Proud Lauans
Witnessing one of the colourful and well-prepared installation in the history of our beloved country, I can say that I am fortunate enough to be alive to see this day come to pass. It’s one of the events that I believe will be told and retold in years to come. Everything was colourful and organised in a way that suits the occasion itself. The food, the artifacts, colourful mats, the people and everything prepared for this occasion is wonderful and is a joy to watch. Thanks to the digital era that we are in, I don’t have to be there physically to be part of this joyous occasion. Politics aside, I believe it’s one the best times to unite our beautiful country again and lets move forward with love and respect. Let’s take the positives and the good vibes from this installation rather than politicising and polluting it. It’s a one-off event in a generation and we should be thankful that we live to this day to witness it. I stand tall to be called a Lauan and will always proud to be. ‘Sa bula ko Lau’. Pita Soroaqali Rakiraki
The Fiji way
Fiji rolled out a very warm and deeply respectful welcome this week for the Māori Queen and the Tongan royals as they arrived in the country to attend the installation of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Lutunauga Mara as Tui Lau. This momentous occasion was more than a traditional chiefly installation — it was a celebration of enduring cultural bonds and shared heritage. As Fiji continues to strengthen its regional relationships, this event marks a cultural and diplomatic milestone. The earnest hospitality extended to the Māori and Tongan dignitaries is a testament to Fiji’s enduring commitment to unity in the Pacific. Ashwini Basant Nausori
An installation that unites Fijians!
From the paramount chiefs to the dignitaries including King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of Tonga, the Maori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono I te po, diplomats, government representatives and those in Lau, the installation of the new Tui Lau was all about unity and respect. In a deep gesture of Pacific unity and respect, traditional and royal leaders made the event one that will be talked about in the years to come. The presence of these high profile leaders marked more than just a protocol. Their attendance was a powerful tribute to shared ancestry, enduring bonds and the sacred weight of chiefly obligation. Fijians united in a sacred ceremony that saw Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara formally installed as the Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua o Lau. The chiefly system, that had been put to the wire, is back on and I’m urging our high chiefs to be mindful of all the races that live in Fiji. Unity, tolerance, love and respect for each other must be echoed in all the chiefly meetings. Fiji is a multiracial country, and we must live together peacefully. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Reddy reflects on promises
Reddy reflects on ‘promises’ (FT 9/7) made by the Rabuka gang in government during the 2022 election to hold municipal elections which the FijiFirst government had ignored. Was that a false promise? It clearly has not been given the priority it deserved for grassroots democratic participation in governance. Is that because the gang in government have been more concerned with their own self-serving interest and agenda and that of its elitist cronies? Reddy, the president of Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association, has raised an important issue of public interest. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Bring on Scotland
The performance of the Flying Fijians last Sunday against the Wallabies has given us die hard Fiji rugby fans a highly confident spirit that our boys will excel against Scotland on Saturday. Our boys nearly did a two in a row win against 8th placed the Wallabies last Sunday and I believe 9th placed Fiji will win over 7th placed Scotland. The Wainiqolo run which ended in a try made me kaila all the way and at home this week, we all hope that our Flying Fijians will fly higher with a high score game. Fiji rugby fans will want to see the Fiji Water Flying Fijians fly high from the start whistle and not the usual second half comeback. Go Flying Fijians. Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa Tacirua
Salary comparison
Are teachers in Fiji paid enough compared to Australia and NZ? No. They are underpaid relative to cost of living, responsibilities, and international standards. Investing more in teacher salaries, training, and resources in Fiji would help retain talent, improve education outcomes, and uphold the dignity of the profession — which is indeed a pillar of society. Average salary: A starting teacher in Fiji earns around $20,000–$30,000 per year. Experienced teachers may earn up to $40,000–$50,000, depending on position and qualifications. Challenges: Salaries are often not enough to match the cost of living, especially in urban areas. Many teachers take on extra tutoring or farming to supplement income. In Fiji, teaching is highly respected culturally, especially in communities where education is valued for upward mobility. However, the economic respect (salary) does not match the social respect. In Australia and NZ, teaching is also respected, but more importantly, it is better supported by government investment, making it a more sustainable and attractive career AVINASH PILLAY Nadawa, Nasinu
