Jiuta strives on!
The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission chief executive officer Senikavika Jiuta is striving on, carrying out the duties executed to her in a professional and prudent manner. She is handling consultations on the proposed electricity tariff increase which is not easy, considering the impact the increase will have on businesses and consumers, but the ‘iron lady’ urged the public to remain calm and use the process to ask questions and offer solutions. It’s good to see the public making use of the consultation process. Jiuta has a lot on her plate. Despite the treacherous times, she remains calm! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Warped numbers versus stats
I keep hearing about EFL peddling its narrative that 90 per cent of the people will not be affected by the tariff increase. If there’s any uncompromised economist reading this, please sort this mess out for my struggling brain. From a population of around 900,000 people, and from all the employed and self-employed people, I believe less than 50,000 pay income tax and business-related taxes. That’s like less than 10 per cent of the population paying taxes. Of course everyone pays VAT through their daily spending. Now, if the 90 per cent, as EFL keeps claiming, will not be affected, and only some 10 per cent will be affected, aren’t we punishing the 10 per cent people twice? They sustain government revenue to a large extent, and now they are being ordered to sustain EFL’s expansion to a larger extent. The story is not that easy to complete. Businesses will have every right to raise prices for their own sustainability if they do end up paying higher for electricity. I simply do not agree to paying more than the already painful prices we acquire goods and services at. Again, reiterating my earlier call, EFL needs to show how it spent every dollar earned from us over the past decade at least. And also show the international funds transfer documents for the 44 per cent divestment. It’s a numbers game. Peddling numbers isn’t the real game though. Let’s talk statistics and statistical analyses. Donald Singh Suva
No water
Happy “No water” New Year from Savusavu! We got no water for two days because even our water dams floated away because of heavy continuous heavy rains. Gone too were pipes and everything so we are using bamboos at the moment. No worries guys. O keitou qori! (that’s us) Luke Kulanikoro Savusavu
Smart Aleck
Who was the smart Aleck that put the cart before the horse? I refer to the withdrawal of the vacancy for the position of Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) that was advertised in the two dailies by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC). It is rumoured that the withdrawal was done after legal advice. Why wasn’t the advice taken prior to the advertisement? Will anyone be surcharged as the two advertisements have incurred cost? Arun Prasad Dilkusha, Nausori
When emotions get in the way!
I initially set out to draft a suitably terse response to Jan Nissan’s letter (FT 16/01). Then I paused because it’s always a dangerous thing when emotions get in the way. But it led me to wonder: what do we call someone so wrapped in their own sense of importance that they mistake self-regard for insight and noise for wisdom? A helpful parade of words marched into my mind:
Egotistical.
Egocentric.
Narcissistic.
Conceited.
Arrogant.
Haughty.
Pompous.
And then came the realisation and, with it, restraint. There’s little value in debating someone who talks at great length about principles yet seems oddly allergic and prickly to practising them. After all, it’s difficult to engage meaningfully with a voice that confuses volume with virtue and trash with truth. And so, having spared the reader a longer exchange and myself unnecessary exertion, I did the most productive thing possible. I went to bed and slept soundly. Colin Deoki Australia
QUICK VIEWS
Not sugary
The recent call by the Sugar Minister Charan Jeet Singh to the farmers, “shape up or ship out” is not sugary at all. The farmers can say the same to the Hon. minister, “shape up or ship out” as the farmers’ problems are escalating, instead of being resolved. As far as the farmers are concerned, the minister is unsympathetic, lacks empathy and gives knee-jerk response to their problems. It’s always advisable that we look into the mirror at times. Arun Prasad Dilkusha, Nausori
Slow process
To be like Singapore, one needs to get the basics right. People need to learn how to use the toilets and dispose of rubbish first. I think Fijians (and I mean all the people of Fiji) will get there by the year 3000. Evolution is a very slow process. Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
Pageant drama
One should learn not to be agitated with the circumstances surrounding the Miss Fiji Pageant. Ask yourself, “E yaga?” Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Outgoing minister
The outgoing Sugar Industry Minister, Charan Jeath Singh should not speak about major policy changes in the industry as he is going out. A close relative of mine, who hails from Labasa, visited me recently. While discussing my LTE’s, he opined that even Vanua Levu farmers, where the minister comes from, are not pleased with his performance. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Back to school
