Litia’s roadside dream! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU OUR award-winning journalist John Kamea shared another inspirational piece titled ‘Litia’s roadside dream’ (FT: 25/02). A convincing and exciting story, it featured Litia Ladoge who has been running her small food stall for the past four years. Her hard work and determination are reflected in her waking up at 4am to prepare food that would be sold. Ladoge, who began her journey during the difficult season when her husband was unemployed, sells hot meals, juice, tea, and confectionery to passing customers. The income that she earns helps sustain the livelihood of her family, and despite the hurdles that she faces, she focuses on her attitude, work ethic and service. Her timely advice, “Everybody has talents. If you can cook, arrange flowers, sing, play music, do something with that talent. Turn it into an income.
Sincere thanks RONNIE CHANG MARTINTAR, NADI MY heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation must go to Colin Deoki and Rajen Naidu — both from distant, Big Brother shores, in Australia, FT Feb 26, 2026. Such show of support is immeasurable. They add to Fiji’s biggest financial institution, FNPF’s total heartlessness; lack of empathy; a total disregard of betrayed senior citizens’ basic daily needs for survival. This is despicability at its best coauthored by two “dictators”. Thank you, Colin and Rajen, for your generous show of immense support of the plight of betrayed senior pensioners. This FNPF robbery saga is a bad omen for Fiji’s ill treatment of seniors’ right to live well in our fast fading years. We have bills and medical costs to attend to. Who compensates? Our ageing homes need maintenance. Who pays? Time is the utmost importance. It is of the essence. Tomorrow maybe a little too late for anyone of us – about 1400 survivors from the about 6000 originals. This is too real. This “assassination” must end. Enough of this “dagger in the back” cruelty. Grow up. Do the right thing. Correct past evil doing now. Be responsible.
Hurricane and upset FLOYD ROBINSON MICRONESIA WILL a Hurricane cause devastation this Saturday in Lautoka? Well, this will depend on how aggressive, powerful and mobile our Drua forward pack is at Churchill Park. The Hurricanes are one of the strongest teams in Super Rugby and as with any typical New Zealand side, their forwards will be out to intimidate their opponents. Based on our performances over the last two weeks, our forward pack needs energy and motivational boost. All in all, let’s keep in mind the bigger picture of the 2027 Rugby World Cup but for now. This is the Drua’s chance to deliver a major upset to the visiting Hurricanes.
Probe on allegations RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA FIJI Sports Council acting vice chairman Peter Mazey informs us that “to probe abuse of office allegations now hanging over the organisation” they have deliberately decided “to look offshore” for an investigator “because we want someone totally independent, and to ensure there’s no conflict of interest which is a big issue in Fiji as we are all related” (FT 26/2). He is too right. There is better prospect of an impartial investigation and finding with an independent overseas investigator. But let us not forget conflict of interest also occurs where the parties are not related at all.
FNPF pensions SUKHA SINGH LABASA WHAT if those members who are on 12 per cent pension rates ask for 25 per cent interest on the grounds of discrimination. As far as I am concerned there shouldn’t be any discrimination.
Things fall apart KIRTI PATEL LAUTOKA UNFORTUNATELY, Fiji’s situation right now reminds me of the novel “Things fall apart”.
FICAC issue PITA SOROAQALI TAVUA ARE they really independent? Or different government with their own interpretation? So frustrating!
Who is ASK? TAI SMITH NASINU SEC SCH RD, KINOYA CAN someone remind Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and all media persons that his thoughts on the running of the country does not matter. I believe he chose to run from government when he was no longer able to be the puppeteer. Let him write letters to the editor like any normal citizen would if he wants to make a statement.
Talanoa session WISE MUAVONO BALAWA, LAUTOKA A TWO-DAY national talanoa session on responding to illicit drugs in Fiji. Blimey! There seems to be a lot of talanoa about Fiji’s drug epidemic but less action. Sobo!
Prayer mission and plan DONALD SINGH NAUSORI WITH the recent launch of a three-year prayer joint campaign between the Methodist Church and the Government via the Ministry of Policing, it gives renewed hope that the drug war can actually be won. Faith moves mountains. I have a few thoughts though. Being a person of strong faith, and never doubting the power of prayer and spiritual intervention, I still believe there has to be a well-coordinated approach to the campaign. I hope the coming days will see information on the detailed execution plan. We can’t have a ‘make it up as we go’ campaign. Without a reliable plan on the number of personnel directly involved in the three-year spiritual crusade, the rostering, the stakeholders, venues and frequency of sessions, etc, we just might have to pray with one or both eyes open, ‘keeping an eye’ on the happenings. With the campaign already signed, other denominations and other faith groups should also join in. Don’t all the faith groups have significant representation in the drug industry! My argument is based on news articles from the past decade at least. Faith will definitely move the drug mountain, but through a proper plan and execution work.
A narrow escape SURESH CHAND NADI THE bus driver involved in the Vatiyaka, Ba incident should be immediately suspended, followed by a thorough investigation into the matter. His reckless decision-making could have resulted in serious injuries or even loss of lives, particularly with numerous schoolchildren aboard the bus, had rescuers not intervened in time. A widely circulated video reveals the bus dangerously attempting to maneuver through floodwaters, endangering everyone inside, which is unacceptable. It is baffling why the driver chose to undertake such a hazardous action by trying to cross a submerged road. Clearly, he lacks the essential judgement and accountability expected of someone holding a PSV badge. This incident serves as a stark reminder that floodprone areas should never be treated as grounds for risky ventures. The dangers are evident, and exercising caution is both prudent and crucial. Additionally, this event underscores an important lesson for parents: if roads are flooded, avoid sending children to school. Prioritising safety is always wiser than facing potential regret later.
Drug problem NAVNEET RAM (TD) LAUTOKA I WRITE to commend the Fiji Police Force for its effort to beef up its narcotics division to exert greater control on the rapidly escalating drug problem in the country. Drug and drug-related issues are a real challenge to the police force. Therefore, it must use modern technology and techniques to keep pace with the ever increasing abuse of drugs in our society. It is so serious that even the schoolchildren have been known to be involved in drugs. The nation must extend its support behind the police force to overcome and control this social scourge.
Twice in a week JAHEED BUKSH KOROLEVU, SIGATOKA TWICE in a week flood waters entered Sigatoka Town. Many businesses were forced to shut down. I wonder whether relevant authorities are taking action regarding this as it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Poor drainage system causing all the blockages. Wake up Government and its authorities.
Hodgepodge saga RAKESH CHAND SHARMA NADI I BELIEVE the current hodgepodge involving FI- CAC, FSC etc stems from cronyism, old boy networks, family friends etc. I believe all these began after the military/civilian coups of 1987, 2000 and 2006. The performance of the present government is no better. I feel many people are now giving up hope over the leadership as well as the nation itself when looking at the enormous challenges facing this country.
Dr Kishti Sen’s analytical work RAKESH CHAND SHARMA NADI I ALWAYS read Dr Kishti Sen’s research and analytical work (FT 26//02). They are always innovative and informative. Presently, Dr Kishti is ANZ’s economist for the Pacific. Before moving to Australia, Dr Kishti was a Senior economist at the Reserve Bank of Fiji where he built and managed the RBF’s research and analytical work program (Google for more information) It is puzzling to note why Dr Kishti Sen was not selected for the Governor of RBF when he was the most senior officer. Anyway, Fiji’s loss was Australia’s gain.
