Embracing the promise of a new year
Thumbs up, Kirit Patel, for the powerful message through the article titled “Embracing the promise of a new year” (01/01)! The Fiji Times, which has grown in strength, had a humble beginning in Levuka. It was established on September 4, 1869, by George Littleton Griffiths, making the people’s newspaper the oldest continuously operating newspaper. The Fiji Times went through treacherous times and challenges, even to the extent of a court case that could have jeopardised some people’s job. Despite the rough tides and challenges, The Fiji Times persisted and remained committed to the ethics of journalism which is to deliver timely, accurate, and impactful news. During the much-awaited Fiji Awards for Media Excellence (FAME), which returned after a lapse of 17 years, top journalists such as Anish Chand, Samantha Rina and John Kamea walked away with lucrative awards. Thank you, Mr Patel, for the reminder that The Fiji Times strives to be the voice of the people and holds truth to power. The slogan, “YOUR VOICE Since 1869”, that features on the masthead daily is a reminder that the people’s newspaper plays an important role in the lives of Fijians. I’m so proud of my three decades-plus partnership with The Fiji Times. I thank The Fiji Times for being an integral part of my growing up and for the years of partnership. I also salute the robust letters-to-the editor family for the creative writing! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Discriminatory policy
Recently, Dewan Chand and Vijay Madhavan wrote about the discriminatory policy of the Land Transport Authority (LTA) against senior citizens. In the social and mainstream media there is almost daily news about motor vehicle accidents. Currently, there is a video that has gone viral of a red sedan that flipped over the roadside barrier along Princes Rd lying sideways way down the steep slope. Fortunately, no fatality was reported. LTA should examine the evidence based on the current data of more than 76 road deaths in 2025 and make public the ages of the persons involved in the accidents that caused their deaths. It is most unlikely that these were senior citizens. A quick check on senior citizens driving licensing in Fiji on the internet produced the following excerpt: “Non PSV licence holders between the age of 70 and 80 years will be required to go for a driving test once every five years. Non PSV licence holders above 80 years of age will now be required to do a driving test once every two years. There are currently 2772 licence holders above the age of 70 in Fiji.” This regulatory framework is better than what used to be the case. However, I wish to raise the question of the necessity of a driving test for senior citizens who are physically and mentally healthy. Should not a recent vision and medical certification suffice? This is reflected in the Aotearoa, New Zealand requirement: “In New Zealand, a driver licence is valid for 10 years up to the age of 75 years. After this, a licence is valid for five years only, then must be renewed every two years over the age of 80 years. A medical certificate is required for driver licence renewal in people aged over 75 years and this is completed by a GP.” If Fiji were to follow the Aotearoa, New Zealand set-up, it would alleviate the running around and expenses for senior citizens, as well as reduce the workload of LTA licensing officers. I hope that the minister responsible, the Hon Ro Filipe Tuisawau, takes steps to end the discrimination against senior citizens. Vijay Naidu Suva
Meth deaths
Methamphetamine overdoses claimed nine young lives last year. Unless decisive and collaborative action is taken to counter this drug trade, further cases are likely to emerge this year. Eradicating Fiji’s youth drug crisis requires shared responsibility, with parents, schools, faith groups, communities, and government working together through education, support, and accountable enforcement. Drug traffickers and individuals found in possession of illicit substances should be subject to arrest and non-bailable remand custody. To facilitate this, amendments to Fiji’s existing legislation are required. Without genuine collaboration, the nation risks continuing to mourn lost lives rather than protecting those still at risk and that would be a failure far more costly than any budget allocation. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Democracy American style
According to news leaks, the US military has invaded Caracas, the capital of Venezuela and arrested democratically elected president Maduro. Charges have been labelled against him and he will be tried in the US. Donald Trump has further warned that the US military strike will take place against Cuba and Mexico and their leaders will be removed. Not too long ago Donald Trump was seeking the Nobel Peace Prize! This is mind boggling. Why has the United Nations not reacted to this brutal assault on Venezuela and the arrest of its president. What has happened to the human rights organisations? Have they gone deaf? Why is the US targeting only oil rich small and vulnerable countries of Latin America. Why can’t it target China or is it too scared to do so? What are the other world leaders doing to condemn this barbaric military aggression? This invasion is certainly a bad start for 2026. It does not augur well for world peace. Are we on the brink of World War III? Hypocrisy in geopolitics is simply unbelievable! Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
QUICK VIEWS
Raj and Tukana
Isa, can this newspaper tell us whether Tukana is still in Boxing Day mood? Someone said they ended up wrestling their way to the hospital! Moce Jo, see you later around 2026 guys and good luck. Luke Kulanikoro Savusavu
Syndicate payroll
WITH the infiltration of drugs into the hierarchy and officers within the Fiji Police Force, I certainly believe the FPF is at stake. I only hope that the RFMF officers will not be corrupted to accept to be included into the syndicate’s payroll. Once the men in green are in, we’re doomed. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Rubbish dump
Fiji is fast becoming a giant rubbish dump. I have seen it myself. It is a direct reflection of the proud and blessed people of Fiji and its government. This achievement should be celebrated together with the two Olympics gold and a silver medals won in the Mickey Mouse game. Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
An invasion
Do you think China will find now to be the opportune time to invade Taiwan? Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Who gains?