government’s back-to-school assistance of $200 per child has begun reaching parents since yesterday. Parents are respectfully urged to utilise these funds strictly for their children’s educational needs, including stationery, footwear, school bags, and uniforms. Regrettably, in previous years, some parents misused this assistance for personal purchases. This raises an important question as to whether the Government has any mechanism in place to monitor how this financial support is utilised. Ultimately, this assistance is an investment in children’s education, and its misuse defeats the very purpose for which it was intended. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Strengthen ties
There are reports that Fiji is one of the countries where the US will no longer consider immigration visas. Moreover, Fiji is one of the countries where visitors to the US will now require substantial bonds to be deposited. I believe now is the time for Fiji to send a delegation of the GCC to meet with President Trump to “strengthen ties”. Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
ROAD SAFETY AND CHARITY
Road safety
On Fiji’s roads where palms stand tall
A moment’s rush can cause a fall
Eighty-three fatalities recorded by LTA in 2025 is alarming
A chilling reminder of roads that turn deadly, disarming
Just reflect on eighty-three lives disappeared in the thin air
Dreams left unfinished, hopes cut short, a burden hard to bear
Each number tells a story, each loss a whispered prayer
Moments stolen by haste, by neglect, by careless dare
Speed and distraction steal lives in a flash
One careless moment, a permanent crash
Let caution and care be the path that we choose
So no more lives are lost, and no family must lose
Speeding remains the main cause of road deaths
A reckless choice that steals away our breaths
It shatters dreams and leaves loved ones in pain
Tears fall like sorrow in relentless rain
Road conditions also contribute to accidents, it’s true
With potholes and cracks drivers struggle to get through
Loose gravel and debris lie scattered around
Warning signs missing where dangers are found
Timely repairs can prevent grief and pain
Good roads save lives, this truth must remain
Driver fatigue leads to crashes, eyes heavy and slow
Yawns steal attention as reactions grow low
Long miles at night make the mind drift away
Seconds of sleep can decide life’s next day
A tired driver misjudges speed and space
One small mistake can alter life’s pace
Take breaks, drink water, stop when you feel weak
Alertness saves lives, rest is strength we seek
No drink or phone should tempt a risky choice
One careless act can silence a joyful voice
Road safety is so vital to every citizen of Fiji
Each journey we take should end in harmony
Slow down your speed, let responsibility guide
Wear belts and helmets with caution and pride
Respect the rules written for all to obey
They protect every driver on the way
Stay sober, stay alert, keep distractions aside
Let wisdom and kindness be our constant guide
Together as a nation, let safety be our plea
To protect every life on the roads of Fiji. BHAGWANJI BHINDI Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
Jan Nissar’s message
His piece titled – ‘Endless charity and begging’ in last week’s paper carries a bullseye bombshell effect on most of our leaders’ mentality. It was well written, so truthful and honestly presented for public consumption. The contents reminded me of the novel A man of the people by the great poet Chinua Achebe. There is a parallel of negative attitudes, pride; strange characters from days of old yet continue to pop-up its ugly head today. Our over-reliance on foreign aids and catwalk development pace, though essential, has also indirectly tightened up the economy of the country. By this I mean, we need to pursue at will by all means to engage ourselves seriously through whatever capital, policies and regulation changes in the areas of manufacturing, agricultural large scale farming, meet market demands especially tourism, land laws overhaul including the mining acts and great strides in scientific research and technological advancements. We need to seriously pursue high ROI business ventures and loosen up many bureaucratic processes and come up with a one-stop-shop concept especially on public sectors. Let us work very hard this 2026 and basically tap in areas of creativity/innovations academically, technically and economically. Fiji has plenty of revenue resources in abundance. Let us study and learn from Japan, Singapore and Israel. Put 50,000 Singaporeans here and transit the whole of Fijian population elsewhere, then in 10-15 years’ time we come back. The result will amaze us, the $10b debt is cleared and great infrastructures are in place and the country is thriving by all means. Finally, we just need men and women in government who are so humble, full of patience, broad base hearted, highly educated, long-sighted visionaries (like Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore) who will take us to the platform known as the hub of the Pacific. God bless Fiji. Peni Kotobalavu Nadi
Key factor
