Great e-Transport initiative
I SALUTE Vodafone for the initiative taken in launching Fiji’s first e-Transport Quick Response (QR) payment service. Fiji is evolving fast in terms of digitalisation and QR services in this world of innovation and technology, and Vodafone’s initiative means that bus commuters can scan the QR code displayed at bus terminals, check the fare displayed and confirm the bus fare through the e-Transport App. They can then present the receipt QR code from their mobile phone to the bus terminal. I urge Vodafone to expand their service to students and social welfare recipients. Even if a commuter is offline, he could use the QR payment service if he has sufficient funds in his e-Transport wallet. This initiative is the way forward as it allows users to manage e-Transport services, e-Transport wallet and QR payments and transaction history. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Timely indicator
A SIMPLE road habit that needs more attention from motorists is the timely use of turning indicators. I have noticed many drivers approaching a junction, applying their brakes and only then switching on their indicator. Sometimes just a second before turning. This gives the motorist behind very little time to react. I reckon the correct approach should be signal first, then slow down and turn. Giving the signal several seconds in advance, where practical, allows the following driver to understand your intention, reduce speed and prepare to stop safely. An indicator is meant to warn other road users of your intention before you make the manoeuvre, not after you have already started braking. Late signalling can cause confusion and sudden braking particularly on busy roads, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. A few seconds of advance warning can make our roads safer. Please indicate early, slow down gradually and give other motorists a chance to react. Safe driving is not only about where you are going , it is also about giving others enough warning of what you are about to do. An indicator is a warning to other road users. It is not a last-second announcement that you are already turning. SHAMAL CHAND Kuku Village, Nausori
Why fine villagers
WHY fine the villagers of Yasawa and Mamanuca for the negligence of bio-security officers? Our border control is very poor. The Tongan fruit flies couldn’t have flown all the way across to our islands. How will the villagers pay a hefty fine of $1000? Fine the bio-security head for negligence and lethargic officers. Every yacht, vessel, ship, cargo must be thoroughly quarantined and inspected before allowing them to our shores. EDWARD KUMAR Lautoka
Daylight robberies
THE concerns raised by Lautoka taxidriver Navneet Ram are correct in all respects. Public drinking, nuisance behaviour, and grab–and–run incidents have become a daily reality in our city. Those of us who live and move through Lautoka know this too well. I personally experienced one such incident when a necklace was torn from a passenger’s neck, sitting near the window, by culprits who waited for the right moment, and as the driver turned out of the bay near the old Anupam Theatre. They disappeared into the lanes before anyone could react. In the Tomuka area, lone women getting off buses are targeted repeatedly. Shopping bags, phones, recharge cards, and personal belongings are snatched in broad daylight. Police reports are lodged, but the response is often limited to being asked if we saw the faces, or being told to inform officers if we see the thief again. Patrols are rarely undertaken. Taxidrivers, who are constantly on the move, have the pulse of the town better than the police. They witness these crimes daily. Their testimonies should not be dismissed. When they say patrols are absent, it reflects a reality that residents also feel. The Commissioner of Police must address these issues with urgency. These are not new problems. Every family has lost valuables, every community has stories of women harassed, and every driver has seen the brazen thefts. Yet the absence of visible policing emboldens offenders. We cannot continue with a reactive posture. Patrols must be intensified in known hotspots – Tukani car park, Syria Line, Marine Dr, Yasawa St and Tomuka. Offenders must face consequences, not leniency. Stricter enforcement of laws against public drinking and nuisance behaviour is essential. Hefty fines or imprisonment, as suggested by residents, would send a clear message. The sugar industry may dominate headlines, but the safety of ordinary citizens in Lautoka is equally vital. Without security, commerce suffers, families retreat indoors, and trust in institutions erodes. The commissioner must act. Visible patrols, proactive engagement, and firm enforcement are not optional, they are the foundation of public confidence. Lautoka deserves better than excuses. DR SUSHIL K SHARMA Lautoka
Political race
THE race is on to the next general election. It’s time to see and hear political speeches at every corner of the country and how current and new politicians may put a political spin on every issue affecting the country. People, this is the time you make your own assessment before putting a tick on a candidate or a political party you think that can or may make a positive difference in this country. JUKI FONG CHEW Nadawa, Nasinu
