Tariff increase justifications
I read with great interest the justifications provided by the EFL’s CEO in the FT (29/12/25). It seems so easy to justify any increase in tariffs or prices through the use of jargons that can be soothing to the readers and listeners. There has never been a time when any increase in prices, tariffs or wages where such actions did not have any impact on the normal consumers. Any increase will trickle down to the consumers at all levels no matter what figures are provided to justify the proposals for any increase. I wish if EFL can publish its yearly profits or losses (if any) for the last ten years to be scrutinised by common people. I know some or most of the data may be available online, but for this purpose we need a quick look at the financial status of EFL. Together with this, there should be a forecast of how much EFL will obtain annually through such tariffs and how much would be required to install infrastructure for the renewable energy target by 2035. There must be concrete evidence of the usage of the additional finance in the proposed projects. Who will monitor these projects and report the progress to us, the public? We also need data on the current measures being undertaken by EFL in the recent past years to improve services with evidence of progress. If EFL is not providing such data/reports then I hope FCCC will, as an independent entity, do so. Remember, all such data as requested for is essential for us consumers to digest any move to make changes to current status in EFL service and payment details. DHIRENDRA PRASAD Lautoka
Happy New Year
As Fiji ushers in the new year, there are hopes for prosperity, peace and a smooth transition. Today, marks the first day of 2026 and with it there is great expectation of what is to be achieved. As we bid adieu to 2025, I give thanks to the Almighty God for his endless blessing to each of us and our beloved nation. Let’s celebrate life and the opportunity for a new beginning. As we look forward to a brand-new year, let us be reminded about the year that was, and the challenges we faced. We should remind ourselves about those life changing moments, and how they have defined us as a people, and a nation. Some never got to see 2026 and couldn’t welcome the new year – we are honoured and privileged. It is vital that we reflect on the year that was to ensure we have a strong base from which to work towards a better and fruitful 2026. As we bid 2025 goodbye, we should remind ourselves that we live in a multi-racial Fiji, and irrespective of ethnicity, gender, and religion, we must live peacefully. Therefore, we must continue to have hope and trust each other. We must stay positive despite the challenges we face. It is important to love. Let’s act responsibly during the new year and stay out of trouble and build friendship. To the valuable readers of The Fiji Times, I wish you and your loved ones a happy new year. 2025 flew by and left behind good and bitter memories (for me as I lost my beloved partner of 18 years of marriage). Let’s leave the scars of hatred behind and embrace oneness, unity, love, and togetherness. We must commit ourselves in working together to address the enormous challenges we face. Together, we can re-discover the spirit of togetherness as a family, community and nation. I salute our trusted brand – The Fiji Times for the wonderful partnership. I look forward to 2026 with optimism and hope which are powerful motivations for us! Wishing you all a happy 2026! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
LETTER OF THE MONTH NOVEMBER
Hotline portal
Highlight of the day: the Fiji Police Force will soon introduce a new system to report police misconduct (FT 25/11). One wonders whether such approach will soon be adopted by the Coalition or any government for that matter. Oh, perhaps it is time to send a surprise naughty list of all the snollygosters to Santa Claus this Christmas! Yehdo! Let’s dedicate this song to all the non- sense politicians, guys, “Santa Claus is coming to town!” “He’s making a list and checking it twice; gonna find out who’s naughty or nice.” “So be good for goodness’ sake!” Ladies and gentlemen, election is around the corner, so remember that anonymous old phrase highlighted by none other than Robin Williams in one of the movies, “Politicians are a lot like diapers, they should be changed frequently and for the same reason”. Keep that in mind, Fiji, the next time you vote! LITIANA M- RAKIRE Nabua, Suva
LETTER OF THE MONTH DECEMBER
I can now!