Paying for a physical newspaper feels unnecessary for many people because of the abundance of free news available online. Now that most people cannot afford paying $2 a copy, it will be a key factor in the Fiji Time’s decline. Why Fiji Times why? Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Switching to e-copy
The retail price of my favourite newspaper, The Fiji Times, has risen from $1.85 to $2 per print copy. I have therefore opted to switch to the e-copy, where I can continue enjoying its unbiased and balanced reporting without the inflation. A small change for my wallet, but a sensible victory for common sense. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Coral Coast 7s spectacle
The colourful picture (FT: 15/01) of team captains rocked, as they took the jet boat ride provided by the Sigatoka River Safari. Sigatoka Town has been a hive of excitement as big names arrived there for this year’s McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s tournament. Fans enjoyed the fierce 7s spectacle as teams battled for the elusive silverware. The tournament has grown in profile since its humble beginning in 2010 when Red Rock, under the guidance of the late Lote Rasiga and with the likes of Peni Gaunimeke, Jasa Veremalua, and Jone Macilai won the maiden title, beating Army 29-28 in a breathtaking and pulsating final. Since then, founding chairman Jay Whyte has never looked back and has made the tournament exciting, bringing a host of rugby stars, including Waisale Serevi, Lote Tuqiri, Tomasi Cama Jr, Mike Friday, Harry McNulty, Rosko Specman, Terry Kennedy, Portia Woodman- Wikcliffe, Perry Baker and Jordan Conroy. The Coral Coast has been transformed into the heartbeat of 7s with stunning displays. Lawaqa Park has turned into frenzy, carnival like atmosphere, with athleticism, skills, island passion, speed, character, fighting spirit and pride at stake. The tournament is a launchpad as it provides an ideal environment where names will be unearthed and our passion for rugby and its culture will be celebrated in Fijian style, as local sides will battle the top international sides. Last year, the Fiji 7s team defended the Coral Coast 7s title after defeating Mike Friday Selects in the final 29-14. Poor discipline proved costly for the opposition as Fiji took a comfortable 22-0 lead at the break and despite the comeback, the boys did enough to hang onto their lead. The rugby festival, that is laced with fast-paced and champagne rugby, will excite and thrill, as fans will witness the beating of the drums, cheering, bone-crunching tackles, breathtaking and outrageous offloads and explosive plays. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Coral Coast 7s
Mickey Mouse nowhere in sight,
only Mike Friday’s Select,
creating a riot.
Just Day 2 of the competition,
already the speedy gonzales
and the roadrunners on a mission.
Sevens legends and mentors,
also on show,
but our local boys and villagers,
also read the memo.
It’s a win-win situation for all,
a good guage for the world sevens series.
Our selection wide open still,
even the British Army boys in the mix.
Another level on finals day,
new talents unearthed,
showing their skills in play.
Let’s wait and see who will be picked. Edward Blakelock Admirals Circle, Pacific Harbour
Change in Iran
I hope there will be a regime change in Iran soon. The protests are being led by the brave young women and girls of Iran who have been treated as second class citizens by the dinosaurs and Ayatollahs for the last 50 years. These brave young women are making the ultimate sacrifices. They have not only shed their hijabs but given their lives for freedom. They are all heroes in my book, and they should all be given the country’s highest honour posthumously. These brave young women will be the reason for change in Iran and that sends a very powerful message to women all across the world. I cannot wait to visit Iran after things change. Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
Europe, India, Russia
If Trump takes Greenland, then Europe’s entire narrative on Russia annexing Ukrainian territories falls flat. Europe, which had been buying cheap Russian oil and gas now feels isolated and is pivoting towards India. German Chancellor, F Merz is now in Delhi and French President., Macron will arrive in early February. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission is keen on a Free Trade Agreement with India and will be travelling soon to Delhi. CNN had showed how Trump made European leaders sit like students on chairs outside Trump’s office. It appears that the worlds alignment is changing just like the planets. Who knows-Russia may forgive Europe and become friends. In politics, one week is a long time; there are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies; my enemies enemy is my friend. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
A symbol is just a symbol
You can give away your dignity or a symbol of your achievements but the recipient doesn’t then get these qualities inferred upon them. The Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has passed on her Nobel Peace medal to Donald Trump, a person not deserving it based on these recent actions. It is an unworthy political stunt by a desperate leader. If Usain Bolt gave his 100m Olympic gold medal to Trump he won’t he able to run it in 9.58s given he probably can’t run at all. If he tried the subsequent heart attack might actually lead to more peace and goodwill around the world and certainly at home. Dennis Fitzgerald Melbourne, Australia
