Admiration for the “Qiri kapa” gang
I greatly admire the “Qiri kapa” gangs during this festive period as we celebrate the new year. It is only in Fiji that one realises how the entire month of January is devoted to welcoming the new year, and this tradition must be preserved. It is precisely such practices that make us, as Fijians, unique and distinct from others around the world. While the sound of the “kapa” and other drums combined may be loud, it should not be mistaken for chaos or a public nuisance. When accompanied by the vibrant dance movements, it becomes a form of pure entertainment and joyful celebration. This cultural expression should be respected, embraced, and allowed to continue, as it represents the living spirit of our identity and heritage. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Social media
The content circulating on social media platforms is increasingly unsafe. Videos and reels across various platforms are readily accessible to underage children when they are online using smart devices. Despite the implementation of parental controls to ensure security and privacy, inappropriate material continue to reach naïve and vulnerable children. Of particular concern is the fact that some creators of such offensive content are Fiji citizens, living both locally and overseas. When appearing live on platforms such as TikTok, they always use vulgar language and make derogatory remarks, which further exacerbates the problem. In light of these concerns, the Cybercrime Unit and the Government should seriously consider stricter regulation, including the possibility of banning such apps in Fiji, in order to safeguard children and uphold acceptable standards of decency in the digital space. DINESH KUMAR Ba
EFL questions
“Back to the drawing board” wouldn’t really be an apt way to describe the situation surrounding the temporarily stalling of the recent tariff increase and the announced 21-day public consultation commencing January 6. Firstly, the 21-day consultation is not adequate. EFL prepared their documents for tariff increase over a significant period of time, and therefore, the public also deserves a significant period to mull it over and make submissions either against or for the increase. Secondly, EFL must make public its audited financials for at least five years pre-divestment and for the years post-divestment till 2024. The public should be able to scrutinise EFL’s financials. You can’t ask the customer to pay more for your development without telling the customer how you used the revenue received from the customer. Overseas investors are not here for charity. They have their bottom lines, fair enough. The public should be able to know everything. The January 6 start date for consultation will leave the public in a heap, and there will be more hot air submissions rather than substantial arguments. Then FCCC will say the public couldn’t make a case. Donald Singh Suva
Scholarship applications
I wish to raise a serious concern regarding the current online process for students applying for scholarships in Fiji. While moving services online may seem progressive, the reality on the ground shows that this system is creating more hardship than opportunity for many students. At present, students are required to upload up to nine different documents on the scholarship website. This process demands a reasonable level of computer knowledge, stable internet access, and guidance — resources that many students, especially those from rural areas, simply do not have. I strongly feel for these students who are disadvantaged not by lack of merit, but by lack of access and technical know-how. Even students who have studied computer subjects are finding the process difficult. My own niece, who took computer studies at school, struggled to complete the application until we sought help from a family friend who had experience assisting his son with a scholarship application three years ago. If a computer student finds this challenging, one must ask: what happens to students who have little or no exposure to computers at all? While applying online is a good concept, Fiji has adopted this system too quickly without ensuring that all students are adequately prepared or supported. The time, effort, and confusion involved in understanding and completing the process has turned what should be an opportunity into a stressful and discouraging experience. I also question why the old scholarship systems that once served our people well have been completely removed. Why can we not bring back the Fijian Affairs Board (FAB) Scholarship for the iTaukei, which was designed to support indigenous students? This was a privilege meant to uplift the natives of this country. Other schemes such as Multi-Ethnic and PSC scholarships can continue to cater for the wider population. The iTaukei Affairs Board should seriously look into this matter, as supporting education is one of the key reasons for its existence. I respectfully ask the Government to review the current system and consider reintroducing aspects of the scholarship framework that worked well in the past, while improving access and fairness for all students. Education should open doors, not create new barriers. Nade Bosley Nasinu
Water leaks
