Back at the top
Now that axed Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica has been acquitted of all corruption related charges and will return to his Cabinet position (FT 4/7/26), I recommend he be given a good pay rise and bonus so that he can work harder for the people of Fiji. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Kamikamica returns!
Justice prevailed as former Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Manoa Kamikamica was reinstated to his Cabinet post after the Magistrate’s Court acquitted him of all corruption-related charges. Mr Kamikamica officially returned to Government, taking the oath of office as DPM and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprise which was looked after by Charan Jeath Singh. Mr Kamikamica and his spouse Ann Kaukamea Kamikamica went through a lot since he stepped down as DPM and minister. Both were emotional as the ruling went in favour of Mr Kamikamica who played a vital role in the formation of the People’s Alliance Party, heading up to the 2022 General Election. He polled 3874 votes (2.30%). With the 2026 General Election around the corner, Mr Kamikamica is expected to play an important role for PAP. His humility and down-to-earth nature make him stand out as people’s leader! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
A role model
I woke up in Korotogo yesterday morning and right away, as usual, got a copy of The Fiji Times. There it was on the front page: “Back at the top”. I am not surprised at all. As a teenager, I began my close relationship with the Kamikamica and the Vakalala families. I observed no nonsense child rearing and solid parenting within the two respective and respected families. I am not surprised at all that naita Manoa has weathered the storm with his solid leadership principles of integrity and justice. Vina valevu naita. You are indeed a role model. Toso Viti! Pita K. Nacuva Namadi Heights, Suva
Medal tally
The medal tally of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow speaks volumes of the sporting prowess of Australia. No other country with a population far more than Australia comes anywhere near Australia. I am not gloating, but the medals speak for themselves. I always thought that Fiji was good at sports. Let me rephrase that – Fijians think they are good at sports. But the reality speaks for itself. Fijians should stick to what they do best as is part of their tradition and culture – grog doping and backstabbing. If these two things ever became Commonwealth or Olympic sports, I believe Fiji would be bringing home a lot of gold medals. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Drinking in public places
I believe Fiji’s laws on public drinking are crystal clear. I believe consuming alcohol in public places such as streets, parks, drains and beaches is prohibited, and the Fiji Police Force regularly reminds the public that offenders can be arrested for public disorder. The obvious question, however, is, how effective are these laws if they are enforced? In Lautoka, public drinking appears to continue with little fear of consequences. Almost every morning during my walks, I encounter intoxicated individuals blaring loud music, shouting profanities and disturbing the peace. Many of these incidents occur in areas already littered with rubbish and marked by the stench of urine, creating an unpleasant and intimidating environment for residents and visitors alike. It becomes difficult to buy a loaf of bread without being harassed for a few coins. What is even more frustrating is that this has persisted for years, despite the local police station being only a short distance away. On the rare occasions a police vehicle approaches these individuals, there are often no arrests or visible enforcement actions — only what appears to be a casual conversation before officers drive away. This sends the unfortunate message that the law is optional rather than mandatory. Can someone in the senior ranks of the Fiji Police Force please explain why this long-standing issue continues to be ignored? I have raised this concern through The Fiji Times Letters to the Editor on numerous occasions, yet little appears to have changed. Laws exist for a reason. When they are not enforced consistently, they lose their credibility, public confidence in law enforcement is undermined, and disorder becomes normalised. If drinking in public places is against the law, then enforce the law. Otherwise, what purpose do these regulations serve? And then we wonder why certain communities continue to linger in poverty and regularly depend on State ‘freebies’ to stay afloat. Appalling to say the least. Nishant Singh Lautoka
What’s the count?
