Road works
May I be allowed to say to the company upgrading our roads in the West — Fiji Roads Authority, you rock! However, please don’t forget Lovu Cemetery Rd and Naikambula Rd and Tavakubu roundabout. When travelling along these roads, the amount of dust is unbelievable. By the time we reach our destination, we look like snowmen! We appreciate the road upgrades and the work being done across the West. Please keep up the great work — and hopefully these roads can receive some attention too. Better roads, safer communities, happier travelers. Vinaka FRA! NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Never in a hurry
We are never in a hurry to upgrade the deteriorating Colonial War Memorial Hospital infrastructure that has been described by experts as in a mess.
We are never in a hurry to pay salaries to our teachers.
We are never in a hurry to complete the electrical upgrade at the Labasa Hospital so that important medical equipment could be operational.
We are never in a hurry to hold municipal elections.
We are never in a hurry to build houses for those living in tents for almost five years.
We were never in a hurry to instal a new lift at the CWM Hospital.
We are never in a hurry to complete the construction of university campus at Labasa.
We are never in a hurry to find solutions for drug abuse and HIV crisis.
We are never in a hurry to complete the swimming pool in Lautoka.
We are never in a hurry to repair non-functional traffic and streetlights.
We are never in a hurry to offer permanent postings to our intern doctors.
Yet, we are in so much hurry and rush to promulgate a new Constitution that is the most important document of any nation. Why? BHARAT MORRIS Gold Coast, Australia
Airport experience
Readers may be interested in a harrowing experience I had recently while returning to Fiji from London via Dallas. I flew by American Airlines (AA81) from Heathrow to Dallas. It was delayed by about an hour. Then I passed immigration but was told there to take my passport in a plastic box and follow instructions. I did so and ended up in a room downstairs, along with other worried passengers. Nobody explained anything. We were told by an officious man to sit and wait. It felt as if we were being treated like criminals. I asked the man what was happening, but he refused to answer and told me to just sit down. I was worried, since there was only half an hour before my flight to Fiji. After 15 minutes or so a trolley with luggage arrived and I realised my luggage would have to be screened. It was, and that left only about 10 minutes before take-off. I ran to the departure gate but it was closed, and the gentleman there told me to go to the American Airlines customer service desk. Then I had to stand in a queue for over an hour. This was 5-6am UK time for me, and I had not slept. I was finally served around midnight local time, and given tickets for flights to LAX then Nadi. Although this meant about 24 hours more waiting in airports I was not offered anywhere to rest. I was given two $12 food vouchers, totally inadequate for meals, since $12 won’t even buy a sandwich at an airport. I emailed American Airlines asking for an explanation for this shabby treatment and received a form-letter which addressed none of the issues raised. I also emailed Fiji Airways customer service and received no reply. I didn’t think there would be any point emailing the US immigration department. I understand the Nadi-Dallas service no longer operates. Maybe it’s just as well, since if it was still available I certainly wouldn’t be interested or recommend it to anyone. Paul Geraghty USP, Suva
Navua Town
Congratulations Navua on the historic proclamation of Navua Town on August 28, 2026. Looking at the commemorative edition on Looking back in time, reminds me during our three-year stay at the Naitonitoni Government Station, those were my memorable and unforgettable moments in Navua. My dad was the Agriculture Officer for Navua, Serua and Namosi. Naitonitoni was the official residence and government station for civil servants. We had the District Officer (I was told that Ratu Mara was also the DO for Navua), Ratu Qoro Latianara (father of Adi Kuini Vuikaba) was the Roko, Moti Tikaram (later became Sir) was the Magistrate, Dr Inoke Qarau of Nauluvatu, Tailevu was the Medical Officer. Mr Daniel and Ravuama Vunakece were the Health inspectors, Dr Veer Singh later became the Medical Superintendent at the St Giles Hospital, the Police department and the “ovisa ni yasana”. Navua had only a few shops, the only cinema was built with roofing iron and wooden seats. The Naitonitoni wharf used to be the centre for all fishermen and farmers staying nearby and those travelling from Beqa Island to sell their catch and produce, since all government workers were stationed nearby. On a clear day, we can see Suva and Beqa. Nowadays as I travel on the Queens Road and stopping at Navua, brings back fond memories and the long “straight edge road” to Naitonitoni. Navua will always be my second home town. Nakwa vakalevu Navua. Vili Yaranamua Ba
Too strong for Stallions!
