Those questions MOSES FONG SUVA AREKI Dawai’s letter (FT 10/01), asked a question we all eagerly await an answer to. But the ease with which the incumbents granted themselves a respectable pay raise could be said to be a consensual process as against in the previous past, when all decisions depended on just two people. So, when all are eager, it could be termed as ‘plain sailing’; but there must have been a snag somewhere because it was commented on later from up high … ‘We misread the law and I was wrongly advised’. My Aussie friend of around 40 years ago when he used to come to do maintenance work on machines where I used to work, would have explained the pay raise talk somewhat like crazy. He probably would have said that in the discussion, someone said … “If we get better pay, we will work harder, so let’s pass this, let’s JFDI”. Then all said “Aye!” When he first talked about the term JFDI, he said it was commonly used where he worked, it simply meant or stood for ‘just.. do..it’, and to the quizzical look on my face he said: “we all know, but we don’t talk about the silent letters in the spellings of some English words. The F used here is a silent letter”. I guess this is another thing the subjects of the country are meant to be silent about.
EFL saga DINESH KUMAR BA ENERGY Fiji Limited (EFL) appears to have secured a permanent spot in the daily news cycle. What began with proposed tariff increases and a 21-day consultation process has now escalated to the possibility of industrial action by approximately 500 employees. As if that were not sufficient, a fire incident at EFL’s Tukani Street office in Lautoka on Friday has added yet another chapter to the unfolding saga. At this rate, one can only hope that EFL devotes as much energy to restoring public confidence and operational stability as it does to generating headlines.
To do list WISE MUAVONO BALAWA, LAUTOKA TO my observation, New Year’s resolution is a “to do list” for the first week of January. Dou bula! May you all have a blessed 2026.
Not the same old thing EDWARD BLAKELOCK ADMIRALS CIRCLE, PACIFIC HARBOUR ON the international scene, the new year begins, with things unbelievably shocking, like a president’s kidnapping and talks of acquisitions. On the local scene, the usual mishmass of happenings, some with a political flavour, others just incidences that put people in danger! One could say, nothing new and same old thing! But others would not be so off-handish today, As there are signs of things surely heading to a prophesied ending!
The way forward RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU AS we head into a challenging 2026, the Fijian Media Association editors, sub-editors and senior journalists met at The Fiji Times conference room for a robust empowerment and capacity building session that focused on the way forward. The rock-solid team, including the likes of our own editor-inchief Fred Wesley, Stanley Simpson of Mai TV, Rosi Doviverata of the Fiji Sun, the voice of CFL Vijay Narayan, Felix Chaudhary of FBC, Makereta Komai of the Pacific Islands News Association and Naisa Koroi of Fiji Sun, discussed priorities for development, ways to strengthen media capacity, dwelled on upcoming events and their strategic plan for the year. It was a pleasure seeing the giants from the various media organisations coming together on the common table to discuss the way forward. In the past, this was rarely seen. In fact, media organisations, had become rivals. While some exposed the deeds of the previous government, others polished them and got favours. Some news reporters had even become pet boys and girls. Now with the change in tides, things have turned in the favour of media organisations and with the removal of the Media Industry Development Act (MIDA), journalists no longer fear victimisation while reporting and running stories. I’m delighted that the Fijian Media Association comprises of Fiji’s top media heads – the brave, bold, courageous, determined, spirited and dedicated team who do their job to their best and with so much pride and passion. Good work!