Chiefly positions
The Ministry of iTaukei has been trying to accomplish the filling of the vacant iTaukei chiefly positions, within the past 15 years. In light of the exercise, there are some newly recognised title holders which in my opinion, don’t appear in older NLC records, no consistent chiefly genealogy recorded and not historically recognised by the ‘vanua’, yet were formally endorsed through the NLC ‘Veitarogi Vanua’. This, I believe, creates the impression that a title has been recognised without its foundation being verified and validated, accordingly. It appropriates the saying, “all of a sudden from nowhere, they came into the chiefly limelight”. On the same token, I think, the NLC can also legitimise weak claims due to evidence relied heavily on recent testimonies, older records were lost and not consulted deeply, political or institutional pressure encouraged “settling disputes quickly” and the process prioritised administrative closure, over deep historical vetting. As such, in my opinion, a claimant, with influence, unity and state backing, can succeed even if the genealogy is inconsistent and incomplete. It defines the iTaukei elders saying: “A chief is born through ancestral genealogical lineage, not created by colonial minutes”. “Na Turaga dina, e sucu kaya mai, segai ni qai mai buli koso”. To that effect, I believe, the NLC ‘Veitarogi Vanua’ is a legal recognition, without cultural resolution. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Nothing is impossible!
Nabua Secondary School Matua student Sainimere Waqavonovono, whose story (FT” 14/01) hit the People column, had a wonderful message for women who feel their dreams have slipped away, had a timely message for the readers, “Follow your heart. If you have a passion for something, go for it. Nothing is impossible.” Knowing Waqavonovono as a one of my dedicated and industrious students, I salute The Fiji Times and Alifereti Sakiasi for having the heart to share her story which should motivate school leavers to complete their Year 12 and 13 educations. Waqavonovono showed her resilience, perseverance and character by attending classes, balancing family responsibilities, and excelling in the Matua program. Waqavonovono has an aspiration to become a teacher. She is confident and has children at her heart. This should enable her to fulfil her dream. All the best Waqavonono and vinaka vakalevu to Alifereti and the people’s newspaper for the dose of inspiration. A story worth reading! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Ministerial tour
Finally, it’s that time of their four-year term in office when government ministers close shop and head out to visit the people. Under the rainy sky of this idyllic, coastal village in Northern Lau, brushcutters drown the sound of the waves on the shoreline as youths rush to trim the village green to give the village a neat outlook before the government minister arrives in a few days. The women are organised as usual and after just one meeting, they have been able to finalise the banquet menu, set aside the choicest mats for the distinguished guest to sit on, and decide who is going to weave and do the garlanding. The village has met and the chief or his representative will have his moment of glory to convey the yavusa’s wish list to the minister. The kids, meanwhile, have another good reason to bring out the drums one more time to welcome the minister and herald in the $200 back-to-school promotion before the start of the new school year. Why not? What else is there to celebrate? The relevant committee is also working hard to ensure that the water tank is full as the minister will bring a lot of ‘fireworks’ on the day. Sa malo, e? Samu Railoa Vanuabalavu, Lau
Issue of backpacks
It appears that somewhere along the way, some local shipping companies are confusing managing a service with managing people. On my recent trip to Savusavu on one of the local ferry services servicing the direct route, passengers were informed that backpacks were not allowed onboard, while large, open bags were welcomed with open arms. One wonders whether the aim was passenger comfort and safety or simply to provide easier access for onboard thieves. There is something quietly symbolic about a backpack. A backpack represents progress — secure, practical, hands-free, designed for travel and modern life. It carries laptops, documents, medication and personal effects safely, allowing people to move forward with confidence. An open bag, by contrast, represents stagnation: exposed, outdated, and inviting trouble. The restriction of using a backpack felt less like a transport policy and more like a statement that shouted “progress is unwelcome.” If global airlines, operating at the highest levels of safety and efficiency, accept modern carry-ons such as backpacks, then a local ferry service banning them is not protecting people; it is taking them backward. Development is not only about infrastructure, it is also about mindset. When practical, modern solutions are rejected in favour of outdated practices, progress stalls. If the concern