Serious concerns!
Some serious concerns have been raised by Miss Fiji Peggy Ravusiro with regards to the reasons she declined to represent Fiji to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2026.
While Miss Fiji Pageant director Ana Tuiketei-Bolabiu confirmed the appointment of first runner-up Ailava Samuels as Fiji’s representative to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2026, a thorough investigation must be carried out to ascertain the reasons stated by Dr Ravusiro. I quote Dr Ravusiro (FT: 13/01), “I did not sign the contract as presented because I sought clarification and amendments to the contract to protect my legal rights, my wellbeing, and my reputation as a contestant and public figure. When I requested these standard amendments, I was informed by the Miss Fiji Pageant’s lawyers that they would not make any changes and would instead make the offer to my runner-up”. Reading Dr Ravusiro’s story raises a lot of eyebrows, and the Miss Fiji Pageant team must come out clean. It’s also saddening to read that according to Dr Ravusiro, inappropriate remarks were made about her body, attitude and character. I agree with Dr Ravusiro that asking questions and advocating for fair treatment should never be seen as disrespect. I salute you, Dr Ravusiro, for standing up for yourself and your dignity. You did the North proud and you have been a great ambassador. However, something stinks and something looks fishy. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Accountability and results
I read with concern the recent comments by police and military leaders (FT 13/01/26), describing Fiji’s fight against illicit drugs as a “war on narratives”. I wish to acknowledge that this so-called narrative did not arise in a vacuum. It followed social media claims by a former civil servant, alleging internal knowledge of the entry of illicit drugs into the country by elements within state institutions. Whether true or false, these allegations have resonated widely with the public because they reflect a deep frustration with the apparent failure to stop drugs at their source. Many citizens now interpret the emphasis on “narratives” as an attempt to manage perception rather than confront the substance of the crisis. That perception alone signals a serious loss of public confidence — something no enforcement agency can afford. For decades, marijuana has persisted despite sustained operations. Now methamphetamine has entered Fiji, bringing far greater harm. This is not merely a messaging problem. It is an enforcement, integrity, and accountability problem. If the allegations are untrue, they demand transparent, independent investigation and clear public answers. If any part of them is true, then the issue is far graver than a narrative war. Drugs are destroying lives in real time. Public trust will not be restored through counter-narratives, but through visible action, accountability, and results. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
Thank you Colin
My sincere thanks and heartfelt appreciation must go to Colin Deoki, Australia for his extremely strong support — The Fiji Times, Tuesday, January 13, 2026 (Jan Nissar’s letter). I am truly grateful, Colin. Our Australian-based (Fiji born?) critic is a constant thorn to every one of us he does not agree with. The man needs to grow up with some desired empathy and respect in our cause for justice illegally taken away from us by the previous unelected administration. Our pensions were stolen. Theft is a crime. The elderly betrayed pensioners do not deserve the extended cruelty of such theft in our twilight years. Our fight for justice is in good, capable and trusted hands. This is our fight. Our Australian-based critic needs to politely “back-off”. This has nothing to do with him. It is none of his business. Vinaka vakalevu dina, Colin. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Irreversible funds
A few days ago, I successfully transferred a substantial sum electronically from my m-Paisa account to the top-up wallet feature within the eTransport application. The intention was to use these funds to top up my child’s eTransport card via my smartphone. However, yesterday I required funds urgently to complete an m-Paisa transaction and therefore requested Vodafone to reverse the amount back to my m-Paisa account. I was directed by Vodafone customer care to contact the eTransport helpline, where I was informed that funds transferred into the eTransport wallet cannot be reversed. This is concerning, as the money remains the customer’s property. I question the fairness of such a system and urge relevant authorities to require secure fund-reversal options, or allow authorised customer care staff to process reversals after proper identity verification. A system that allows deposits but denies reasonable access to one’s own money warrants urgent review in the interest of consumer protection. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Response to letter writers
It is a rather sad and frustrating thing for some letter writers who openly express their valid concerns and not get a response. I feel for you. I can only do things to a certain level by writing through this column. There are also times when some get responses. Vinaka for that. Keep writing dear writers. Do not be discouraged. In one way or another, we are being heard to some extent. After all the changes and improvements, it will start benefiting our concerned people. Well it should. It’s always good for some institutions to come forward with what they are planning to do for valid concerns raised. For the FCCC, stop wasting time with consultation if you are not serious. With proper consultation there sure won’t be a tariff increase at this stage, without consultation it should be out of the question and with the consultation just for a “show” to fool our concerned and smart people, the time, effort and money is just getting wasted. In other words, the dagger is on their neck in any way you turn. Might as well do the “right thing” at least you will get some blessings for now. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Shares sale