An exciting time ahead for football! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU NOW that Fiji has missed taking part in this year’s FIFA World Cup soccer, it’s important to set sights on 2030 when Morocco, Portugal and Spain will host the FIFA WC soccer and three special centenary opening matches held in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to celebrate the tournament’s 100th anniversary. Last year in August, the Bula Boys FC got the nod to take part in the inaugural OFC Professional League, set to begin in January. This marked a landmark moment. The Bula Boys FC will take part in the first professional football competition that will act as the region’s qualifier for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the side will rub shoulders against seven best sides from the region, including Hekari United FC, Solomon Kings FC, Tahiti United FC, Vanuatu FC, Auckland FC, Christchurch United FC and South Melbourne FC. The competition will provide a pathway for players, coaches, and clubs to compete at the highest level within the Pacific. Hence, football lovers are eagerly anticipating the Bula FC vs Vanuatu FC at Eden Park next Saturday. The Bula FC is made up of experienced and youth players and their participation in the professional league will give them confidence and boost morale just as the inclusion of the Fijian Drua in the National Rugby Championship and the Super Rugby Pacific, where the Drua has featured in two quarterfinals, eventually losing to both finalists – the Crusaders 49-8 in 2023 and the Blues 36-5 in 2024. The Drua won the NRC in 2018, defeating Queensland Country 36-26 at our Fortress (Churchill Park).
A call to end littering ROHITESH CHAND KALOKALO CRESCENT, MAKOI, NASINU FIJI, the way the world should be, was a powerful and apt saying to tell the world how dazzling, magnificent and glittering environment Fiji had. But growing littering has butchered the glitter that Fiji used to have, and irresponsible citizens have turned the beautiful scenery into an eyesore. In 2025, I did pen down twice to show my concern about the effectiveness of the Litter Act 2008, but it seems that it had minimal to no effect. The infectiveness of the implementation of the act in terms of penalising offenders has given people more confidence to throw rubbish around without any fear or worry. How do we justify the effort put in towards climate change projects and initiatives by the Government against the ongoing littering and poor waste management issues? Countries like Germany, Singapore, Switzerland, Sweden, and Japan have taken control of littering issues through strong laws which they have implemented very effectively. Any good law will remain waste if not put into practice and the same seems to be with the Litter Act 2008. Now that we have CCTV cameras put up by the municipalities, we should be able to catch the culprits. Through this letter, I am calling on the relevant authorities to disclose some data on the number of people caught and taken to task under the Litter Act. It will show where the issue lies. If need be, authorities should go for public shaming of offenders. The litter issue has become cancerous for the tourist industry, silently affecting it and sending negative waves about Fiji’s beauty. Our firefighting approach towards environmental sustainability and climate change will be ongoing, causing us to dig deep into the nation’s pocket or beg from funding agencies unless we come hard on littering and become more strategic on the waste management. Littering is butchering the glittering. Fiji. We want to remain – the way the world should be – please protect our paradise.
EFL tariff ARUN PRASAD DILKUSHA, NAUSORI THE recent debate or argument regarding the proposed increase in EFL tariff and the sale of shares in 2018 to the Japanese consortium Chugoku is interesting. Firstly, I may say and I honestly belief that the current public “consultation” is a farce. It’s a mere formality against the backdrop of tariff increase that is forthcoming. No amount of whitewashing or hoodwinking will negate the fact that EFL is taking the easy way out by increasing the tariff, instead of cutting down in its operational cost. EFL, I recommend, must first butcher its luxury and extras before butchering its customers with the increase. Currently, most of the Cash Power customers are only able to purchase 3-4 dollar tokens. I know because I witness it first hand. Life is not easy for many. EFL must live to its mission: “Will provide clear and affordable energy solutions to Fiji and the Pacific. EFL aims to provide energy through renewable resources…” Secondly, it amuses me that a political party is now blaming Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum for the state of affairs at EFL. The sale of shares took place in 2018, this is 2026. We still are the majority shareholders, 51% government, 5% ordinary Fijians. Chugoku has 44% (24% government and 20% FNPF). Why can’t we run the show? Blaming the previous government is not the solution. Politicians are resorting to the principle of argumentum ad hominem, attacking the person (Sayed-Khaiyum) instead of the subject matter at hand. I believe it is a diversion tactic to avoid genuine debate on “proposed” (already decided) new EFL tariff. O sobo!
