospital is at another level. It takes nearly 20 minutes from a primary school (Deenbandhoo) to reach Suva CBD. A road stretch of a mere kilometre! The bottleneck at Extension St has been there for decades and yet authorities concerned have no solution. A temporary points man at the junction of Extension St would ease traffic flow during peak hours while concerned authorities may try to look for solutions on how to widen the road there for continuous two lanes without merger. Vikel V Lal Makoi St 2, Nasinu
Issue of laws?
Apart from the matanigasau, we learn from the GCC chairman, there are two more forms of apologies and reconciliation – the veisorosorovi and bulubulu. How many more forms of apologies and reconciliations with fancy names are there which we do not know about? And which one takes precedence, traditional apologies and reconciliation or the laws administered by the courts? It is clear that people in the highest offices are conflicted on whether to follow the traditional laws and protocols or the vulagi laws. Jan Nissar Lautoka
FNPF pensioners
The recent announcement of the decision by the Coalition Government to rule out any chance of pensioners being paid back what was taken away dictatorially from their contracted pension rate since 2012, is another kick in the butts of the older members of society, who through no fault of theirs, were victimised by FNPF. Other than using the law to contravene a legally instituted contract, the 2012 FNPF restructure relegated some pensioners to live below the poverty line, contrary to one of their core functions, which was to care for workers when they retire into their twilight years. There are many ways to mitigate the negative effects of the reduction in the “living allowance” that they signed for, and one of these is the payment of a cost of living allowance to at least dampen the negative effects of the reduced monies. The ‘negotiations’, which took place in meetings between the fund and its pensioners before the restructure, has been a take, take and take for FNPF without any giving. The fund could now give back a little if it grants a meagre allowance annually to at least address the rapid rise in inflation rate over the years. Nothing is set in stone and there are many ways to skin a cat in order to grant some comfort to the senior members of our society. I pray that the fund sees some light. Where there’s a will there’s a way. Emosi Balei Suva
Wake up call
Colin Deoki in The Fiji Times opinion section, “Drugs arrive overnight” is a wake-up call for all of us to help track this illegal drug dealings. The picture of seized parcels of cocaine regularly hurts everyone. As young people are robbed of their future, addicted, with drug-related crime, it’s high time we all take action to destroy drugs. Be addicted to wake up with prayers and The Fiji Times to make your day as I have been doing since 1956. “There are far better things ahead than we leave behind.”- C.S Lewis. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Taxi operation
It is disappointing that many taxidrivers operate without carrying receipt books. Issuing receipts should be a basic requirement, not an option. Passengers have every right to demand proper documentation for fares paid. Authorities and taxi operators must ensure this standard is enforced to promote accountability and professionalism within the industry. Avenai Serutabua Nabukelevu Village, Serua
FNPF consultation
The best thing I liked about the FNPF consultation was the food pack and the gifts. After receiving the food and gifts, I asked where is the money coming from? I encourage more people to attend these consultations. Sukha Singh Labasa
Court cases
Looking at all current court cases against the previous administration plus the ongoing legal dispute of the current administration, I am just wondering, will this trend continue if a new administration steps in after the general election? Just hope it will not be the same as now but a change to reflect positivity, harmony for the people of Fiji and its future generations. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
Least corrupt
Fiji ‘least corrupt’ in Pacific (FT 19/2) even though it is the only serial coup country in the Pacific with all the weakening of democratic checks that has entailed. I wonder if the ordinary Fijian people feel proud that Fiji is “least corrupt” in the Pacific? Wonder what they perceive as the ground reality of corruption in post coup Fiji? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Constitution, children
Protecting our children
I strongly support the Government’s initiative to delay children’s access to social media until the age of 16, as discussed by the Taskforce on Social Media Deferment. The leadership shown by Lynda Tabuya and Ioane Naivalurua reflects a growing recognition that while social media has benefits, it also presents serious risks to young minds. Children today are exposed to cyberbullying, harmful content, online predators, misinformation, and unhealthy comparisons at an age when they are still developing emotionally, mentally, and socially. Today’s younger generation and many teenagers are deeply immersed in social media. Their attention and thinking are increasingly shaped by the constant entertainment and stimulation these platforms provide, which can distract them from their studies, responsibilities, and real-life relationships. This overexposure often leads to carelessness, poor judgement, and avoidable mistakes. Sadly, when parents and guardians attempt to correct or guide them, some young people respond with aggression or resistance. This reflects how powerful social media influence has become, and why stronger safeguards and delayed access are necessary. Delaying access is not about banning technology, but about giving families, schools, and communities the time and space to better prepare children for responsible digital engagement. Just as we set age limits for driving, alcohol, and other adult responsibilities, it is reasonable to place safeguards around online platforms that can deeply influence behaviour and wellbeing. I am encouraged to see key institutions such as the Online Safety Commission, the Fiji Law Reform Commission, the Ministry of Communications, the Fiji Police Force, and the Ministry of Information working together under the mandate of the Office of the Prime Minister. This demonstrates that protecting children online is truly a shared national responsibility. Learning from countries such as Australia, and conducting wide public consultations, will help ensure that any legislation introduced is practical, balanced, and culturally appropriate for Fiji. Our children deserve a safe environment in which to grow, learn, and thrive. Supporting this initiative is a step in the right direction toward building a healthier and more responsible digital future for our nation. Concerned citizen. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
Constitutional reform
I refer to the President of Fiji’s call on “Constitution must evolve” and as such Fiji has experienced four constitutions since independence in Fiji in 1970, 1990, 1997 and 2013, alongside four military and civilian coups. For a nation of less than one million people, this raises a serious question: Is the problem the Constitution itself, or our attitudes toward one another? A constitution is the supreme law of a nation. It must not be shaped by fear, ethnicity, or political convenience. Instead, it should reflect fairness, equality and long-term national stability. Fiji is proudly multi-racial, comprising iTaukei, Indo-Fijians and other communities who have contributed socially, culturally and economically to our development. Therefore, any constitutional design must genuinely include and protect all ethnic groups. A strong constitution must guarantee equal citizenship, protect indigenous rights, safeguard land ownership, and at the same time ensure that no community feels excluded. It must balance traditional leadership with democratic governance, ensuring transparency, accountability and the rule of law. Most importantly, it must be developed through broad public consultation so that ordinary citizens, not only politicians, have a voice. Frequent constitutional changes create uncertainty, weaken investor confidence, and undermine national unity. Stability comes not merely from rewriting laws, but from building mutual respect and responsible leadership. If we continue to view constitutional reform through ethnic lenses, we risk repeating history. Fiji’s future depends on a constitution that promotes shared prosperity, protects fundamental rights, and strengthens national identity above race. Let us design a supreme law that unites us as one people, diverse in culture, yet equal in citizenship. Indar Deo Bisun Sakoca Heights, Tacirua