From the chairman and the entire board, CEO, CFO to the lowly accounts clerk then, bring everybody in front of an audit board. Let them answer questions about the sale of those shares; In public. The minister of everything then, can answer in court. Meanwhile, investigators; follow the money. MANOJ LAL PATEL Drasa Avenue, Lautoka
Buzz word
A close friend and a strong critique of mine said to me that it seemed my new buzz word for 2026 was ‘butcher’. I said yup, we should stand up and be counted and butcher the ideas, policies, tariffs, illegal activities, regulations etc., that impact us before they butcher us, the ordinary populace. Arun Prasad Dilkusha, Nausori
Miss Fiji saga
If what Miss Fiji, Dr Ravusiro is claiming is true, then the powers that be need to look at the contract terms used by the organisers of the Miss Fiji Pageant. Women’s organisations should also investigate. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Intuitive eating
As we become more aware of our eating habits and weight, we may take steps towards behaviour changes that will benefit ourselves, like “mindful eating”. Mindful eating encourages one to make choices that will be satisfying and nourishing to the body. My better half, Aralai, and her four lunch buddies, Bale, Chloe, Kiti and Sova last week made a conscious choice to lose those excess calories by refraining from consuming sugar beginning on Monday 12/01. In case they have not started abstaining from sugar, there are 50 more Mondays left for this year. We listen, we don’t judge. Dou bula! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Strike action
I Believe the EFL chief executive officer can resolve this matter by talking to and with the union. Matters such as this cannot be resolved by hiring lawyers. Dan Urai Lautoka
Treatment, conduct
Do better Miss Fiji pageant committee
The recent live conference organised by the reigning Miss Fiji, Dr Peggy Ravusiro, and her team shed light on the treatment that contestants experience throughout the duration of the Miss Fiji Pageant. What emerged most clearly was the standard of conduct displayed by the Miss Fiji pageant committee towards these young women. This conduct, in my view, reflects a broader societal issue. In many of our communities, we are taught to listen (or vakarorogo) to elders without question; often to the extent that seeking clarification or asking reasonable questions is perceived as disrespectful or arrogant. Dr Ravusiro spoke directly to this issue, recounting how she was labelled as “having an attitude” and being “too difficult to work with” simply because she asked questions – legitimate questions. Given the numerous documented cases of misconduct in past pageants at national, regional, and international levels, such questions are not only reasonable but necessary. It is therefore disappointing that a committee, that I assume are made up of respected and sensible people, would respond to contestants’ concerns in such a dismissive manner. An insistence on an “either our way or the highway” approach falls well short of the standards of professionalism and accountability that should guide an organisation entrusted with the welfare of young women. Additionally, it was raised during the live conference that the current committee was appointed by the Government through the Ministry of Local Government. While I am not in a position to verify this claim; if it is accurate, it raises serious concerns. Government involvement in pageants, particularly in management and governance, should be carefully reconsidered. While public funding may be appropriate, appointments to managing committees should be made independently to safeguard transparency and integrity. At a broader level, this issue highlights the urgent need for respect and professionalism across all spaces whether at home, in schools, or in the workplace. Respect should not be conditional on age or hierarchy. Indeed, it is incumbent upon all of us, particularly the older generation, to listen to young people. Age should never serve as a justification for dismissiveness or disrespect. And to reiterate the words of former Miss Hibiscus and Miss South Pacific Alisi Rabukawaqa, we must commit to creating safe spaces that empowers our young people to share their concerns and opinions, instead of stripping of them of their agency. Finally, I commend Dr Ravusiro for her courage and candour in speaking openly about her experiences. It takes considerable bravery to publicly share such accounts, especially given the scrutiny that follows. I also acknowledge Miss Hibiscus, Rhyelle Aisea, for standing in solidarity and sharing her own experiences. I extend my sincere best wishes to Ailava Samuels as she represents Fiji at the Miss South Pacific Pageant. Ratu Manoa Rokotavaga Raiwai, Suva
When the planets align
According to Hindu Astrologers this is an era of “kaal chakr”. The planets are arranged in such a manner that we expect sudden war-like situations and chaos. What’s happening in the USA (protests and shootings) and Trumps outrageous conduct was expected. He will not attack Russia, India, China and other nations holding nuclear missiles. USA has a history of attacking smaller and weaker nations. Trump is only trying to control flow of oil, look for rare earth minerals and restore US Dollar value in trade. Now, only slightly more than 50 percent of trade is in US dollar and it is slumping. Trump is worried about a BRICS currency, which India opposes because China will be the main beneficiary. Most countries are now trading using their own currencies. In this kaal chakr era, countries borders will change – Middle East; India claiming Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and possibly creating enclaves for Hindus, Christians Buddhists etc in Bangladesh . Europe will also see changes in borders. Finally, India has told US that it will not open its agriculture, dairy, fisheries sector etc. US can take up the Trade Agreement or leave it! Meanwhile, Trump can continue his ranting and raving. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
