Apparent bias?
High Court judge Justice Dane Tuiqereqere found Commission of Inquiry chairman Justice David Ashton-Lewis had “apparently made up his mind” that improper interference existed in Barbara Malimali’s appointment. He said repeated references to finding “crocodiles in the pond” could lead a fair minded, fully informed observer to apprehend a lack of impartiality (FT 18/8/26). As independent observer from outside, I too felt there was improper interference and improper haste in the appointment from the information that was available in the public domain. But I am only a layman. The COI chairman is a learned judge. I should think he had more concrete evidence to form his findings rather than rely on his gut feelings. And talking about bias, I wonder if Justice David Ashton-Lewis is the only person in this matter who the High Court judge Justice Dane Tuiqereqere found to have an apparent inherent bias? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Safety issue
The My FNPF Centre officially opened on December 6, 2021. This three-story shopping mall, designed for both office and commercial use, was built on the historic site of the former Nadi Hotel. Situated along the same street as key government facilities like the police station and magistrate’s court, the complex boasts a contemporary design with spacious amenities, including a lift, an escalator, and an upper-level car park. With parking being a major concern, developments like this are welcome as they help alleviate traffic congestion and parking issues in town. Future projects should consider adopting this model to effectively address similar challenges. Architects and designers are encouraged to propose such solutions to their clients when appropriate. Some existing shopping areas have parking lots that are notably hazardous. The FRA and developers need to collaborate to address these issues. For example, the parking area in front of the shops at Namotomoto, Nadi, resembles a feeder road. Despite being in the 21st century, our front yards seem unchanged. As the world progresses, we should advance with it. Unfortunately, many roadside shops have operated for years without improving their worn-out and unsightly yards, which also pose safety risks. Authorities responsible for overseeing these situations should be prompted to address these unacceptable conditions as permitted by law. Suresh Chand Nadi
More assistance
We gather that the police headquarters will be moved to the old parliament complex in Veiuto. That will cost a lot of money and guess who will come to the aid of the Fiji Police? Australia, of course. The move will cost tens of millions which the Fiji government or the police do not have so the begging bowl has already been advanced, and Australia has once again promised to fill the begging bowl. Have Fijians ever wondered if their government has ever completed any project by themselves with their own money? I believe a number of police stations around the country were given by China. I say again, what will Fijians do without Australia and what would Fiji have been like if it was not for Australia’s direct assistance over the years. The assistance from Australia has become part of the accepted tradition and culture of Fiji just like grog doping, kalavata, salusalu and keke, hasn’t it? It is being taken for granted. That is because Australia and Australians are aware and understand that Fijians are incapable of doing anything for themselves. I mean, Fijians cannot even dispose of their rubbish properly. Fijians must remember that all good things will come to an end one day. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Food safety regulations
The recent decision by our authorities to introduce food and health safety regulations in municipal markets is commendable. Protecting public health and ensuring food safety are important objectives that benefit customers and our wider community. However, it is equally important that there be meaningful consultation with those who will be most affected by these changes. For many vendors, the sale of seafood and mixed kava is a primary source of income and a means of supporting their families. These regulations could affect men, women and youth. Some of these persons are already struggling to make ends meet. With due respect, some questions deserve consideration. What options will be available to vendors who can no longer operate under the new requirements? Will support be provided to help them comply with the regulations? Could the changes unintentionally disadvantage small-scale vendors while favouring larger and more established businesses with greater resources? This is a positive initiative with good intentions, but it is important to consider both its intended and unintended social and economic impacts. As the regulations are implemented, one hopes that authorities will continue to engage with affected vendors and explore practical solutions that protect public health while safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring that no one is left behind. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
COI report
According to yesterday’s front page (FT 18/1), ‘While the court established apparent (COI) bias, it found insufficient evidence to establish actual bias’ (FT 18/1). Got it? Christopher Griffin Perth, Australia
Plastic bottles
I have noted various city/town councils have implemented the initiative to collect pet soft drink bottles for recycling and 5 cents per bottle is paid to whoever brings those bottles to the collection point. While we see this as a positive step to reducing plastic pollution, the question we should be asking is what happens to other plastic bottles? How will we dispose them? I believe apart from only collecting pet soft drink bottles, there should be other collection points to collect these other plastic bottles or plastic packages with certain amount paid to whoever returns them for recycling. If not, we will be continuously burdening our land fill and various dump sites with plastic pollution. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
Productive land
THE Fiji Times LTE writer comments that some productive lands are still idle. (FT 9/8). I believe the landowners should be justifiably paid in accordance with the contracts for its use to the benefit of all Fijians as we move forward for economic developments. There is always a “hidden treasure” in the idle land but we have to till it first. “Every stone you turn you will find gold” as our hard working girmitiya were promised. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Older persons
Recently, I noted a post of a 85-year-old gentleman on social media whereby his son had chased him from his own property after he had transferred the property to his son’s name. I may not know the true facts of the situation, but what was uttered by this gentleman. I feel his frustration and how on earth someone could do this to his own father. I believe since there was no help to assist him, he came on social media to highlight his situation. I hope this gentleman finds peace and is assisted accordingly by the relevant authorities. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa Nasinu
Schools football fever in the North!