A brother couldn’t resist asking the other day over cof fee, “bro, how can you write some things so directly and without fear?” I told him “it’s be cause I can now” Everyone has his or her voice back. It’s a matter of not abusing that voice. We are building the nation together. DONALD SINGH Suva
LETTER OF THE WEEK ENDING – 22/12-28/12
EFL questions
Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau has wasted no time in calling out the electricity tariff increase recently approved by the FCCC. As the majority shareholder in EFL, I believe Government has every right and authority to call for a suspension of the increase. I believe Minister Tuisawau is right as the line minister. Divestment of shares was carried out about a decade ago by the then decision makers. The result should have been smarter investment by the EFL and the incoming Japanese consortium and not burdening the citizens. It is baffling to hear the EFL heads talking about Fiji’s electricity tariffs being lower than regional countries. Running out of excuses it seems. Instead of increasing our reliability on renewable energy, and decreasing the dependence on diesel generators, EFL has chosen to increase revenue, aided by the FCCC. Is the new leadership at EFL just as bad, or even worse than the previous lot? So much for all the fancy speeches. Different toilet same crap. Vinaka Minister Tuisawau. Hope Government suspends the increase. DONALD SINGH Suva
LETTER OF THE WEEK ENDING – 29/12 -31/12
Cheap electricity
Fiji can have the cheapest electricity if the Government asks Fiji Sugar Corporation to upgrade their steam generators and steam turbines. During the crushing season the Labasa Sugar mill supplies the Northern Division with electricity on its own and the diesel generators at the EFL are off. This can be done through out the year if only EFL, FSC and the Government have the will. For years they have talked about co-generation, but it only happens during the crushing season. Why is such a cheap method of electricity generation being overlooked? SUKHA SINGH Labasa
Top traveller
I guess we all know who must have taken the most overseas trips, collected millions and billions in assistance, and plenty per diem in 2025. Before you start mumbling names, I must say I am not talking local, but global. Zelensky comes out on top. He’s been on the plane virtually every week rather than at home. The least overseas travel could be shared between Putin and Kim Jong Un. I’m not aware of the local front though. I wasn’t informed. DONALD SINGH Suva
Military investigators
Some people are contemplating bringing in the military to investigate drug syndicates and operations as revealed by a former police officer. To become a professional investigator is not an overnight thing as some may think. Even some officers in the Criminal Investigation Department are still learning and have not reached the maximum level of experience one has to acquire. It takes years and hands-on experience to be professional on the field of investigation. So give police space and time to do their work while we enjoy the festive season. Otherwise we’ll compromise everything. PITA SOROAQALI Tavua
2025 ends
Finally, we have come to the end of 2025 and now step into 2026. Throughout 2025, we all experienced successes and failures, but that does not mean we stop moving forward. Along the journey, we made new friends and sadly lost some loved ones. 2026 will also be a year of challenges and adventures. However, we must always remember that there is a sunrise after every sunset. Happy New Year to all citizens of Fiji, abroad and to entire team of The Fiji Times. God Bless Fiji in 2026. RODNEY CLARENCE RAJ Naleba, Labasa
Election mindset
A simple piece of advice to the people of Fiji for the New Year. If you continue electing and recycling the same old people from the past who will keep doing the same things over and over again and you expect different results in your life, you are not only a donkey but a goose as well. It is common sense. Keep that in mind at the next election before you cast your vote. JAN NISSAR Lautoka
Litter and young carers
Rubbish rules the streets
I refer to your front-page story (FT 30/12) titled ‘Rubbish rules the streets’. I’m equally disappointed with the amount of littering around us. I live in Nadawa and rubbish strewn across a cassava patch along Balgovind Rd in Nadawa has made its way on the road. What a filthy sight yet some ungrateful, unpatriotic and uncivilised citizens continue to pour rubbish on the overflowing patch of rubbish. All this is done in the night by night-shift dumpers. Be it a park or a road or a residential apartment, we will find litter everywhere. In fact, we are surrounded by litter in the form of candy, roti and plastic wrappers, used diapers, plastic bottles, chewed gum, cigarette butt, white goods, grass, used timber and the list is endless. Residential areas in Nasinu are buried under a mountain of filth. Citizenship education is falling on deaf ears. The slogan, Fiji, the way the world should be, makes little sense. Littering has become an eyesore to visitors and tourists visiting our beloved Fiji. Apart from Nadawa and the other residential areas in the populated Nasinu area, litterbugs are everywhere. Those who litter give little thought to the harm it does to nature and people’s health. Trust me, the ones who litter are educated enough to understand the consequences of littering, but they don’t care. Our sense of responsibility and pride is diminishing and declining. The simple act of putting rubbish in the rubbish bin is fading. Our mentality must change. Careless disposing of rubbish must stop. We are smart in pointing fingers at municipal councils, but we must question our pride and loyalty. I commend Rakesh Kumar and Viliame Qomate for raising awareness on littering, but it falls on deaf ears. A nationwide effort is needed to restore cleanliness. We need to be responsible, and it all starts from home. We must take greater ownership of our surroundings. We are blessed to live in a beautiful and peaceful Fiji. Why spoil Fiji’s natural beauty by littering! Let’s stop the rot and dispose waste properly. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Responsible mothers
It has been heartbreaking that from a very young age, some girls have been deprived of their childhood. Stay home mothers have strictly ruled them into motherhood to care for their younger siblings. The care of younger siblings involve responsibilities of changing of diapers, bathing, carrying them around, feeding and putting them to bed. The carers have been deprived of their leisure time – playing and mingling with their friends and relatives. Also, the importance of studies and homework time have uneasily been sorted out. The responsibilities given by stay home mothers continue as these young carers grow up into adolescence. A mother’s unconditional love should not burden their loved ones. Instead, all mothers must take full responsibility of nurturing their children. SARITA LAL Malolo St, Lautoka