I used to be a math teacher but I can’t keep count of the number of times Donald Trump has threatened Iran with destruction and then backed down. The counting difficulties also applies with the amount of money Mr Trump has earned during his presidency given the lack of information with his current freedom from tax investigations although that may finish soon. Fortunately, the Constitution restricts the number of presidential terms to two and that is a fact and must remain a fact for the world to prosper. Dennis Fitzgerald Box Hill, Vic., Australia
Fighting inflation
The fuel crisis will hopefully be temporary as we all are affected. Let’s plan our budget well in advance with whatever we earn in fuel, food or job crisis to survive. Aim to retire with respect and dignity. Health first as we all long to live a long life. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Appealing sights
The LCC has issued warning notices to street beggars (FT 4/8/26). Is it illegal? What about loitering? One of the main focuses of social security aid, I believe, is to help those underprivileged, within our communities. And yet, it is noticed that the number of town and city street beggars, seems to be on the rise. However, if the legal aspects of enforcement are in place, then our towns and cities need to be addressed accordingly, in my view. It is all about Fiji’s image and I think, the inclusion of loitering should also be part thereof. The exercise should encourage, I believe, the promotion of safer and more appealing sights of Fiji’s environment, as a nation. In fact, Fiji, the way the world should be, would then be a meaningful gesture. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Failed strategy
There has been much talk but little action when it comes to a solution to the problem of civic pride and managing the littering problem in the country. Our litter strategy has failed. Period. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
LETTER OF THE MONTH – MAY
Divorce rates
AS a young lawyer who frequently deals with family matters before the courts in Fiji, it is deeply saddening to witness the growing number of marriages ending in divorce. Marriage was once regarded as a sacred, lifelong commitment built on love, trust, sacrifice, and mutual respect. Today, however, many relationships appear to be collapsing under pressure, leading to broken homes and emotional suffering for entire families. In recent years, divorce cases in Fiji have increased significantly, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistics reveal that approximately 9700 divorce cases were filed between 2020 and mid-2024. This alarming rise reflects the challenges many couples face in maintaining healthy and stable relationships. Financial hardship, emotional stress, poor communication, domestic conflict, and the influence of social media have all contributed to the breakdown of marriages. One of the most common reasons seen in court, however, is infidelity or cheating, which is especially heart breaking because it destroys trust, loyalty, and the very foundation of a marriage. The impact of divorce extends far beyond the husband and wife. Children are often the silent victims in these situations. Many grow up with only one parent or develop limited relationships with the other parent. This can affect their emotional well being, education, confidence, and future understanding of relationships and family life. As young people who are yet to marry and start families of our own, these situations also affect us deeply because they shape how we view commitment, love, and marriage itself. Sadly, marriage today sometimes appears to be treated as a trend, a social display, or a means of gaining money, status or fame rather than a lifelong promise between two people. People should only marry when they are truly ready to commit for life and willing to endure both the good and difficult moments together. It is my sincere hope that more couples learn the importance of forgiveness, patience, understanding, and growing together through hardship instead of abandoning one another midway through marriage. Strong families create strong communities and preserving the sanctity of marriage is something that benefits society as a whole. RAYNAV CHAND Nakasi, Nausori
LETTER OF THE MONTH – JUNE
Sugar, sustainability and intentions
PUTTING taxpayer dollars in the dying sugar industry does sound unreasonable. However, given the sugar industry’s history and connected livelihoods over the past century, it is not acceptable to brush the sugar industry and cane farmers aside as not worth supporting using taxpayer dollars. Let me ask this. What are we good at? If the sugar industry were allowed to free-fall into total collapse, what crop will replace sugarcane? What crop apart from sugarcane have we been good at? None. Currently we are barely self-sufficient with anything. I don’t need to show proof. Just look at the kilo, heap and bundle prices of produce in the markets. Then look at our ever-increasing food imports. Let me say this. We only give up hope when we have no clue. For the past two and a half decades, politicisation of the sugar industry has culminated in our current situation. It is borderline criminal to say that the farmers keep complaining. Our biggest strength was sugar a long time ago. Instead of further strengthening our backbone industry at the time, we decided to play politics in those green fields. Instead of devising plans and strategies for the longevity of the industry, we chose to allow leases to expire without renewal, we chose to let those bushes take over the fields, we chose not to fully empower and support the new occupants of those repossessed lands (landowners), and we simply looked the other way once we realised that the legs of the industry were crumbling already under immense political and economic pressures. Today, the sugar sector remains a political football pitch where everyone claims to know everything about the problem and also why one should believe them. I grew up in the sugarcane fields, working part-time as early as when I was 10 or 11 years old, starting with supplying water, juice and tea to the glorious cane cutters at the time. Even cutting cane and loading those rail carts and trucks during the high school holidays was a job we’d look forward to. Tears would roll down any cheeks that have been there and done that if one reminisces about those days. Now, forget about how we arrived here. Everyone knows how it all happened. Nobody who has been involved in the running of the industry for at least the past two decades should be allowed anywhere near the industry. The sugar industry can be reinvented for Fiji. It will take five to 10 years, and I will need to handpick nine people for the project. We, 10 people, and a free hand, is all that’s needed, minus everybody who is there and been there for ages. The same farmers or the same fields will yield gold once again. These sorry faces who brought us here have to be locked away. DONALD SINGH Nausori