behind this policy is bed bugs, then the answer is simple: manage the service, not the people. Managing people instead of improving service does not build trust; it breeds frustration. The growing list of rules dictating what passengers may or may not carry, how they should sit, store, or move, makes long journeys unnecessarily uncomfortable and certainly not enjoyable. Ferry travel is already demanding; it does not need to feel like a lesson in compliance. Comfort, practicality, and common sense should not be treated as contraband. To that ferry operator, perhaps it is time you embrace the backpack, not just as luggage, but as a mindset of development, trust, and progress for the people of Fiji. It is time for you to return your focus to where it belongs — maintaining your vessels and improving your service quality — not managing the people! Noleen Billings Savusavu
Influencers and paid promotions
The Consumer Council of Fiji is urging social media influencers to disclose paid promotions. Why not? I have always been curious whether these “TikTok stars” who endlessly endorse eateries, retail outlets, and every other imaginable establishment actually pay for their meals, or if they simply enjoy the perks FOC. But in today’s era, I suppose there really is no such a thing as a free lunch. Take for instance, one Suva-based social media personality who flirts from restaurant to restaurant, sampling every dish in sight. I often wonder, was it all complimentary? Or just a cleverly disguised feast on the public’s dime? With NCDs and obesity wreaking havoc among Fijians, I urge this bubbly personality to stick to fresh, home-cooked meals. And then there’s this other Suva-based, confused TikToker, whose claim to fame is dancing and mocking Bollywood celebrities. Truly, a shining example of cultural contribution. This TikToker can perhaps embark on career strutting dance moves in Indian weddings and functions. Of course, if these influencers are raking in untaxed dollars for content that barely passes as entertainment, it’s only fair that their earnings be declared. Perhaps the good guys at FRCS would like to take a casual peek at those “salaries”. As I have argued before, it might actually serve society if these self-proclaimed social media celebs pursue some form of respectable employment and earned a decent living rather than capitalising on free meals, cheap fame, and fleeting internet attention. Please consider getting a real job! Nishant Singh Lautoka
Proposed EFL tariff increase
The attempt by EFL to sneak past their new electricity tariff fell flat on its face. Is this an entity to be envious of in terms of operational and service efficiency? No not at all. As per the Electricity Act, their basic purpose is to provide and maintain an efficient and cost-effective power supply to the Fijian people in a safe and secure manner that meets high benchmarks in quality through charging a uniform tariff rate to ensure affordability across the socio-economic spectrum. Failed again. What can you expect from an entity whose previous CEO occupied the position for 10 consecutive years and as we now know, has been exempted from the audit process for the last five years? Very little. EFL’s meter readers now walk along streets for meter reading instead of having vehicles shows money saving strategy of a cash strapped organisation. EFL has not been able to provide a working platform via Noqu EFL for consumers to upload their monthly meter readings. When 44 per cent of EFL shares were divested to Sevens Pacific Pte Ltd, most of us expected radical changes to the organisation by way of infusion of Japanese technology and efficiency in the form of minimum outages of power supply, introduction of affordable solar technology and so on. But no, shares were divested as a table top exercise to shift a part of the ownership in exchange for cash to be injected in the Fijian economy perhaps to meet the aspirations of the people in fulfilling election promises. Don’t forget that staff claims for salary increase for 2024 and 2025 is also closer than the horizon which will not leave much of breathing space to the entity. The writing on the wall of them scrapping the bottom of the barrel has been there for some time but perhaps gone unnoticed until they could take no more and propose the recent increase. EFL is not going anywhere with or without the tariff increase. The best and most practical option available to it as of now is to subject itself to a restructure of its operations with austerity and cost reduction in mind. I hope this letter has provided a way out for the entity to crawl out of the doldrums it is in now. Ajai Kumar Nadi
Bula vinaka Bula FC
Bula FC should be our perfect launchpad for true development of the sport. While one may scoff at the significant number of foreigners drafted into the squad, we must accept that it will help our local players truly develop professionally. Come matchday one, win, draw or lose, Bula FC should be that beacon our local budding professionals look to for the way forward. Oh, I read somewhere that there’s some criticism already towards the team. What’s the issue? It’s early days still, and a few mistakes are inevitable. Like madaga, running a government. Donald Singh Suva
Football excitement!
