Shifting blame RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA THE Fiji Times report “Biman hints at political plot behind his resignation” (FT 6/6/26) reminds me of this famous quote: “To err is human. To blame someone else is politics” by former US vice-president Hubert Humphrey.
Christian state PITA SOROAQALI TAVUA SOME sections of our community are calling for Fiji to be declared a Christian state during the ongoing consultations around the country. But will declaring a Christian state make us more Christian? Will it eliminate the illegal activities and social problems we see every day? On Sundays, many of those found intoxicated in our urban centres, as well as those crowding shopping areas, identify as Christians. In many churches, the congregations are increasingly made up of children and the elderly, while many adults are absent. Rather than advocating for a Christian state, we should focus on living Christ-like lives. As the saying goes, “Jerusalem first.”
Say no to drugs RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU THE Fiji Times dedicated two valuable pages to International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT). Schools commemorated IDADAIT this week. Students recited poems, gave speeches, made posters and took part in character parade. I salute them for their efforts and creativity, which shows the talents that we have inside the four walls of the classroom, and I commend the trusted brand for unearthing them. It is important to raise awareness on issues facing students — peer pressure, making wrong choices, experimenting with drugs and substances that are harmful to their health, having unprotected sex and sharing needles, to list a few. It is important to raise awareness on how making wrong choices and decisions can affect their mental and physical health, relationship with others, their education and dreams of becoming a successful person in life. Children must be taught that life is precious — it comes once and they must guard it well. They must be taught to make responsible choices and choose good friends. They must be encouraged to say no to drugs, wrong choices, pornography, and behaviour which is risky, and instead focus on healthy living, respecting those around them, sports, good values and faith. Our children are vulnerable and need our support and advice. Together, we can protect and nurture them!
Boring repeats RONNIE CHANG MARTINTAR, NADI IT appears local TV stations today are running out of programs to present. It is not unusual to air the same program on two channels. Boring repeats are harder to watch — especially so in our twilight years. Time is harder to pass as betrayed surviving senior FNPF pensioners. The truth needs to be told and re-told. Is there anywhere else in this whole wide world where pensions are stolen through an illegal unelected former government? Or only in Fiji? Stealing and/or thievery is a crime … especially towards the elderly senior members of the wider community. We beg restorative justice and restitution — nothing else.
Betraying voters SELWA NANDAN LAUTOKA NATIONAL Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad has accused former FijiFirst parliamentarians for betraying their voters. He also criticised them for supporting the pay rise for parliamentarians whereas his party had opposed the increase (FT 6/6). I wonder why he didn’t say the same thing about his Coalition partners for introducing the motion seeking the pay increase. And maybe he can also explain why his party did not support the call from the Leader of the Opposition for a 50 per cent pay cut for MPs. Since he is trying to portray NFP as a principled and responsible party, could he disclose whether NFP MPs have accepted the new salary that was approved by Parliament?
Taxi v pari RONNIE CHANG MARTINTAR, NADI IN Martintar and Namaka, many licensed PSV taxi operators maintain limited operating hours, making it difficult to secure a taxi during early mornings, late nights, and emergencies. Recently, passengers travelling from Martintar to Nadi airport for an early morning bus to Suva were quoted $25 for a 5am pickup. On another occasion, I needed to be at the Lautoka mortuary by 6.30am and struggled to find a taxi, ultimately paying extra because I had no alternative. Most licensed taxis appear to operate only between 9am and 6pm. Reliable pre-booked legal taxis are often difficult to find. This lack of service encourages the use of “pari” or illegal taxis. Nadi has about 520 licensed taxis — 358 in Zone One and 162 in Zone Two — yet early morning and latenight transport remains scarce. The travelling public is not being adequately served. As Fiji’s tourism capital and a major contributor to the national economy, Nadi operates roundthe-clock. Tourism does not follow standard business hours, and neither should essential transport services. I recently travelled by taxi from Nadi Hospital to Martintar and was disappointed by the vehicle’s cleanliness and condition. Will the Land Transport Authority conduct a blitz of taxis and buses in Nadi? The condition and availability of many public service vehicles do not reflect well on our town or the experience of local and overseas travellers alike.
Human rights violation RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA PM Rabuka says Israel’s record of human rights violations is “none of our concern”. How is one to reconcile Rabuka’s reasoning with that of Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr. who said: “an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere?” Rabuka is apparently not aware of the profound philosophical words of the iconic civil rights leader.
Winning culture RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU I HAVE a humble plea for Osea Kolinisau and Jerry Tuwai: “Get back the winning culture”. Under Englishman Ben Ryan and Welshman Gareth Baber, we were so used to seeing our national 7s team on the winners podium. They brought sheer delight by winning our first and second Olympics gold medals. Then came another Englishman in Ben Gollings. Initially, he featured so well and won the Melrose Cup, breaking a long drought of 17 years. However, as time passed, Gollings came under the radar and had to leave. Kolinisau was appointed and he did well on the 2025/26 HSBC SVNS WRSS circuit. Fiji was the only team to have featured in every semi-final. After finishing third in Dubai and Cape Town, where we won the bronze medal after defeating France 24-7 and 26-19, respectively, Fiji won the Singapore 7s, beating France 21-12. The boys were second best in Perth and New York losing to South Africa 21-19 and 10-7, respectively, and settled for bronze medal in Vancouver after beating Australia 29-10. Fiji finished second best with 104 points, two behind South Africa. However, we had a difficult outing in the World Championship Series, where the boys lost 24-17 in the quarter-final to Argentina at the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong 7s. Fiji finished fifth after beating Australia 26-10. At the Valladolid 7s in Spain, Fiji lost 14-12 to hosts Spain in the final pool match but thrashed archrivals, the All Blacks 7s 40-0 in the quarter final. The boys went down 21-14 to Australia in the semi-final and 28-17 to Argentina in the third-place playoff. Missed tackles were a huge concern. This weekend in Bordeaux, the boys face Kenya, Great Britain and South Africa. Just like 7s legend, Waisale Serevi (FT: 05/06), I am optimistic of a good outing. I quote the Maestro, “Work hard, trust your coaches and keep moving forward.” After two events, Fiji sits on fourth with 26 points, 12 behind leaders South Africa, eight behind Argentina and four behind Australia.
Modi’s tweet RAKESH CHAND SHARMA NADI INDIAN PM Narendra Modi’s tweet highlighted that India’s GDP growth rate for the January to March quarter (Q4 of FY 25 –26 ) was 7.8 per cent . He credited the performance to the inherent strength of the economy and the success of Government reforms. Modi also attributed this growth to the hard work of 140 crore (1.4 billion) Indians. Here, in Fiji we are still stuck with many excuses over the collection of fuel duties and VAT.
Culture of discrimination SURESH CHAND NADI LET us take a moment and reflect on the fact that our time in this world is brief. While we’re here, let’s aim to be kind and decent, treating others as we wish to be treated. This is the essence of protecting people from discrimination. We should all commit to openly condemning discrimination, in any form, towards anyone. Each of us has a role to play in achieving this goal fairly and firmly. Now, let me share a quote from Bayard Rustin: “If we want a peaceful society, we can’t achieve it through violence. If we want a society free from discrimination, we must not discriminate against anyone while building it. If we want a democratic society, democracy must be both a means and an end.” So, let’s choose to take steps that will help eliminate the culture of discrimination.
