Mili drives success
Every night through social media, I look forward to the preview of The Fiji Times for the following day.
Our hardworking editor-in-chief, Fred Wesley, provides an in-depth insight into what readers could expect in The Fiji Times the following day.
He talks about the headlines, sports, news from overseas and home and other vital features.
On Wednesday night, Fred alluded to the People column.
He stressed the importance of the column as it highlighted success stories.
I made sure I grabbed a copy of Thursday’s The Fiji Times and read through the story about Mili Naituyaga, who received the Outstanding Achievement award at the AWE Regional Summit in 2023.
Mili’s story was shared by our powerful journalist, Alifereti Sakiasi, who has shared a lot of success stories via the People column.
Mili is an inspiration to our beloved nation. The COVID-19 pandemic was a blessing in disguise for Mili as it resulted in the opening of her venture — Nadro Events Plus, a catering and events planning business that employed approximately 25 people and operated on the banks of the iconic Sigatoka River.
Mili’s journey from an airline employee to a successful entrepreneur is a timely reminder to readers that through determination and willingness one can change his circumstances. Mili’s faith in God, perseverance and dedication have paved the way for her success.
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa
Heartbreaking news
It has been heartbreaking how a driver lost his life and took an innocent driver’s life as well.
The Fiji Times of October 15, a mum’s grieving for her only child, the off-duty police officer Atonio Peni Nagata, 26, who left earlier to buy pie ingredients.
More heartache to see his wife and three very young children without their sole bread winner.
I hope the family is compensated in time by relevant authorities and in the meantime donations rendered from generous friends and relatives to support the grieving family.
Also, a message to all drivers to be vigilant on roads to avoid mishaps. It’s better to be late than dead on time.
SARITA LAL Malolo Street, Lautoka
And them?
Someone raised a very valid question during the constitutional amendment debates.
If the word Fijian were to be reserved for the iTaukei only, what would you call a child whose parents are a mix of iTaukei and non-iTaukei? Half Fijian?
Kiran Khatri Samabula, Suva
Concerning mindset
Proposals to permit the moderate physical punishment of children as a means of enforcing discipline in schools, along with calls to silence or punish those who express their views, reflect an outdated and deeply concerning mindset.
The important question is: how widespread are such attitudes in Fiji?
Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
Senate role
In her public consultation contribution on the senate role of chiefs in the proposed new constitution, Fiji National University academic Professor Moshmi Bhim questions, in light of chiefs’ past track record of support for coups, “How will you ensure our chiefs don’t support illegal takeovers?”(FT 17/10).
I would contend there can be no guarantees on that just as there can be no guarantees of military takeovers in future.
Once a coup country is always a coup country no matter the democracy masquerade.
The threat of a coup lingers like Democles Sword.
Look at the repeat coup record of countries around the world.
Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Never forgotten
A dedicated teacher, Guruji, Master Dewan Chand, has gone but will never be forgotten. He worked for the community, teachers and schools for effective changes in education with service before self.
He was a freedom fighter, trade unionist and a popular writer in The Fiji Times supporting the retired FNPF pensioners who were not justifiably paid on retirement.
May his soul rest in peace. Condolence to the grieving family and friends and all those students and teachers who have gone through him
Rest in peace, sir.
Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
FNPF saga
While I sympathise with the remaining retired FNPF pensioners, why is no affected pensioner talking about the silent super 36 pensioners who have received taxpayer funded support since 2024 to June 2026 of more than $500,000 each above the value of the conversion sums originally used to fund their pension!
I believe these elite 36 pensioners have reaped immensely riding on real struggles of unfortunate pensioners.
Vikel Lal Makoi, Nasinu
Online safety
Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu’s call for Online Safety Education to be incorporated in school curriculum should be supported.
The Opposition Leader’s statement that, “prevention must be just as important as enforcement” is very much relevant.
Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Make use of the consultation!
Fijians around the country must make use of the public consultation on the Constitution Bill (Number 32 of 2026) that began on Thursday.
The Special Parliamentary Committee will hold six consultation sessions across the country, enabling Fijians to express their views, raise concerns and make submissions on the proposed constitutional changes.
An apt theme, “Let’s Talanoa – A Constitution for All Fijians”, has been chosen, and I hope our leaders will stick to the theme- a Constitution for all Fijians, bearing in mind that Fiji is a multicultural country and every ethnic group’s rights and dignity must be protected under the Constitution.
The limited timeframe provided for public submissions is an issue and I hope more time will be given so that people properly understand and assess the proposed constitutional amendments and the process becomes meaningful.
I am a passionate and patriotic citizen, and I want a constitution that safeguards the interests of every citizen. This is my humble plea to our leaders. Do what is ethically right!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
AI as a tool
Artificial Intelligence offers many benefits to society.
It can assist engineers in solving complex mathematical problems, improve farm management, and streamline business operations.
These are just a few examples of positive applications.
However, AI can also be misused for malicious purposes, including creating fake images and voices that are extremely difficult to distinguish from authentic material Such technology can be used to deceive people, damage reputations, and spread false information.
The manipulation of photographs and images has occurred for many years, including the unauthorised alteration of public figures’ images and the creation of explicit material without individuals’ consent.
Such conduct can cause serious emotional and reputational harm to victims and should be treated with appropriate sensitivity and seriousness.
In the matter involving the honourable Siromi Turaga, the relevant authorities should ensure any digitally manipulated images are examined through proper legal and technical procedures.
Qualified, independent experts should be engaged to assess the material and help determine its authenticity, origin and reliability.
If appropriate and lawful, the authorities may also consider consulting individuals with relevant cybersecurity expertise, including those who have been involved in phone-hacking cases, provided their participation is properly authorised and supervised.
The priority should be to protect victims, establish the facts, and hold accountable anyone found responsible through a fair and lawful process.
Adam Maharaj Daniel Street, Corrimal, NSW, Australia
Truth, justice and empathy
Elizabeth Reade Fong’s “Usurpation of pensions” in FT, Saturday, October 17, 2026 makes excellent reading for those who believe in truth, justice, empathy and compassion towards senior pensioners. She writes beautifully.
My sincere thanks must go to Professor Vijay Naidu.
Another excellent script for the real world to read and digest.
My thanks also goes to Colin Deoki, Melbourne, Australia. Beautiful lines.
Thank you also to Rajend Naidu, Calgary, Canada. Thank you for your piece on drawing lessons from the past for future good governance.
(Some, in Fiji, conveniently have very shortened memories. “Judge not; and you shall not be judged)”.
It is amazingly unbelievable how the former A-G speaks about usurpation. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
What a joke?
Kaila mada kemudou.
O yau sa druka tale.
Sa sivia na vuku.
Sadly, our 2012 Pensions Committee has lost an excellent advocate in our fight for restorative justice and restitution.
Thank you Dewan Chand — my loving Bara Bhai for the many years you shared your views eloquently in our dailies.
In our last phone conversation lasting some 3 valuable minutes you longed for Christmas 2026 to come early. You worried about Prameeta. God rest your soul. Yet you trusted in God. You hoped your former neighbour and Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, would use his “Golden Key” to unlock that cruel door that shields us from our lost pensions. I believe both Bai and Kai, unelected at the time, colluded with FNPF to “hood-wink” so many betrayed seniors. Our numbers will dwindle. Our fight will continue unabated. “David vs Goliath” will repeat its story, some sweet day. The whole truth will eventually unfold.
Ronnie Chang Nadi
