Ungramatical PAUL GERAGHTY USP, SUVA ONCE again, I am obliged to point out a mistake in the printing of my Letter to the Editor (25/4/26). Under the heading ‘Discrimination by language’, I wrote, inter alia, “every constitution we have had bans discrimination by language.” This was somehow changed on publication to “every constitution we have had ban discrimination..” (underlining mine) which is, of course, ungrammatical. It may seem a minor matter, but I do prefer to write standard English, and it irks me when what I write is changed, and may give the impression that I am unable to write grammatically. Let me explain. English nouns and noun phrases beginning with ‘every’, including ‘everyone’, ‘everything’ etc, take a singular verb. Somehow this grammatical rule has not made its way into our educational system, and I can provide hundreds of examples from local reporters and letterwriters, such as ‘everyone are happy’, rather than the correct ‘everyone is happy’. The solution, Turaga Edita, is to simply print what I write, and I hope you will do so in the future.
Freedom of speech PECELI ALISTIR WAITOLU, NAITASIRI I WRITE in response to Donald Singh’s letter (FT 28/04) regarding the former A-G’s right to speak. While I agree that freedom of speech is a fundamental right that belongs to everyone, we must be careful not to confuse “freedom to speak” with “freedom from one’s past”. Donald brought up the old adage that “every saint has a past”. While that may be true, it’s worth noting that some “pasts” left deeper scars on our democracy than others. When someone who held immense power for nearly two decades speaks on national issues, the public isn’t just listening to a “citizen”— they are listening to a record. Nishant Singh’s original discontent is valid. The public’s reaction isn’t about silencing a voice, but about the irony of someone championing freedoms now that they arguably restricted others during their own tenure. We are indeed learning from the past, Donald, and that is exactly why so many people are uncomfortable with the former A- G’s sudden rebranding as a champion of open dialogue. By all means, let the media report and let everyone talk, but let us also ensure that we don’t develop collective amnesia about the “errors” mentioned. True freedom of speech includes the right of the public to remind leaders of their actual records.
Just constitution JAMES SHRI BHAGWAN (REV) SUVA I AM non-binary — ethnically, culturally and ecumenically. Adopted into the vanua, and shaped, nurtured and guided by Christ, I am held in a family of Hindu, Muslim and Christian relatives across different denominations. My wife, my children and I live this diversity not as theory, but as family. This is why I am cautious about binary thinking when we speak about a constitution for Fiji. If we reduce the conversation to “Christian State” versus “secular State,” we may miss what the “Ghai draft” of the constitution in 2012 offered us: a deeper way to hold faith, freedom, tradition and belonging together. What I liked about the “Ghai draft”, was that it did not remove faith from public life. It honoured the spiritual connection of indigenous Fijians and Rotumans to these islands. It spoke of tolerance, worship, gratitude, healing, multicultural nationhood and prayer. At the same time, it reminded us that the State must belong equally to all. Fiji must honour indigenous tradition, vanua, spirituality and ancestral belonging. We must also acknowledge the deep impact of Christianity on our communities, education, service, leadership and public life. For those of us who follow Christ, this should not weaken our faith. It should deepen our witness. Christianity teaches humility, justice, compassion, tolerance and love of neighbour. We hold in our collective memory the times the legs of the “three legged stool” have been twisted by those seeking power for themselves, while claiming to speak for God, the church, the vanua, or the people. Please remember that faith should serve, not dominate. And do not forget that leadership should protect, not exploit. A just constitution should honour the spiritual life of our nation while protecting the dignity and belonging of all.
Fake equipment NAVNEET RAM (TD) LAUTOKA THE current trend continues as there is a report of structural fires almost every week in Fiji. This does not include the unreported cases and I believe the numbers may be higher. The most common cause of fire is from the use of electrical appliances and to lose a house in a fire means all the lifesaving goes up in smoke. Not every Fijian can buy an exorbitant insurance property policy. Many homeowners as a proactive approach to this problem are installing fire extinguishers that are sold in the hardware stores. The equipment sold are not authorised by the National Fire Authority as it does not comply with required standards. Having a non-standard firefighting equipment at home gives the owner a false sense of hope and everyone is at a very high risk during a house fire. I urge the Consumer Council to conduct inspections and remove hazardous equipment from shelves and more importantly do not allow the importation of fake products.