This is an open letter to the CEO of Water Authority of Fiji. I have repeatedly written about the leaking pipes along the Dilkusha Rd stretch. Virtually every second week/month we see the WAF gang with digger and muscle butchering Dilkusha Rd to repair leaking pipes. This has been continuing for the past few years. Can the CEO inform the taxpayers the total number of times the pipes were repaired in 2025? A kindergarten child will tell you the pipes underneath the road have outlived their lives. Why can’t new pipes be laid considering the amount of money used to repair pipes and then have the roads sealed again. As I write,there is water leaking in the middle of the same road. Next week we will see the WAF troop again butchering the already butchered roads. Can we have a reply from WAF CEO, kerekere. Remember, 2026 has just started. O sobo. Arun Prasad Dilkusha, Nausori
QUICK VIEWS
New notes
Big kerekere to all Fijians. Please don’t butcher the new plastic-coated notes which just came into circulation. Either you keep it unfolded or fold into half only. It is not meant to be folded into a ball or crinkled into a paste. Some notes, when tendered, takes minutes to unfold. It only happens in Fiji, I guess. Arun Prasad Dilkusha, Nausori
US kidnapping
World news is that US has kidnapped Venezuelan president Nicholas Maduro and his wife. I believe that Trump has been elected to do such outrageous things. He will run his course until March end and thereafter will come Trump’s downfall and USA’s troubled economy. Some are predicting that the world will enter a dangerous phase in 2026 with multiple short wars lasting few years. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Hidden agenda
What is the Venezuela saga really about? Narco trafficking/narco terrorism, or the ownership/takeover of its vast oil resources. I think that the bottom line is the latter. There seem always to be a hidden agenda in these things, with the strings pulled by invisible puppeteers. Edward Blakelock Pacific Harbour
Drug crisis
Fiji is facing a very difficult drug crisis which is becoming very difficult for police to control. Many of the so-called accused are big wealthy businessmen who can do anything to make more money. One businessman made millions in property and business. He spent time in New Zealand’s correction centre but walks freely in Fiji. Imagine how much money that businesses made as I am told he has multiple high-class vehicles, boats, property in Denarau and multiple businesses in Fiji. Whatsoever happened to proceeds of crime, why can’t our law enforcement agencies do something to these big businessmen. Are these businessmen untouchable? Geoffrey Chand Lautoka
Friends and foes
If President Trump’s team can capture Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, why can’t they capture President Putin, also considered an evil dictator? If Maduro’s wife Cilia Flores can also be captured on the basis of being his wife, should Melania Trump start to panic about what could happen in the future? Dennis Fitzgerald Melbourne, Australia
Donald deserves accolades
Heartiest congratulations brother Donald Singh on winning the letter of the year award. It’s a huge accomplishment for a writer who is bold, brave and writes courageously on national and international stories, covering political, social and economic issues. Donald’s letter titled “I can now” stole the show as it focused on freedom of expression and that it must not be abused. You hit the nail, Donald! I also salute other powerful writers who walked away with the weekly and monthly prizes. The letters to the editor column address issues and provides amiable solutions. The column is a family. We might not be related by blood, but we are related by the power of writing and the ability to touch the hearts of thousands of readers who go through the letters to the editor column daily. Bravo, and yes, to the local writers, let us plan a get together. It is important to meet and know each other. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Cane trucks
Some cane trucks are still carrying sugar cane to Rarawai mill from Sigatoka, Nadi and Lautoka area. The wet season makes it so difficult for farmers, canecutters and truck drivers to work but thanks to all their hard work and effort, these farmers make every effort to send the leftover sugar cane to the mill. This is something for our younger generation to think about, farming can make you good profits if you plan well and work hard. The Government of the day should have farming awards just like business awards to encourage more farming. That way the unemployment rate will drop, more money will rollover our economy and all those vacant land can be used wisely. Something for the current Government, our future government and leaders to think about. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Diabetes – the silent killer
THE medical authorities’ awareness program with support from Fiji Diabetes Board of Trustees (FT 30/12) with simple messages speaks a lot how serious it is for our children. Unless we work together with healthy eating, exercise and healthy lifestyle, educating our children with moral support, this pandemic will continue. Awareness programs at all levels from home to schools with parents role modelling is the only way forward. Walk the talk. Health is wealth. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
