One Fiji, one light!
I MUST commend Salesh Kumar and his hardworking team for getting the 2026 Diwali Shanti Dut souvenir issue. A timely message, “One Fiji, one light”, was reflected on the front page, portraying a colorful and multiracial Fiji that reminds readers of the adage, “Fiji, the way the world should be”. Kumar, Kirit Patel (chairman- Fiji Times Ltd) and Christine Lyons (general manager – Fiji Times Ltd) set the pace with some inspirational messages. Members of the August House delivered timely messages via the platform. Our diversity is our greatest strength. This reminder featured prominently in the messages that were shared. Readers were also encouraged to overcome hatred with love, prejudice with understanding and division with unity. As we go through the Constitution Amendment Bill, leaders must reflect on these messages. It is important that we carry the light beyond our doorsteps. I loved reading the inspirational pieces titled “Two hearts, three cultures, one family”, “The recipe that became a friendship”, and “One Fiji begins in the neighborhood”. The story about Mosese and Ratu, “Two names, generations of belonging”, was the icing on the cake. Thank you, Salesh Kumar and The Fiji Times, for the 2026 souvenir issue, one worth the read!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam
Nadawa, Nasinu
Plenty abstentions
JAN Nissar is right (FT LTE 22/10). With voting in Parliament recently seeing plenty abstentions, it is indeed unfair on the voters of abstaining MPs. Politicians have their supporters, and so do political parties. I’m not too familiar about the rules on voting along party lines; however, sitting on the fence is definitely not what the voters voted for. Either it’s a Aye or Nay. No abstaining. Lamulamu, bula balavu not the option.
Donald Singh
Nausori
A-G nominees
SO, Lynda Tabuya’s name has been thrown into the hat as a potential future Attorney-General, despite the controversy surrounding her personal conduct not so long ago. Nevertheless, I wish her all the best. But why stop there?In the political circus that Fiji has become, it seems the only qualification required is the blessing of the ruling three-legged stool government. At this rate, we might as well keep the nominations open. In a Banana Republic’s political theatre, today’s controversy could well be tomorrow’s promotion. Political loyalty may be the only prerequisite that matters!
Nishant Singh
Lautoka
Let’s proceed with caution
THOSE with sufficient financial means enjoy the freedom to spend as they please. However, for individuals with limited resources, careful consideration of expenses becomes essential, especially when it comes to non-essentials like firecrackers, which may add an avoidable burden during difficult times. Diwali, an occasion steeped in cultural and spiritual significance, finds its true essence in performing meaningful prayers and rituals to the best of one’s ability. By opting out of spending on less important items such as firecrackers, people can priorities savings and prepare for unexpected challenges that may arise. Let us resolve to focus on honoring the traditions and values of this festival instead of indulging in momentary pleasures like fireworks. With times becomi40ng increasingly tough, saving every dollar is crucial. Moving forward, let’s be mindful and avoid unnecessary expenditures wherever possible.
Suresh Chand
Nadi
Respect people’s submissions!
AS Fijians, young and old, come out to make submissions on Fiji’s Constitution Amendment Bill, it is important that we respect their opinions. I have read of submissions being mocked on social media and it breaks the heart because it will discourage Fijians from coming forward and presenting their thoughts and opinions. I feel for young Ba businessman, Sevanaia Levuidali, who was ridiculed on social media as he presented his submission at the Ba Market Bure and then fell off a chair. The video went viral and he was mocked by people of his own ethnicity and those older than him. Every person has the right to make a submission, and we must respect them. I urge Fijians to come out in numbers and speak their minds without fear of being discriminated or victimized. Let’s get a constitution that safeguards the rights, interests, dignity and welfare of every Fijian regardless of their color, occupation, ethnicity and gender.
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam
Nadawa, Nasinu
New A-G
SINCE it seems like that it is too difficult a task, why can’t we have two individuals for the role on a shared pay basis. One to be the attorney and the other as the general.
MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF
Natabua, Lautoka
You are right
DANIEL Fatiaki as far as I am concerned, you are always right. You should be in the Parliament.
