It’s never too late
Often iTaukei students look down upon themselves. However, there is no doubt that they are full of talents both academically and on the sports field. 37-year-old Nabua Secondary School Matua student Neomai Malupo is living proof that anything is possible if the heart and mind desire. Malupo offered encouragement specifically to the iTaukei students (FT: 21/01), “Many iTaukei students think they are not capable of achieving high marks. There’s sometimes a view that if you don’t succeed, you can always return to village life. But we can achieve just as much as anyone. It’s not about race, it’s about how much work you put in. That minset needs to change.” The mother of four is aiming for an MBBS and become a doctor, a dream she has nurtured since childhood. Malupo had a timely advice for those who believe in themselves and their talents, “There’s no age limit to education. If you still have a dream from your youth pursue it. Matua is a great place to start. The teachers give tremendous support and advice.” There you go! Malupo’s inspirational story has set the benchmark and will encourage school leavers to fulfill aspirations. Another solid piece, Alifereti Sakiasi and The Fiji Times! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Road fatality
I have observed a growing number of reckless drivers on our roads recently, making driving increasingly unsafe. Many disregard basic road rules by speeding, failing to indicate, and entering main roads without due care, showing little regard for their own lives or those of other road users. Regrettably, the first road fatality of the year has already occurred in Savusavu this week, claiming a precious life, and reckless driving must bear responsibility for this tragic loss. This should serve as a sobering reminder that stricter enforcement and responsible driving are imperative to prevent further unnecessary loss of life. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Europe’s hypocrisy
When European nations destroyed other nations sovereignty, there was happiness and laughter. Today, when Trump is threatening Greenland’s sovereignty, there is unhappiness and bitterness among Europeans. Denmark, under ‘Happiness Index’ would put India behind Pakistan and Afghanistan. Today, all Europeans would put themselves far behind India under ‘Happiness Index’ and beg to have a Free Trade Agreement with India. It was Europe that preached to other countries about democracy, rule of law, human rights etc. Now, the shoe is on the other foot. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Reform for system?
In reference to Dinesh Kumar’s M-PAiSA issues, (FT 14/01). Oh no, Mr Kumar, what you experienced is not new. I believe the M-PAiSA and eTransport system has been unfair from the very beginning. Once money enters that system, I believe the customer effectively loses control over it. When the system is down, you are on your own. If an eTransport card is lost, I believe the balance is lost. If funds are transferred into the wallet, I believe they become “non-refundable”. Yet this is still the customer’s hard-earned money. I believe nothing about this arrangement benefits consumers. M-PAiSA is not a charity; it is a profit-making business. Every transaction generates revenue, while unclaimed or “non-reversible” funds remain with the system. We are told this is policy. But policy should not override basic consumer rights. A financial platform that allows deposits but blocks withdrawals or reversals under reasonable circumstances is not secure. Calling unclaimed money “non-refundable” does not make it fair. It only raises serious questions about transparency and accountability. Your case highlights the urgent need for regulatory oversight. Customers deserve protection, flexibility, and access to their own money, not rigid systems designed only to collect and retain funds. I believe this issue deserves more than sympathy. It deserves reform. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
State-owned enterprise
Charan Jeath Singh, former Sugar minister, has become the Minister for Public Enterprises. Reshuffling of government ministers, in my view, is sensible, for as long as the designated individual has the professional knowledge, with practical experience for the assigned portfolio. On that note, it should be proper for Mr Singh’s calibre, as being a career businessman. In my opinion, the usual government protocol is that most ministers ‘feed off’ from their PSs advice, when in fact, 99 per cent of PSs, with all due respect, are career civil service individuals, paper-knowledgeable and possess very minimal practical experiences. That is why, I think, nearly all government ministries seem to always ‘go round and round the village’, without any newly injected appropriate solution. To that effect, all SOEs should be viewed to be in ‘good’ hands, under Mr Singh’s vision. Unlike the Sugar Ministry, I believe that it has been so severely wrecked and entangled ‘politically’, within the past 40 years. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Vatia, sheikhs, narcos and devils
Early last year news had it that Vatia City development plans were underway involving the TLTB, the landowners and a sheikh from Dubai. While waiting for whenever the sheikh will move and shake, for Tavua’s sake, let’s hope the news was not fake. Amateur poetry aside, Vatia jetty, in its current state, is a high potential wharf, with probably the deepest waters, as per some business development fact finding I did in regards to wharf construction at my last workplace. Today, Vatia jetty is probably in a worse physical state. So while it awaits redevelopment, the narcos took advantage of the hibernating facility and quietly peddled their trade at Vatia jetty. This heist by the Fiji Police Force comes rather late, but it is indeed a major success by the FPF. Better late than never. While we wait for the TLTB and the sheikh to move and shake on the Vatia City proposal, the Fiji Government might want to start looking at acquiring Vatia jetty from its current owners (name withheld) to build Fiji’s third largest wharf to ease some congestion at Queen’s Wharf. As part of my earlier preliminary research, there’s a bottled water company nearby likely exporting around 50 million cartons of water annually (it was 30million in 2022). Then we have the sugar exports (it’s not meant as a joke). Tourism will keep bringing in the cruiseliners. Drug mafias seem to be occupying vacant port facilities, like the devil occupies the empty mind. Donald Singh Suva