Being a passionate fan of Nadroga, my heart sank as Naitasiri hammered Nadroga 35-20 in round nine of the Skipper Cup on their way to maintaining their winning momentum. The rain was a hinderance and so was the poor ground condition. However, it did not deter fans from turning out in numbers to support two giants of Fiji’s provincial competition. After beating Nadi 20-17 on their home turf and ending their unbeaten run, Nadroga lost grip of the match as the Highlanders, backed by a huge crowd, showed great unity, fighting spirit, determination and character to hand the visitors their second loss of the season. Naitasiri played with baptism of fire, while the Stallions made numerous errors which they were punished for. The Highlanders lead the Skipper Cup points table with 37 points, one ahead of Nadi and Tailevu who beat Suva. The Stallions trail by five points and will need maximum points in the remaining games to keep hopes alive of a top two finish. The Skipper Cup has been expanded to 12 points, meaning competition is tight as teams aim to outclass each other. Imagine, the boys from Garden Island beating Nadroga 32-22 in round four of the Skipper Cup. The wealth of talents in the Skipper Cup competition will boost the Drua! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Presidential status
The CRC has outlined a proposal for the Presidency requirements. Has it been done before? Is it really necessary? From my perspective, there seemed to be no provision regarding the “age range” and “moral aspects” of the nominee. As a matter of fact, one will not only be Fiji’s Head of State and executive authority, but a “father figure”, to whom the Fiji people look up to. The “official symbol” and representative of Fiji. Respected, admired and be a “living testimony”, that makes a difference. In reality, one who’s own “household” had been in order, in my view. Dr Myles Munroe once stated, “Most fractured marriage couples got seriously worse because of the advice of a three times divorce consultant”. That was “stupidity”, at its best. The nominee will not only be upholding, but in essence, spearheading the nation’s building capacity. And the “family”, I am certain, is the most critical part of a societal survival built-up, within a nation. The Bible advised that by wisdom, a house is built. Even a nation for that matter. (Prov 24 : 3 & 4 KJV). Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Silent killer
Shamal Chand’s experience with farmers spraying insecticides and chemicals (FT 16/9) affects health. Let’s hope and pray it is not sprayed at least seven days prior to harvesting to sell. For your health and safety grow organic spray-free food in your home garden. Healthy food for healthy living. Healthy budget! Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Pope Leo
Pope Leo “decried world leaders who disrespected the rule of law without naming individuals”. But so far, neither any Pope or Catholic Church have apologised to Indians for the “GOA inquisition” which lasted from 1560 to 1812. During the Inquisition, Hindus and Muslim women were “tortured” by the Portuguese Colonial Army as Google puts it politely. What exactly the Portuguese did to the women was barbaric and cannot be put here. I request Rajend Naidu to make an attempt to read Indian history recorded by Indian historians available at Indian universities. Goa is a state in Western India. The Portuguese Colony was liberated by Indian Army in 1961; 14 years after India’s independence in 1947. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
No strips, no problem?
So, apparently, we have entered a fascinating new era in healthcare where the patient arrives at a health centre to have their blood sugar checked, and the medical response is: “Sorry, we have no testing strips.” Problem solved. No strip, no test. No test, no number. And presumably, no need to worry. Except, of course, when the patient is a stroke patient. At a local health centre, patients were reportedly told that the diabetes testing strips had run out on September 27, 2026. Imagine being a stroke patient who needs their blood sugar monitored and being told, quite matter-of-factly, that the health centre simply doesn’t have the supplies to do it. Perhaps the new healthcare model is: “Please come back when the stationery arrives.” Maybe the ministry should consider replacing the blood glucose meters with crystal balls. At least then someone could take a guess at the patient’s blood sugar level. But jokes aside, this is not a shortage of pens, printer paper or tea bags in an office. Blood glucose testing is a basic part of managing patients with diabetes and can be particularly important when caring for someone who has suffered a stroke. So what exactly are patients supposed to do when the health centre has run out? Bring their own strips? Buy them from a pharmacy? Guess? Or perhaps simply cross their fingers and hope that their blood sugar is behaving itself? And here is the truly remarkable part: 27 September wasn’t six months ago. It was yesterday (Sunday). If a health centre knows that essential medical consumables are running low, surely there should be a system for replenishment before the last box disappears. We are constantly told that healthcare is about putting patients first. Well, patients would probably appreciate it if the healthcare system could first put testing strips on the list. ASHWINI BASANT Nausori
Separation of powers (GCC)
I refer to the letter by one Kiran Khatri (FT 24/09) and Mr. Savenaca Narube (leader of the Unity Fiji Party) (FT 27/09) on their views with the GCC. I concur with the thoughts totally. GCC is meant to improve the lifestyle for their community (iTaukei group) most of which is facing poverty, social and economic gapping. The iTaukei community must be having a sense of security and relief to have an organisation as such representing them. However, it would not be wise to merge their roles with politics. Looking after their communities should not automatically give them powers to run the country or influence of decisions politically. It should be kept different at its own levels as the mixture of both specially with certain powers going their ways can affect the wellbeing of our iTaukei brothers and sisters. The GCC members has all the rights like any other people to raise their views on situations affecting our country, but to be given certain powers that can be influenced in the political arena can create confusions and misunderstanding for both the iTaukei community and the affairs of our country. Mr Khatri is absolutely correct in stating, the GCC members should stand in elections if they wish to run the country. The recommendation from the CRC on this matter has to be considered weighing it from other angles as well. Separation of powers in this matter is very important. Kirti Patel Lautoka
