Pacific Media Summit
THE 8th Pacific Media Summit 2026 has generated a lot of interest in Savusavu as prominent media personalities and members of the People’s Coalition joined the forum. Healthy deliberations took place on a range of issues, including media freedom, responsible journalism, freedom of expression, media reach, artificial intelligence, and trust in the mainstream media. It is important to deliberate on the risks and challenges that journalists encounter daily while carrying out their duties, especially online safety as journalists often get bullied on social media. Therefore, it is important that laws protect journalists in the course of their work. After all, they play a vital role in keeping the public informed. Journalists must be allowed to carry out their work without fear or intimidation and should never be held to ransom in their pursuit of information. I read the editorial titled “Close the information gap” (FT: 25/09) with interest and I agree that the media plays a vital role in holding those in power to account. The media industry suffered a lot during Fiji’s 16 years of suppression. While some media organizations were treated fairly and given access to government news and information, others were unfairly treated and had to rely on government social media platforms and online posts for official information. The media industry must never experience those dark days again. A healthy relationship between the government and the media industry is the way forward for our beloved Fiji. Let journalists work without oppression!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam
Nadawa, Nasinu.
RFMF REFORMS
I SALUTE the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai for standing tall and protecting the integrity of an institution that our beloved nation looks up to for peace and security. The RFMF came under fire for the role it played in the 1987 and 2006 military coups that removed democratically elected governments and shattered the nation. However, since taking over as RFMF Commander, Ro Jone Kalouniwai has demonstrated he respects the call of the nation and both democratic processes and governance. He assisted in steering the nation through the transition from the Fiji First government to the Coalition Government, which completes its four-year term in December this year. The recommendations made by the Constitution Review Commission have been received positively by the RFMF Commander, who welcomed them and stressed that they would honor the institution’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The removal of the entrenched immunity provisions is the way forward as it would discourage military coups in the future.
God bless Fiji!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam
Nadawa, Nasinu.
Our Pearls
WHAT has happened to our Fiji Pearls, who were once the darlings of the South Pacific on the netball court? To our dismay, losses at the recent 2026 Oceania Netball World Cup Qualifiers have eliminated the nation’s hopes of participation in the Netball World Cup 2027. For now, let us wish our Pacific neighbors, including Tonga, all the very best as they prepare for the 2027. World Cup, while continuing to show our support for the Fiji Pearls as they work through their rebuilding phase. Let us exercise patience and allow them sometime to grow from strength to strength. I look forward to seeing their performances in the coming year and, in particular, watching the continued development of young talent such as Adi Esther Dawai. Breaking into the national squad at the age of 16 is a huge milestone. She has inherited the athletic abilities of a “Kai
Nadi” and the beauty of Lomaiviti. For now, our Fiji Pearls are an underdog on the international scene but with time and determination, they can once again establish themselves among the leading sides in world netball.
FLOYD ROBINSON
Micronesia
FNPF saga
THE “two-man Govt” was responsible for the 2011/12 reduction in monthly pension to the 1400 pensioners and those who opted to join after the reduction. To make matters worse, they enacted Decree 51 which legally barred the pensioners from challenging the reduction in court. This is a breach of contract signed between FNPF and the retirees. Those of us who withdrew full sum did not opt for pension because of measly sum offered by FNPF. If some have misspent their money, it’s their problem. What Jan Nissar is saying is meaningless.
RAKESH CHAND SHARMA
Nadi
Litterbugs
SINCE the first of September, how many litterbugs have been issued the $200 fine? Numbers please! Our surroundings have not become any cleaner.
DONALD SINGH
Nausori
Equal opportunity
LGBTQ+ people are part of our communities and should be treated with respect, fairness, and dignity. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to participate in leadership and decision-making. A person’s gender identity or sexual orientation should not prevent them from using their skills, experience, and ideas to contribute to their community or country. Pacific leaders should promote equal opportunities for everyone and ensure that all voices have a fair chance to be heard. Giving LGBTQ+ people a fair opportunity to lead can help build communities where everyone feels respected and valued.
SHYAL NANDANI
Tovata/Makoi, Nasinu