Months of wait is over, as this afternoon at Eden Park, the Bula Boys FC kick start their campaign in the inaugural OFC Professional League, with a mouth-watering battle against Vanuatu FC. Football fans have been waiting in vain for years for such a professional competition, and that dream has become a reality. It was an emotional moment seeing our boys with their suitcases leave our shores for Auckland to fulfill their thirst of rubbing shoulders with the best sides from the Pacific. The OFC Professional League represents years of aspiration and a revolution for football in the Pacific. Apart from Australia and New Zealand, no other side from the Pacific has played at a World Cup and this competition provides the ideal pathway for players, coaches, and clubs to compete at the highest level within the Pacific. The Bula FC launched their jerseys this week. Morale was high. Spirits were high. The side is made up of experienced and youth players and their participation in the professional league will give them confidence, heading to the 2030 World Cup. With the inclusion of Roy Krishna and players from NZ, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, Japan, France, the Bula FC consists of the best local players. I’m not expecting an instant miracle as we are far from being professional, but with time and the right mix, results should fall into place. Our boys must brace for the intense, physical and mental pressure that will come from their participation in professional football. History is about to unfold. I wish the Bula FC all the best. To our own players, be good ambassadors and fly Fiji’s flag with pride! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Garbage collection process
The Nasinu Town Council kitchen waste collection team which occurs twice a week has adapted and implemented a method where on the day of the collection a staff comes around before the truck and piles all the garbage bags in one location, so it is easy and quicker for them to load it on the vehicle. However, the garbage collection truck can arrive between five minutes to seven hours and the neighbourhood dogs in that period tear up the bags and the refuse is scattered everywhere. When the trucks do arrive, the crew is always press for time and will quickly collect the garbage bags only and whatever is scattered are ignored and they move on. I believe that the municipal management must adapt the quality management concept of doing it once, do it right to eliminate double handling and championed the principle of “zero defects” in their work to achieve organisational excellence. The quality is achieved by preventing mistakes rather than fixing them later, and that doing things correctly the first time saves cost and builds long-term efficiency. Satish Nakched Suva
Medical challenge
Just like our failing sugar industry, Fiji’s lethargic and morally bankrupt health fraternity continues to spiral deeper into chaos, where patients seeking urgent medical attention are treated like “dharti ke bhoj” (Earth’s burden). Once again, a chilling case of alleged medical negligence has surfaced, this time at the Nakasi Health Centre (FT 16/01). A family claims their loved one was effectively abandoned during a medical emergency not because doctors were overwhelmed, not because resources were unavailable, but because the patient arrived without a plastic medical card. That shameful refusal to act reportedly resulted in his needless death. If these allegations against the two doctors and attending nurses are even an inch true, including claims of mocking patients, and a pathetic obsession with paperwork, then this is not just negligence, it is absolute cruelty. The Ministry of Health must stop issuing hollow condolences and immediately launch a full-scale investigation, followed by decisive disciplinary action. Heads must roll! Refusing to treat a critically ill patient because he lacked a hospital card is not “procedure”, it is gross incompetence wrapped in bureaucratic arrogance. No piece of laminated plastic has more value than a human life. And enough already with these so-called “Google doctors”, quick to quote protocols, even quicker to deflect blame, and utterly allergic to accountability. If empathy, urgency, and basic medical judgment are too much to ask, then perhaps the profession itself has chosen the wrong people. Patients are not paperwork. Emergencies are not optional. And negligence disguised as policy is still negligence. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Unpaid allowance
The Ministry of Education has not paid acting allowances to its employees. Shortly, new school year will begin. The travelling ministers and MPs are paid their per diems or allowances promptly. The RBF announces that the economy strengthened with 3.4 per cent projected growth. I believe that the ordinary workers and people of this country have to wait until the economic cake grows to 8 to 10 per cent per annum. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Medical review
I wish the Prime Minister all the best for his medical review. However, it is difficult to ignore a recurring pattern — whether under the current government or past administrations, our leaders continue to travel overseas for personal medical treatment. This raises a serious question about confidence in our own healthcare system. During election campaigns and in Parliament, we are repeatedly assured of the strength and quality of local medical facilities. Yet when it matters most, leaders choose otherwise. This contradiction speaks louder than any speech. Leadership should lead by example. Rahul Krishna Auckland, New Zealand
India Republic Day
The Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, Shri Suneet Mehta, with the honourable Minister for Youth and Justice, Jese Saukuru, formally farewelled a seven-member youth delegation to India on Tuesday. The delegation is scheduled to participate in India’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi and to visit several cultural heritage sites. While this initiative is commendable, it is noteworthy that among the seven selected youths, only one appears to be a descendant of the girmitiya community. With the utmost respect, it may be worth considering a more inclusive representation of girmitiya descendants in future delegations of this nature, particularly when the program is fully supported by the Indian High Commission. Such an approach would further strengthen India-Fiji bilateral ties and honour the shared history that continues to bind our nations. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Fiji pageant in the spotlight!