Punching above weight RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU THE athletes of Naweni Secondary School in Vanua Levu were on cloud nine as their picture (FT: 29/04) appeared on the front page of the newspaper that is widely read by Fijians. The athletes have a colourful picture that they can take back with them as a souvenir, thanks to our seasoned cameraman Eliki Nukutabu. Three months after the opening of their school, they are ready to test Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium — ready to step onto the biggest athletics stage with a story that goes far beyond the pursuit of medals. Some of them are making their maiden trip to the Capital City, and I’m adamant they’ll return home with beautiful memories. The Coca-Cola Games start brought out fans from around Fiji to Suva and last evening all eyes were on the 100m finals as the likes of Sera Nasilivata and Lidia Waqairapoa (MGM High), Lusiana Lewasewa (Lomary High), Paula Vonolagi (Suva Grammar) and Kirikiti Biu (Marist) competed on the tracks against athletes from other schools. I commend the team from the Old Capital who led the brass band. Their performance was fantastic, and I’m sure Anthony Sahai was delighted with that! To Rohit Deo, Samantha Rina, Vereimi Wara and John Tabore, thanks a million, for the efforts put in compiling the Fiji Finals magazine. Thank you, team The Fiji Times, for the colourful memories from yesteryears. Thank you so much for rekindling those sweet moments from the past and the heart-touching tribute for the late Reena Devi. A nice collection! As we bid goodbye to a tough day one, expect another round of thrills and spills as our athletes aim to leave a legacy. I’m predicting Marist Brothers High School and MGM High to retain their boys’ and girls’ titles, respectively!
Condition of CWMH COLIN DEOKI AUSTRALIA HONOURABLE Minister, kerekere mada. I write to you with a deep sense of concern regarding the current condition of Colonial War Memorial Hospital — a facility that’s long stood as a symbol of care and hope for the people of Fiji. Recent commentary surrounding the state of the hospital suggests a worrying disconnect between posturing and meaningful action. Matters of public health should never be reduced to rhetoric or treated lightly. They demand urgency, accountability and leadership grounded in firsthand understanding. With respect, I urge you and your colleagues to personally visit the hospital not as part of a formal tour, but as an exercise in genuine observation. Walk the corridors. Speak directly with doctors, nurses, support staff and patients. Witness the realities they face each day. Only then can decisions be made with the depth of insight and empathy such a situation requires. Reports of malfunctioning lifts, deteriorating infrastructure, leaking taps and the presence of mould are deeply troubling. These aren’t minor maintenance issues; they’re serious hazards that affect patient safety, staff safety and morale and the overall quality of care. A hospital must be a place of healing, hygiene and dignity. Yet current conditions suggest a system under significant strain as recently highlighted by Judy Compain, who by the way, seems to be doing a sterling job of trying to bring to light the plight of patients and staff. The state of Colonial War Memorial Hospital should be treated as a matter of urgent national priority. Immediate and transparent action is needed to address critical infrastructure failures, restore essential services and provide a safe and functional environment for all. This isn’t merely about buildings and equipment. It’s about people. Behind every fault lies a patient in need, a family in distress and a healthcare worker striving to deliver care under challenging circumstances. I respectfully call on you to lead with decisiveness and compassion, to move beyond explanations and to take meaningful steps to restore confidence in one of our nation’s most important institutions. The people of Fiji deserve nothing less. Vinaka vakalevu.
Bogus criticism RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA MINISTER Tabuya’s criticism of the Fiji media for “mal-information” regarding the reporting on the state of the CWM Hospital is bogus. Read the sound rebuttal of minister Tabuya’s bogus criticism of the media by International Women’s Association president and longstanding campaigner for CWM Hospital Judy Compain (Fijivillage 30/4/26). The Fiji media has reported truthfully on the deplorable state of the nation’s premier public hospital. Citizens must stand up against this insidious Trumpian attack on press freedom by Tabuya. She is scapegoating the media for her own government’s failure to do what’s right for the ordinary citizens of the country. It’s said “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty”. That’s what the citizens must do to guard against attempts to undermine their freedoms, including press freedom.
Visitor arrivals DAN URAI LAUTOKA GIVEN that Fiji has hit an all-time visitors’ arrival for March, hotels and resorts that are unionised are reporting releasing and reducing working hours for their staff in the same month due to low visitor arrivals. Who benefits from the high visitor arrival if it’s not the hotel workers?
Vuda waste CHRISTOPHER GRIFFIN PERTH, AUSTRALIA DOES the GCC stand by the Tui Vuda? If not, why?
Kava abuse WISE MUAVONO BALAWA, LAUTOKA OLDER women aging like fine wine while some of you younger ones that are committed to the traditional ceremonial and recreational brew are aging like dried up banana leaves. Kere lotion!
Fuel price NARAYAN REDDY LAUTOKA FUEL price increase, traffic fines increase, litter fine increase, cost of food increased, rent increase, medication increase, cost of doing business increase, pothole on roads increase, tax increase, cost of living increase and the list just keeps getting bigger. How does Government expect ordinary people to survive, kana wind pie?
30 years JAHEED BUKSH KOROLEVU, SIGATOKA CONGRATULATIONS Mc- Donald’s Fiji for completing 30 years. Wishing success and many more branches to open soon.
Waiting game A. SHARIFF SHAH SAVUSAVU CAN all the McDonalds drive through Fiji wide please have two or more service counters and cashiers. While at it, train staff to put on a friendly voice and smile on their faces. I believe the waiting game is worse than the traffic from Suva to Nausori at 5pm daily.
Levuka school AMINISITAI TORA NADERA, NASINU IT was a brilliant flag raising ceremony by the Levuka Public School. The band, the marching style and flag raising were brilliantly displayed by this school from the Old Capital. Really lighten up the spirit of the Coca- Cola Games, 2026. Too good. Vinaka Levuka.