Perceptive Kirti
Kirti Patel is very perceptive and knows exactly what I am thinking. But from my experience, the PM has a solution to exactly nothing in Fiji so she may be disappointed. She should continue to curry favour with the PM, you never know she may be rewarded with a diplomatic posting to LA. To Labasa I mean. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Scabies surge
I know Fiji had a kanikani problem in its population and nowadays even young people are afflicted by it. I didn’t know Fiji also has a “scabies surge” (FT 9/7). Makes one wonder why when Fiji is said to be an island paradise with abundant fruits and vegetables. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Trump card
The world is wondering if Donald Trump is holding the trump card! Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Rugby loss
How can our Prime Minister and his gang watching the Fiji Australia match be the reason for Fiji’s loss? Sukha Singh Labasa
Evacuation centre
A new evacuation centre was commissioned by Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu at Kia Island last week (FT 7/7). It will be primarily used to provide shelter to the community during natural disasters. The project was partly funded from the Prime Minister’s small grants scheme. I am just wondering whether there are any plans to maximise the use of this facility since it will be vacant most of the time especially during non-cyclone season. On the other hand, there needs to be some controls in place to ensure it is not misused. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Meat dust
Is it morally correct for supermarkets to be selling meat dust? This meat, fat and bone shavings are from chicken and lamb that have already been bought. I think it’s borderline unethical. Anything for profit, aye? Supermarket owners need to reset their moral compass. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Technology and health
Invest in health
I hope the Prime Minister of Fiji will read this. Much has been said about the $120million allocated to Aspen Medical for the management of Lautoka and Ba Hospitals — an amount that represents at least 27% of the Ministry of Health’s annual budget. While the intention behind such investment is commendable, one cannot help but question the glaring neglect of health infrastructure in other critical regions — particularly here in Nadi the heart of our tourism industry. Tourism has long been the backbone of Fiji’s economy, contributing around 40% of our national GDP. Its benefits ripple across nearly every other sector — from agriculture to transport, small businesses, and local artisans. Towns such as Nadi, Sigatoka, and the Malolo group of islands are central to this thriving sector, yet the state of public hospitals and health services in these areas remains appalling. Despite the thousands of locals and tourism workers, who power this vital industry, health facilities in Nadi and Sigatoka continue to suffer from outdated infrastructure, chronic underfunding, and substandard service delivery. It’s disheartening that the very people who uphold one of the most important pillars of our economy are left vulnerable when it comes to their basic health needs. It is time the government seriously considers establishing a modern, fully equipped hospital in Nadi or Sigatoka —akin to the Aspen model — to serve both the local population and the tourism workforce. Such an investment would not only ensure better health outcomes but also strengthen Fiji’s position as a safe and reliable destination for international visitors. Tourism cannot thrive without a healthy, supported workforce. Our people deserve better. Joeli Tuiveikau II Lumuni, Sabeto
Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Exponential advancement of technology in the 21st century has indeed simplified life to such an extent that if all technology was wiped out from the face of the Earth for even a solitary day, almost everything will come to a standstill. There will be pandemonium, as every aspect and facet of our lives are so ingrained with the synthetic nature of things. Is there anything at all that can exist without the usage of modern technology, the answer is no, the dependent syndrome has truly set in and will continue to spread like a virus until it completely devours its host of any semblance of independence. We may not be able to wane ourselves completely from it, but use it wisely don’t get addicted to it, like any other obsession it is detrimental, debilitating and dehumanising. Usage of artificial intelligence applications are so common it is a norm as such we have stopped researching and ratiocinating like we used to; we just copy and paste with subtle changes to demonstrate we have put in the hard work, if at all any. As a result, our brains have stopped thinking and growing, we are a lot less intelligent than we used to be. I have come to realise what artificial intelligence applications does upon receipt of an instruction, it basically aggregates all pertinent data from various online sources and synopsis and whenever it is not able to provide specific response, it compensates by inserting non-existent or synthetic information and this is very dangerous as misinformation or disinformation can lead to disastrous effects and a few have unfortunately experienced its downside. With all things, moderation is key. May we also have a ‘World Technology Free Day’ hopefully in the not-too-distant future. Ajendra A. Pratap Samabula, Suva
