The loss of a great personality
The nation mourns the untimely demise of a seasoned, fearless and respected unionist and the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations. Hon Singh was responsible for issues that affected workers, employment relations and workplace policies. Before serving as the Minister, he was the General Secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, a position that he proudly served from 1999 to 2022. He also served as the National Treasurer for the Fiji Trades Union Congress. For more than two decades, Hon Singh served as a bold, courageous and unwavering advocate for teachers, workers’ rights, equality, and democracy in Fiji. As a leader, he took charge and stood in the front line. He was the voice of teachers and ordinary Fijians. FTU will forever be proud that its union leader became a national voice. He was respected for his unwavering commitment to solidarity and justice. Hon Singh was more than a comrade and friend who put his rank aside when he mingled with ordinary Fijians. He was passionate, forthright, sharp-witted and spoke his mind. His humour and generosity will be remembered by many, and his passing is a great loss. Hon Singh was the chief guest at FTU’s 96th opening ceremony at Xavier College in Ba. Little did we know that it would be his last. I was fortunate to have served as his assistant while he served as GS of FTU. I learned so much from him, humility being the biggest moral value. When my wife Madhu Krishna was sick, he stood by us. He was there to comfort us when news was broken that she would have to undergo dialysis. Hon Singh’s legacy as a champion of worker’s rights will be carried out in the years to come. The nation has lost a dedicated, patriotic and passionate son who was a servant of his people. Rest high, sir! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Eat and run
So, we go to this new place in Laqere for lunch after a graduation ceremony. We order our food, the waitress returns with an EFTPOS machine asking me to pay. I kindly tell her that we’ll pay after we have eaten. She insists. I insist. She says some people run away after eating without paying. “Do we look like people who will eat and run,” I ask. She goes back and comes with her boss, and this lady also has an EFTPOS machine kindly asking me to pay first. She tells me about the people eating and fleeing, and even describes the people, apparently having seen their CCTV footages. Some, she says, have done it more than once, in different garbs. I feel sorry for the restaurant and I pay. “What if the food is no good,” I ask. “Will give complimentary,” she says. Come on people, you know who you are, eating and absconding. Because of you frauds, we have to pay upfront before we get to taste the food. But I’m glad the restaurant has put their foot down. Hit and run, eat and run, all no good. Donald Singh Nausori
Freedom of speech
The Prime Minster is correct in stating that freedom of speech can be done without bullying and with responsibility which is exactly the way it should be. There are reasons why people feel a need to express themselves and to be heard is the main element behind every expression. Dear PM most people get frustrated when they are not being heard especially when they know they are making a point straight up nailing the spot. Can you please assure people that they are being heard. Can you please look into the FNPF pensions and pensioners who are deprived of their own money. This cruel act by the previous regime needs to be carefully adjusted. You will heal the pain of many suffering souls including some silent ones. This issue needs your attention very much. Most of the time the people are not against the government or any particular minister or the PM, they want justice to prevail by being heard. Can you assure them of this? Most people just want things to be on the right track. In the case of this FNPF pending payments, you will be doing great justice. Please step up and take the fair, bold decision. Many people are waiting desperately for the good news. Hoping for the best. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Stop complaining
There has been a lot of noise lately about the level of crime, grab and run, public drunkenness and anti-social behaviour. Should I mention the complaints daily about rubbish dumping. Interestingly these complaints are coming from the very people who were calling for a change in government. They have got their change. People are now free and they have taken charge of their own country and their destiny and now they all are complaining. If they are looking to lay blame, it is not the government or the authorities they should blame, they must look in the mirror. But one thing remains, the people of Fiji are truly blessed even though they are stupid. The question is, how many are there? Jan Nissar Phuket, Thailand
Healthy eating
The Fiji Times’ Times Shopper, on “Healthy food on a budget” (FT28/8) should be well noted by all shoppers in these hard times. It’s time to do away with luxury items and go for healthy food for the family to make ends meet. Fiji is well blessed with tropical climate where we can grow our own food in whatever land available. Home grown food cooked at home is the way to be healthy wealthy and wise. Healthy budgeting -spend less-eat more. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Civic space
I refer to the illuminating article ‘Fiji’s civic space under pressure’ (The Sunday Times 13/9/26). We read that in its latest report CIVICUS states Fiji’s civic space has “narrowed”. Is that a euphemism for restricted? If the “concerns documented in 2026” and cited for illustration in the article are anything to go by, the civic space has certainly been restricted. No amount of sugar coating and official spin can hide this fact no matter what more subtle and covert form the restrictions take. Often, it’s said we should not engage in the blame game. But this anti-democratic and authoritarian tendency calls for blame to be put where it belongs. And I believe it belongs squarely to those in political power. They failed to deliver on their promise of good governance and an open society. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Pirate cabs
Wise Muavono’s letter on private taxis in demand (FT 9) may encourage some travellers to hire pirate taxis as cheaper means of transport. We at times are obliged to use them in this high cost of living crisis. While it is true to say “where there is demand there is supply” but safety at all cost will pay. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Every corner
When rugby comes to a town or a city, people come out from each and every corner, to support and enjoy. When soccer comes to a town or a city, people from each and every corner remain rooted to their comfort zones. Never to come out and waste their time. They say it’s just a waste of time and effort. Is that so Fiji FA? What’s missing? A Shariff Shah Savusavu
Promise and betrayal
I hasten to congratulate and commend Seveci Tora, Tacirua Heights, Tacirua for the clarity of your write-up in Saturday’s FT LTE, September 12, 2026. It is a well written piece. Excellent, indeed. Thank you sincerely for adding your generous voice to this just cause — the festering betrayal of senior FNPF pensioners. We have been badly let down; discarded and no one really cares. So much procrastination. Social injustice and marginalisation of the elderly is so real today for many of us; the lower income group. There are about 1400 surviving this cruel chapter in Fiji’s checkered history. We bring with us our spouses, children, grandchildren and families. The multiplying effect is not understood, or fathomed. The hurt, segregation and discrimination continues unabated. Fiji is a cruel place for the betrayed senior pensioners. FNPF remains doggedly unmoved. Stubbornly resistant. This is not the compassionate way forward. Different rules for the “big boys”. They have powerfully amplified voices and ability to flax their “muscles” against the disadvantaged. Time has proven this beyond all doubt. Bai and Kai caused this distasteful mess, hurt and segregation laced with all the enforced pain and suffering. In time, they will reap all that they hurtfully and masterfully sowed. This is promised. Ronnie Chang Nadi
Poverty disparity
I do not entirely agree with former Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki’s report. Many Indo-Fijian farmers whose sugar leases expired moved with other labourers into informal settlements. They worked hard to rebuild their lives. Indo-Fijians make up only about 30 per cent of the population in Fiji. There are various reasons for this. Today, around SVC area in Malolo, people are afraid of walking to the shop or bakery in the evening because of safety reasons. For the first time, I heard of stone throwing at a local temple gathering at Lord Krishna Janamashtami celebrations. From the 1960s up to 1980s, Indo-Fijian families were large with average of three to six children. It is hard work, discipline and what parents teach their children that matters. This cuts across all communities. I compare this state of affairs with a particular community in India whose young people are known for stone throwing. When confronted, they bring out the “victim card”. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
