Joy and celebration!
As schools took part in the Methodist Church Conference Choir Competition on Monday, the students and teachers from the special and inclusive schools across Fiji made headlines, taking part for the first time. It was a moment for joy and celebration as inclusive education took centre stage. The team sang a heart-touching hymn, ‘Lord Make Us Instruments of Your Peace’. I salute the team for making it to the Vodafone Arena. The organisers must be commended for providing a platform for these students with diverse learning needs to showcase their talent and ability. It built their confidence. The competition allowed the students to demonstrate how vital inclusive education is provided they are given the right support, opportunity and environment. I gathered that the group practiced separately at their respective schools before coming together to perform as one. This milestone achievement has added glamour to this year’s Methodist Conference. I acknowledge the efforts of the support staff, the teachers and parents, enabling the students to take part in a national cultural event organised in the heart of Fiji. I am positive that their participation will increase visibility for learners with special needs and give them respect, while enhancing inclusive practice in cultural and community life. This is the way forward towards building a better Fiji! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Future of work
Over the next 10 to 15 years, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics will transform workplaces globally and across Fiji. From Silicon Valley in the USA, tech giants are executing massive layoffs due to AI taking over most of their work processes, to automated mining trucks in Australian mines and AI-controlled systems such as welding machines in China, no work is safe, whether white collar or blue collar. For business owners and industry leaders, this shift promises huge financial returns and faster operations. These artificial intelligent machines work around the clock without physical human limits, ego, bad attitudes, or poor customer service. While these early AI tools had minor flaws, these systems are being improved every day. In Fiji, where public and private sector service can often be frustrating, many business owners will find it hard to feel sympathy for upcoming job losses when machines deliver faster, reliable, and non-stop service every time. We may naturally worry about automation and rising unemployment, but AI offers a level of nonstop high productivity, speed, accuracy that traditional human workers have often failed or unwilling to provide. The AI technological revolution is already here, and it will permanently reshape the global and Fijian workforce in the future. Meli Matanatoto Sigatoka
Crime and Facebook politics
The recent attacks and robberies involving taxidrivers are deeply concerning. These are ordinary people trying to earn an honest living, yet they now risk their lives simply by accepting a passenger. Almost as predictable as the crime is what follows. Politicians quickly appear on Facebook with long statements condemning the incident and telling the police, Government, LTA and everyone else what “should” be done. By the time we finish reading the essay, another robbery may have already occurred. We already know taxidrivers need better protection, increased police patrols, cameras, and safer booking systems. What we need to know is what our leaders have actually done. Politicians have platforms that ordinary citizens do not. They can raise these matters in Parliament, push for funding, question the responsible authorities and demand clear deadlines. Instead of another polished Facebook statement, tell us: What action was taken? Who was approached? What happened after the last statement? Social media posts may collect likes, but criminals are not reading them and changing their ways. Taxidrivers need leaders who can turn concern into action before another family receives terrible news. Dennish Chand Lautoka
Fiji scenario
I read Dr Sushil K Sharma’s illuminating article ‘Priced out of paradise: Fiji’s import trap, cost of living crisis, and poverty’ (FT 26/8). And then I read also in the paid electoral advertisement of the Fiji Labour Party of “the growing hardship of our people” (FT 26/8). But then when I read in Grubsheet Feejee that in this year’s UN General Assembly in September our President will be taking with him a delegation of eight and the rest of the Fijian delegation with Minister Lynda Tabuya who “is expected to participate in relevant high-level meetings and side-events during UNGA81” (GS 25/8), I thought to myself things can’t be all that bad in the country. I believe the people of Fiji are blessed to have such caring leadership. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Big shot
I am curious to know who are the VIPs at the Methodist Church’s annual conference that the ground floor washroom was reserved for? Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
VIP toilet
IS the church trying to send a message to its members that there are VIP toilets also provided in heaven, MCIF. Never did I grow up knowing anything about VIP in church, yet, today’s leadership are! Sad indeed. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Time for action
Taxidrivers are not punching bags for criminals. They provide an essential public service and deserve to return home safely to their families after a day’s work. Criminals are becoming fearless that even being recorded on camera no longer scares them! Relevant authorities must urgently work with the taxi industry to introduce stronger and practical safety measures, including emergency panic-alert systems, direct emergency communication links, stronger passenger identification measures where practical, improved monitoring at taxi stands and better police response systems. Offenders who deliberately target taxidrivers must face punishments severe enough to send a clear and unmistakable message, violence and robbery against hardworking transport workers will not be tolerated. Those who use violence against a driver who is trying to earn a living should face the full force of the law. It is time for urgent action before the next attack ends in tragedy. Shamal Chand Kuku Village, Nausori
Airline service
In June this year, three of us went to India via Hong Kong. The service was very poor. Food in the 10-hour flight was pathetic. The passenger travelling with me requested for food after having a small piece of pizza. Nearly all cabin crew were in their own world, and service wasn’t fast. On our way back on August 18 via Hong Kong, another team was there and I would say they were energetic. Service was fast and surprisingly the food was very good. I would like to highlight two cabin crew who served us. Special thanks to Makelesi and another crew from Veiseisei Village, Vuda. They proved us wrong and served all of us in the back row. Now I have trust in Fiji Airways and HR should keep staff like them. My hats off to the selectors. S Kumar Lautoka
Airline meals
I TRAVELLED from Sydney to Nadi on July 4, 2026 by Fiji Airways (FJ 0910). This was the 2pm flight. After approx 90 minutes in the air, we were alerted that shortly dinner would be served. After a while, a tray was passed on to me with a bun and serviette in it. I was happy to see this, thinking this may be an appetizer before the main meal. I am a regular traveller on this route, and the main meal always included a few additional dishes of desserts, small bun on top of the normal meal. This used to be superb both quantity and quality wise. Nothing was served after that single bun I had on a tray. What a hopeless and disgusting service on a renowned airline. I was always proud of my local airline. I read Hon Premila’s contributions in Parliament on this issue. I wish to thank her for raising this subject before more damage is done to our international airline. Our Finance Minister Hon Esrom Immanuel was also on this flight. He will definitely agree with my article and I expect him to support Hon Premila on this critical issue. VIJAY MAHARAJ Navua
Garbage collection services
I have seen Suva City Council collecting household garbage within its city boundary three times a week. This is kitchen waste which is a great service and a much-needed service as kitchen waste cannot be thrown anywhere else either in the compound or on other vacant lots. This council also collects green waste and white goods waste on a timely basis. My salute to this council for such a service. However, much is expected from Lautoka City Council. Kitchen waste is collected only two days a week and there is no timing within the two days for the actual picking. Most of the time, waste is scattered along the streets for almost the whole day before being picked which I should say partially as some rubbish is left behind. The only time it will pick green waste and white goods waste is upon making a separate payment for at least one truck load. So, where do the dwellers dispose the cut grass, pruned branches and gone out of use appliances? This is one reason we see a lot of burning in the compounds as well as along the streets. People also pay for this service through the city rates being charged and expect regular, timely and inclusive garbage collection from their household areas to protect them from unhealthy living. I believe the only time Lautoka City Council collects green and white goods garbage is during Diwali and or after natural disasters for which we do not have to make a special payment. My salute to Suva City Council for such a service. Can we see any improvement regarding such a service by our LCC please and can we see any improvement in the collection time by the collectors? Dhirendra Prasad Lautoka
