Fascinating turnaround
I have always maintained that Fiji has the best legal minds in the universe.
The lawyers and judges in Fiji are the best in the world.
I believe that the law schools of Fiji should churn out lawyers in large numbers and export them to the rest of the world to show them how the law really works.
Not only does Fiji have the best lawyers and judges in the world, but they also have the best Christians in the world.
There is no doubt that Fijians understand the message of the Bible better than anyone else. Just ask them.
To think that Fiji was known as the Cannibal Isles only a little more than 100 years ago and now they are the world leaders in these two areas.
Rugby comes way down the line.
This is a fascinating turn around for a small nation which the rest of the world should know.
Like I keep saying, Fijians are the most blessed people in the universe.
Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Dangerous situation
At the Northern Press Rd junction, the current setup of the traffic and pedestrian signal lights creates a hazardous environment.
Presently, both motorists and pedestrians receive the green light to move simultaneously, increasing the risk of accidents.
This scenario exemplifies poor road safety planning because it fails to prioritise pedestrian safety and creates confusion.
To enhance safety, it is essential to allocate a specific timeframe exclusively for pedestrians to cross the road without feeling hurried.
During this period, vehicles should remain stationary, ensuring safe passage for pedestrians. Implementing such a system would align with best practices observed in road safety worldwide.
Generally, efficient traffic signal systems separate vehicular and pedestrian movements to eliminate conflicts at intersections.
By providing distinct signals for each party, not only is safety improved, but traffic flow is also optimised, minimising potential disruptions and enhancing overall efficiency.
For the intersection at Northern Press Rd, adopting this approach can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents.
By designating separate crossing times, both motorists and pedestrians can move confidently and securely, knowing that they have a dedicated phase free from oncoming traffic.
It is crucial for the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) to address this issue promptly by adjusting the traffic light timings to reflect these principles. Implementing a well-coordinated signal system will foster a safer environment for all road users, promoting smooth and orderly movement at junctions.
Suresh Chand Nadi
FTUC’s $8 signatures
The FTUC has embarked on a campaign to get 100,000 signatures in its bid to increase the minimum wage to $8 per hour. I am curious if this is a ‘smart’ move designed to reduce embarrassing their favourite Minister for Labour and his party, which I believe, has been struggling for support. Or is it to ensure that at least 100,000 votes will be coming their way, come the next election. Either way we wait with abated breath to hear the minister’s and NFP’s views on this vexed issue.
Altauf Chand Minto, NSW, Australia
COI tango
It seems the COI legal tango dance will continue until the next general election. Only time will tell us once it reaches its scrutinised limit.
Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
Capable leaders
We see included in the rather long list of what the recently-reinstated Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica says are “capable leaders within the People’s Alliance party”, the name of Lynda Tabuya. Isn’t she the minister who has been embroiled in multiple cases of ministerial misconduct and even dropped as the deputy leader of the party and removed as a government minister only to be reinstated later for reasons known only to PM Rabuka?
I believe it is an insult to the intelligence of the Fijian public what is being passed off as capable leaders in Fiji politics.
Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Being aware
I hope our PM is aware of the COI Report.
Kirti Patel Lautoka
Neo colonialism
If Fiji currently has 200 Australian expatriates working in various roles in the country, what was Independence about five and half decades ago? Is Fiji going through a second round of colonialism?
Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
El Nino and cane production
So the Minister of Sugar did not appreciate that the climate extremes, likely El Nino, would have negative impacts on sugar cane output. He should, through his handpicked appointees to the Growers Council, Sugar Research Body and others, be benefitting from top notch scientific advice on how to deal with these impacts of natural disasters that have been well documented. Maybe the PM needs to allow him to go on another familarisation global tour to learn about some of the basics of sugar cane production.
Altauf Chand Minto, NSW, Australia
Focus on the future!
I always stand with this quote; “Man will be judged by the motives that prompt his actions.” Therefore, I might halfway agree with the Opposition Leader, Inia Seruiratu, in asking “who were the people behind 1987? And who were the people behind 2000?”
Of course, we always cry out for justice, but knowing the truth of the puppet masters of these coups will achieve nothing. It will not, in any way:
-decrease the rising numbers of HIV cases in our country. Let alone roughly 90% occurring in the iTaukei community, which will probably affect our workforce (FT 16/08);
– stop the illicit influx of the drug lords using our islands as a stop over and distribution points for drugs to our bigger brothers, Australia and NZ;
– halt the El Nino warnings from hanging over our land while we simultaneously face heavy rainfall alerts;
– provide desperately needed new beds in our hospitals, especially Lautoka and Suva hospitals;
– win the fight against the current ‘brain drain’ to greener pastures like Australia and New Zealand;
– put more sugar back on the shelves of our supermarkets and avoid future shortages; and,
– last but not least, improve the extremely poor service in institutions; from street corner canteens to the high governmental offices, as if the public is there for them and not vice versa.
That is to only name a few. Please let’s focus on the future and the betterment of our beloved nation dear Mr Seruiratu. Digging up the trash from the past, in my opinion, will not bring about good. The General Election is around the corner. Please stop diverting our minds away towards useless things and let’s focus instead on how to avoid future coups and build this country to what your administration once said, “to be like Singapore”.
Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
Iyer’s got a point!
The GS of the NFP does have a point on the statement by the Education Minister on the use of school premises for the political meetings or gatherings. This Education Minister has been in the political arena for some time and must have attended some political meetings in the school at any point in time. He is also the Minister for Education for some time now under this regime. So, he just wakes up one day to realise that schools should not be used for political purposes?
The question here is nothing to do with which political party the GS has raised this matter, rather it is about how can the community or religious-based schools be controlled by the Education Minister in making such decisions?
Why should there be a need to take approval from the PS and how is that supposed to make “wrong” right?
Section 113 of the Electoral Act should be scrutinised and come out clear on the difference between public place and use of school infrastructure outside school hours.
Kirti Patel Lautoka
Political meetings in schools
Kamal Iyer is absolutely correct: the Minister for Education is misrepresenting Section 113 of the Electoral Act and trampling on the rights of school communities (FV 16/08/26).
Our forefathers — the Sanatan Dharam, the Sangam Organisation, the Islamic organisations, the Christian churches and Fijian organisations — spent over a century of hard–earned money to build schools across Fiji. These institutions were never gifts of government largesse. They remain the property and custodianship of the communities that established them.
Yes, the government pays teachers and contributes to repairs and maintenance. But that is not ownership. It is a constitutional duty of care under the Bill of Rights, ensuring every child has access to education.
It does not give any minister the authority to dictate how communities use their own halls and grounds outside school hours.
The directive requiring school committees to seek permission from the Permanent Secretary before allowing lawful meetings is excessive, controlling, and undemocratic. It is the same warped logic that began under Bainimarama and now continues under Rabuka — a deliberate attempt to malign school owners and strip them of independent decision–making.
School management committees have every right to permit political meetings, rallies, or hire of their facilities as they deem fit. They do not require permission from any outside authority. If the minister insists otherwise, then let him be tested in court. Such a case would expose the government’s overreach and drive a nail into the coffin of its credibility.
Schools are not colonies of the Ministry of Education. They are the living legacy of Fiji’s communities. The minister should withdraw his directive immediately, respect the law, and stop frightening school committees with false interpretations of the Electoral Act.
Dr Sushil K Sharma Lautoka