Hygiene inspection
Seeing the condition of most restaurants and cafes, it makes one wonder how often does the Ministry of Health Food Unit conduct inspections. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Nobel Peace prize
The “child in a man” has never been so profound in President Donald Trump now than ever before that he cannot think straight. Not being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, he has turned his blowtorch towards Norway threatening them with increase in tariffs. Well, if he really thinks that America is the greatest country militarily and economically, why is he lamenting the missed Nobel Peace Prize, he can just go ahead and create an alternative one and award it to himself as many times as he likes. Ajai Kumar Nadi
Road safety
The key message echoed by Bhagwanji Bhindi FT 17/1 on road safety, should be noted by all drivers and travellers. Think and drive. Stay alive! Safety should be everyone’s priority. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Political party
The new People First Party will contest the looming 2026 National Election. Come post-election, should the party be voted into power, the party will be magically renamed Pocket First Party. Sa rauta mada. Anthony Sahai Levuka, Ovalau
Pulse of the nation
If The Fiji Times editor-in-chief said letter to editor writers are playing their part in holding power to account then that’s not true of all the writers. Some LTE writers are sychophantic supporters of those in power. That was the case when the authoritarian Fiji First was in power and it remains the case with the Rabuka gang in power that was meant to deliver change and good governance but failed to do so. But yes there are writers who have always demanded democratic accountability and transparency from those in power through public scrutiny of their conduct. And The Fiji Times is applauded for providing them the democratic space to do so. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Second thoughts
On second thoughts, perhaps transplanting 50,000 Singaporeans into Fiji to change things is not a bad idea. They can teach Fijians how to use toilets. They can also teach them how to dispose of their rubbish. I believe 50,000 Japanese would do a better job as I have seen their work myself. Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
Politics, TRC process
Speight’s stand
Media reports have indicated that 2000 coup frontman George Speight has denied claims that he will appear before Fiji’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Instead, he is demanding a formal apology from the media for what he calls irresponsible reporting. This raises a fundamental question, is the TRC process still ongoing in 2026, and if so, for how much longer? Will it continue for another year or two? More importantly, what tangible outcomes have emerged from these forums so far? Have any measurable key performance indicators been achieved, or are we still drifting in circles under the banner of “national healing?” Equally troubling is the silence of this ex-convict himself. Since his release from prison, has he offered a sincere and unequivocal apology to the nation, particularly to the Indo-Fijian community for the chaos, fear, and destruction unleashed by his actions after the overthrow of a democratically elected government in 2000? To date, no such apology appears to exist. Not a shred of responsibility. I vividly recall Speight’s grandstanding interviews with foreign journalists, where he spoke haughtily about safeguarding indigenous rights and propelling his people to greater heights. Twenty-six years on, those promises ring hollow. The indigenous population he claimed to champion continues to face entrenched poverty and limited opportunities in their own land, while the political opportunists who weaponised ethnicity walk free, unrepentant and unaccountable. Ironically, the very communities demonised and victimised during that dark period, the resilient “vulagi”, have continued to contribute significantly to Fiji’s economic prosperity and growth, despite the trauma and injustices they endured. Hey perhaps George can outdo the army and take charge of organising a proper matanigasau ceremony for the kai-India community. Oh, the famous matanigasau seems to be the in thing in Fiji right now. Nishant Singh Lautoka
After ‘checkmate!’
So the Board’s ready and play is about to begin! The People First “pawns” have been carefully nudged into position. The “Bishops” have dutifully blessed the new branding sprinkling copious amounts of muddy water. The “Rooks” have rolled their chariots into place primed for a defensive horizontal and vertical manoeuvre. The once shining “Knights”, now in their rusted armour and creaking joints, are struggling to stay upright on their mounts. The battlements of the “Castle” have been refurbished with a bright new flag that’s been carefully chosen for the pomp and pageantry of a majestic comeback. But what many are puzzled about is whether the “King” has secretly abdicated his crown in favour of a new “Queen” quietly stashed away for what might be the final strategic move. After all, Fijian politics is always full of surprises. And then again, even after “Checkmate”, you can’t be quite sure about who’s manning the “checkpoint”! So whatever you do, don’t blink because you might miss the most important play! Colin Deoki Australia