Growing old
DESPITE what year we were born but as soon as we are out of our mother’s womb, every second the duration of our life on this earth we are heading towards old age. Like it or not, one day we will all grow old and as we endure this journey of life, a lot of knowledge and experience is gained on the way. The younger generation should make use of this life, knowledge and experience as it may not be documented anywhere, but could be passed on through understanding, experience and appreciation of the older generation. JUKI FONG CHEW Nadawa, Nasinu
Labour Day
WILL we ever have a government that acknowledge the contribution of workers to the country by dedicating a public holiday as Labour Day? DAN URAI Lautoka
Poor service
THERE are two YouTube videos that show how apathetic Government Officers have been severely reprimanded. In one, Delhi Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta is seen severely reprimanding IAS ( Indian Administrative Service) officers for failing to prevent the building collapse in Delhi. She was personally visiting the site in its restoration. In the second one, Kangna Ranaut, MP for Mandi City in Himachal Pradesh is seen severely reprimanding government officers for using only Rs 1 Crore out of Rs 51 Crore in four years meant for projects ( Rs 1 Crore approx equivalent to $F234,587). For many IAS officers, IAS means “I Am Safe”. This syndrome currently persists in our Government today. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
Wait and see
LET’S wait and see how long it will take for the ground at Albert Park to retain its look after the festival and will the public get to know the revenue gained? AREKI DAWAI Suva
Attracting top talent
SINGAPORE’S ministers are getting a raise for the first time in 15 years and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the government cannot attract top talent into politics if salaries remain unchanged. (https://www.stuff.co.nz/world-news/361031227/singapore-ministers-among-worlds-highest-paid-government) That’s Singapore for you. Past politicians promised us Singapore. We might still get there, a decade or three later. Plenty work and belief is needed though. I don’t even know what to say further. But the “attracting top talent” part is real. I hope to be attracted also one day, Mafatu. DONALD SINGH Nausori
Glaring neglect
RATU Cakobau Park in Nausori and Prince Charles Park in Nadi have not hosted major soccer tournaments for several years, which is a growing concern. The councils responsible for these parks likely have their reasons for this neglect, but it’s troubling that these venues, once regular hosts for FFA events, are now being overlooked. Although no official explanation has been provided for the Fiji FA’s decision to stop using these grounds, it appears that the deteriorating condition of the parks is a significant factor. This issue prompts questions about why these councils haven’t kept up with maintenance, especially when compared to others. Consider the example of Ba, which despite being smaller than Nausori and Nadi, has achieved remarkable success by investing in a multi-million-dollar stadium with high-quality playing turf. If Ba can manage this, then it brings into question why similar or greater efforts can’t be made in other municipalities. It seems that council officials prefer to focus on paperwork, meetings, and emails, neglecting initiatives that would benefit their towns. Reflecting on Nausori is challenging for me as I’m not familiar with the area, but in Nadi, there are visible failures in basic upkeep. Even straightforward tasks like maintaining the market car park seem to pose challenges, and on top of that, there’s a failure to provide a public restroom that meets the standards expected in a tourist destination. The consequences of these oversights are far-reaching. For one, local tourism could suffer because inadequate facilities impact visitors’ experiences. Furthermore, the lack of sporting events could diminish community spirit and economic opportunities tied to such activities. Ultimately, it’s crucial that local bodies prioritise the management and improvement of public amenities to enhance quality of life and foster regional pride. SURESH CHAND Nadi
Vanua or vulagi
HOW many times have we heard that the vanua must help the iTaukei overcome the myriads of issues facing them, such as domestic violence, drugs, HIV, crime and poverty. We hear members of the GCC, the PM and government ministers, church leaders, village heads, mums and dads and others making these calls repeatedly. But nothing happens. Is the vanua something other than all these people combined? Perhaps it is not the vanua but the vulagi who should provide the solution to these problems. No point repeating the same thing about the vanua repeatedly and hoping for things to change. Just thinking outside the box. JAN NISSAR Phuket, Thailand
Freedom of expression
PRIME Minster is obsoletely 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 minister or the PM, they want justice to prevail. Most people just want things to be on the right track. In the case of this FNPF pending payments, you will be doing justice. Please step up and make the fair, bold decision. Many people are waiting desperately for the good news. Hoping for the best. KIRTI PATEL Lautoka