Who has the most to gain poisoning the people of Fiji with drugs? What’s their end game? Colin Deoki Australia
Year of election
As we leave 2025 behind, peaceful solutions on reconciliation process, let’s welcome 2026 for the better things ahead in a democratically-elected government. God bless Fiji. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Strong at 93
To Bertha Jean Bharat of Raiwaqa (ST 04/01), who is still going strong at 93, I salute you for completing nine decades on Earth! Bertha, whose days are shaped by her faith in God and love for family, moves through life with remarkable power and clarity. Her life is an amazing story. From birth to schooling and then life in Raiwaqa, the whole episode is a beautiful book that should be read by everyone. Her resilience and dedication are huge motivations for the young generation. She’s 93, but she finds pleasure in cooking, cleaning and backyard gardening. She wakes up at 3am and by 4am she is busy in the kitchen doing food preparations. She has a very good eating and sleeping habit and this is one of the main reasons for her longevity. She had a timely advice — be content with life and live well. Vinaka vakalevu Bertha for the life-long lessons. It’s not difficult emulating Bertha. Just need determination! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
YOUR SAY
Alcohol challenges
Alcohol consumption has become one of the most destructive forces affecting our nation today. It is visible everywhere — in broken families, domestic violence, road accidents, crime, declining productivity, and increasing pressure on our police, courts, and hospitals. Our youths boast about, “Yes, it’s the festive season, let’s party, even on Christmas, but the churches, where we have to learn the real meaning, are empty. What is most troubling is that these problems are no longer isolated incidents. They are becoming normalised within our communities. Children grow up seeing alcohol abuse as ordinary behaviour, families suffer in silence, and communities pay the long-term price. I recently spoke with a temporary worker, here in Fiji, from Dhaka who shared stories and images of his city. I was genuinely overwhelmed by how beautiful Dhaka is — its people, culture, and sense of order. It reminded me that strong values and firm regulation do not diminish life; they enhance it. A society that chooses discipline often preserves beauty, dignity, and harmony for future generations. Interestingly, countries such as Bangladesh — whose capital Dhaka strictly regulates alcohol consumption — have taken a firm stance on alcohol for the sake of public order, health, and moral discipline. Alcohol is legal there, but access is limited and controlled, with clear boundaries placed for the greater good of society. This raises an important question for us in Fiji: if Dhaka can do it, why can’t we? In Broome, Western Australia, takeaway alcohol can only be sold between 12 noon and 8pm, while licensed pubs and restaurants generally cannot serve alcohol before 11am or 12 noon. Such simple restrictions go a long way toward reducing the harmful effects of alcohol on families and communities. This is not a call for punishment, but for seriousness. Serious policy discussions. Serious community leadership. Serious education. Serious regulation. And above all, serious commitment to the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our people. Fiji proudly identifies itself as a Christian nation. With that identity comes responsibility — responsibility to protect families, promote healthy living, and uphold values that strengthen rather than weaken our people. Faith, health, and well-being are deeply connected. A society that ignores this connection does so at its own peril.If our leaders truly care about the future of Fiji, then alcohol consumption — and its devastating impact — must no longer be treated as a secondary issue. It is time we act, together, with courage and conviction. Alcohol accessibility should be controlled. Consumption should not only be regulated, but actively diminished. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
Venezuelan extraction
I am looking forward to the movie about the extraction of the Venezuelan president and his wife from Caracas a few days ago by US forces. I already have a title for it – “The Venezuelan Extraction”. I am still waiting for the movie about “The Great Escape from Tel Aviv” based on a true story which happened in October 2023 where the heroic Fiji Airways extracted scared pilgrims from Fiji when Hamas launched its attack on Israel. I suspect nothing seems to have progressed for this movie because the story is not as exciting nor newsworthy, except in Fiji that is. Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
American hegemony
Following the overnight capture of president Maduro, US President Trump declared the US will “run” Venezuelan. After the way Trump and his reactionary right mob have been running America and making America great again and all that, it is fitting that American hegemony is used to run Venezuela. Now Venezuela will be great again also just like Iraq and Afghanistan. America is renowned for making countries under its control great again. In its early colonial history, it captured some First Nation Indian leaders to begin to make America great again. Rajend Naidu Kerela, India