SUKHA SINGH
Labasa
Road marking
THANK you, Fiji Roads Authority, for marking Denarau Road. I understand the COP meeting was held at Denarau, so the road needed urgent attention. What about the roads from Lautoka to Nadi? Most areas are not painted and cause problems at night for many drivers, on the same note a lot of lights from Nadi to Lautoka are not operational. Please Fiji Roads Authority can the above be looked at?
NARAYAN REDDY
Lautoka
Next A-G
I HEAR Suka Singh has named the next attorney-general of Fiji. If the Prime Minister’s Office isn’t telling us, perhaps Suka Singh should release the name! At this rate, the public is left wondering. Who is running the country, and who is running the rumour mill?
NAVNEET RAM (TD)
Lautoka
Plastic pains
THE Fiji Times opinion on – Fiji not waiting for a plastic treaty (FT17/10) seems to be at the expense of people’s health. Environmental pollution including at sea, affects all of us. The food we consume is at risk of being polluted as well. Strict rules with heavy fines may be the only way to discipline such offenders. Ban for good, once and all?
TAHIR ALI
Hamilton, New Zealand
Drug problem
THE other morning a used syringe was found at a place where a primary, secondary and a tertiary school are located. A police post is about 10 metres away but people still sit around at the bus stop and openly use drugs, while some are fighting for a name change for Fiji citizens, Sunday ban and Fiji to be declared a Christian State the future generations of our beloved Fiji are killing themselves with drugs. Let’s deal with issues affecting our people rather than a name for citizens.
NARAYAN REDDY
Lautoka
Where do you stand?
I FULLY support Jan Nissar’s piece yesterday, titled “Sitting on the Fence”, regarding the conduct of Opposition members who abstained from voting on Bill No. 32 at its second reading, when the Bill was to be referred to the Parliamentary Special Committee for constitutional scrutiny. What makes this even more concerning is that four Opposition members now members of the Parliament Special Committee— Inia Seruiratu, the Leader of the Opposition, along with Bala, Usamate and Alvick Maharaj —have yet to make their position clear on the Bill’s third reading. The question remains: where do they stand? You cannot claim to represent the people while keeping the people guessing where you stand on matters of national importance. As the saying goes: “He who stands for nothing falls for anything.” You cannot have your cake and eat it too — avoiding a clear position while expecting the public to accept your leadership without question. Constitutional amendments are not a game of hide-and-seek, nor are they matters on which elected representatives should be playing both sides of the fence. You cannot sit on the fence forever and expect the people to carry you across it. Leadership demands courage, conviction and accountability — not political ambiguity when the stakes are high. At the end of the day, history will record not only how you voted, but also the moments when you chose not to take a stand. The people are watching, and silence too speaks volumes.
AVENAI SERUTABUA
Nabukelevu Village
Our identity
NATIONAL identity in Fiji —why all the hue and cry? Under Section 5(1) of Fiji’s 2013 Constitution, all citizens of Fiji are known as Fijians, while Section 5(2) recognizes their equal status and identity. So, why should our national identity divide us when it should unite us? I am a third-generation, Fiji-born Fijian of iTaukei, Chinese and Gujarati ancestry, with maternal roots in Namama Village, Naduri, Macuata, Vanua Levu. My heritage reflects the rich multicultural history of our beloved Fiji. I am proud of my iTaukei roots, my Chinese heritage and my Gujarati ancestry. Each is a meaningful part of my family’s story and the person I am today. Why should I have to choose
between my iTaukei, Chinese and Gujarati roots to prove that I am Fijian, when all three are part of my identity and Fiji is the country, I proudly call home. My roots are diverse, my heritage crosses cultures, but my national identity is Fijian. I respect the distinct identity, history and traditions of every community that calls Fiji home. Our ancestors may have come from different backgrounds, travelled different journeys and contributed to Fiji in different ways. Yet we share a country, a future and a responsibility to the generations that follow us. I am not less Fijian because my ancestry is diverse. My diversity is part of my story, and Fiji is my home. Perhaps it is time we stopped asking which community people belong to and started celebrating the Fiji we all share. One nation. Many roots. A shared future.
MICHAEL FONG (Raniga)
Suva