The Fiji Pageant committee was in the spotlight this week after Miss Fiji 2025 Peggy Ravusiro, who declined to sign a standard participation contract, was abruptly replaced weeks before the Miss Pacific Islands pageant. Ms Ravusiro was replaced by first runner-up Ailava Samuels, and this stirred emotions and ignited widespread controversy and negative remarks both on the print and social media. Ms Ravusiro’s press conference was met with positive vibes and huge support, while the press conference by Ms Ana Tuiketei received bullets and negative remarks. Ms Ravusiro publicly made claims of bullying and body shaming and that she was not seen as a Fijian, which was condemned by thousands of Fijians, here and overseas. While Miss Ailava will fly our flag, it’s high time standards are set, and contents of contracts are made known to the Queen contestants well before time. We must also have capable people leading committees of such bodies that deal with females. Professional ethics must be always maintained. Ms Ravusiro had the courage to stand up for herself and her dignity. She stated that she did not sign the contract because it would have bullied her into silence about matters concerning her wellbeing and expect her to comply with all the Miss Fiji Pageant demands. There must be greater transparency into contractual obligations. Rightfully, the Miss Fiji winner must always represent the nation to the Miss Pacific contest as she is the best. The true significance of the crown must be upheld! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
EFL issue
Interesting was the consultation with FCCC and EFL with regards to the request by EFL for an increase in tariff. Often, when financial targets overshadow long-term social impact, we fail to see the harmful ripple effects. My view is simple: if Government is a major shareholder of Energy Fiji Ltd, then the public interest must matter most in any decision on electricity prices. Electricity is not a luxury. It is the backbone of every household budget, every business, and every essential public service. This is why large tariff increases — especially those that fall heavily on commercial users —do not stay “commercial”. Businesses will pass higher power costs into the price of food, transport, accommodation, manufactured goods, and services. The result is higher living costs for everyone, and the greatest burden falls on low-income families who already struggle with rent, groceries, and school expenses. This is also the wrong time for major increases for our nation. Our communities are already under strain from higher operating costs, rising crime, and a growing drug crisis. When businesses operating costs rise sharply, businesses cut hours, delay hiring, or close. Job losses and rising prices intensify these social pressures, while the knock-on effects reach right into public services. Hospitals, schools, and prisons are major electricity users. When power costs rise, service quality and budgets are squeezed — and in healthcare especially, lives can be at stake, while our prisons, too, already operate at capacity. Keeping our children in school may also become more of a burden. There is a better path. Instead of leaning again on tariff hikes, Fiji should accelerate a people-centred win-win energy transition. Support households and small businesses to install rooftop solar (and where suitable, small wind or micro-hydro), with fair “sell back to the grid” arrangements such as net metering or feed-in tariffs. Work with iTaukei landowners to develop solar farms through transparent leases and partnerships, creating jobs and long-term land income while supplying the grid. Expand independent power producers and competitive procurement so Fiji gets the lowest-cost power, not the most convenient plan. If consumers are asked to fund future investment through higher tariffs, the public deserves full transparency and strict accountability: clear project milestones, independent audits, regular reporting, and consequences if delivery falls short. If the people are the owners – directly through the State and indirectly as the captive customers – then the people must come first! Noleen Billings Savusavu