Secondary schools football competition normally gets shadowed by the success of the Deans competition, but I commend the executive and participating schools from Viti Levu for making the trip to the Friendly North to take part in the four-day meet which will provide an ideal platform for our young footballers to show their skills and expertise and be counted in the eyes of the national selectors. The battles in the various zones showed that there is a wealth of talent at secondary school level. This is evident with the success of the Fiji U-16 football team that has made the U-17 World Cup for the third time. Secondary school teachers sacrificed their afternoons, Saturdays and evenings to be with these footballers, and I accord sincere thanks and appreciation to them for this sacrifice. I believe Fiji FA must work together with secondary schools to develop football and seriously think about having the four primary and secondary schools’ zonal winners back in the main IDC. It used to be a norm but then stopped. The media also play an important role in promoting football, and I urge The Fiji Times sports team, led by our industrious Rohit Deo, to do a grand coverage as this competition will unveil future stars who have dreams and aspirations. The competition is set to unite the crazy football Friendly North. Wishing participating schools all the best! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Yellow card not enough
The Fiji Times report of August 18, 2026, records that Minister for Multi–Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh was issued a “yellow card” and ordered out of Parliament for 90 minutes after Speaker Filimone Jitoko found him guilty of disorderly conduct. The Speaker ruled that Mr Singh’s patronising phrases — “you listen to me” and “listen here” — were unparliamentary and condescending. This sanction by the Speaker was a farce. A mere 90 minutes outside the chamber trivialises the seriousness of his behaviour. At minimum, Mr Singh should have been compelled to apologise to Parliament at large and suspended for several days. Anything less undermines the dignity of the House and the standards expected of elected representatives. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated lapse. Mr Singh’s record is littered with arrogance and disregard for the people he claims to serve. As Minister for Sugar, he infamously told cane growers to “shape up or ship out”, words that insulted offspring of Girmitiya families, who were shipped out to Fiji, and whose sweat and sacrifice built Fiji’s economy. In Ba, his alleged confrontational style nearly sparked violence during a heated meeting. More recently, in a debate over a crematorium upgrade, Mr Singh dismissed a simple request to realign the pyre to respect Hindu rites with the remark that “God is everywhere”. Such a statement trivialises a faith tradition older than Christianity and Islam and is unbecoming of a minister charged with safeguarding multicultural harmony. Even in economic debate, Mr Singh has resorted to deflection. Just yesterday, he attempted to shift responsibility for low cane production in Labasa due to the El Nino, when meteorological observations show above average rains during their growth cycle, and an out-of-phase relationship with rainfall patterns and the onset of the El Nino phenomenon. He has drawn ridicule from MPs and commentators alike. It is a disgrace to the community of Fiji that a person of this temperament and conduct is presented as a role model in Parliament. A Minister for Multi–Ethnic Affairs must embody tolerance, diplomacy, and respect. Mr Singh has repeatedly demonstrated the opposite. He should concentrate on his supermarket and hotel businesses, where his brusque style may be tolerated, rather than demean the nation’s highest institution. Fiji deserves leaders who behave as dignified gentlemen, not bullies. A yellow card is not enough. For the sake of Parliament’s integrity and the nation’s sugar cane growers, and for retaining the multicultural fabric of Fiji, Mr Singh deserves a red card from politics. Dr Sushil K Sharma Lautoka
