Police approach
The Compol has done his job when addressing senior officers on petty issues and how men on the ground should respond to reports and complaints that come their way. In fact that’s what is really happening on the ground and the Compol is also talking from experience. When dealing with issues, complaints and reports, our officers need to be more professional in their approach. The public does not want to know how the officers classify their report but rather how they approach and deal with it. They need to be more professional and smart in dealing with complaints at the station level. Reports and complaints that come through the station level should be dealt with and remain at the station level if appropriate and necessary actions are taken. If not then expect people to seek higher authority for intervention because of laxity on the ground. And that’s why Compol has addressed the issues because people are not satisfied at the station level. Officers should remember that they are the face and image of the force as a whole. Pita Soroaqali Rakiraki
Rubbish collection drive
Eighteen garbage bags full of rubbish were collected over the weekend at Wailoaloa, Nadi by a group of volunteers (FT07/07). I wonder who throws trash so carelessly, be it confectionery wrappers, empty bottles, cigarette butts or even diapers to name a few. This is the norm everywhere around our beautiful paradise island and not just limited to Wailoaloa. This eyesore is deliberately done by educated ordinary people of this nation and then the mess is quickly blamed on municipal workers for not collecting rubbish. If each and everyone starts by playing their part, that is not to litter, Fiji will be comparable to the cleanliness of maybe Australia or New Zealand. At the same time eliminating the need for volunteers to collect someone else’s mess and publicise the good work these volunteers are doing. Plus Jan Nissar will not be laughing at us as he usually does and says that this littering is the trait of third world countries and rightly so. Joyti Lal Makoi, Nasinu
Raka File!
The initiative by Rohit Deo, the Sports Editor, and his team for the Raka File section is highly appreciated. I am a huge fan of rugby, and I appreciate the efforts put in by the Sports team to compile pieces on our former Flying Fijians as we build-up to the mouth-watering clash against the Wallabies in Newcastle. We read about Vilimoni Delasau’s heroics and the experiences of Fiji’s super boot, Severo Koroduadua. Both pieces brought back beautiful memories from our inaugural 1987 RWC 15s and the 2007 RWC 15s, where the Flying Fijians qualified for the quarterfinals. Yesterday’s focus was on FRU acting CEO Koli Sewabu who is reaping the harvest of a seed containing a patriotic vision sown by his father. These literary pieces add flavour to the Flying Fijians first Test match this year away from home against the Wallabies whom we beat in pool play 22-15 in 2023 and knocked them from the tournament. Stakes are high and aspirations are flowing. The Flying Fijians must take heed of Koli Sewabu’s message (FT: 01/07), “When you are called up to represent our national team, you are handed with more than just a jersey — you have been entrusted with a legacy. It is not just a fabric, it represents identity, resilience, and the hopes of an entire nation.” Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Rugby challenge
In response to bhaiya Sukha Singh regarding apartheid in Fiji rugby, I suggest that if the administrators of rugby in Fiji get rid of the endless Christian prayers, stop speaking only in iTaukei, stop creating an environment of exclusion which is obvious and create an environment of inclusion and welcome non-indigenous people, a lot of kaidia will take up playing rugby, just like they do in India and elsewhere. There is apartheid in rugby in Fiji. That is unquestionable and in plain sight. And I am confident that many all around Fiji including those in parliament want it that way. Has anyone in parliament ever raised this obvious issue? Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Mahendra Chaudhry
Mahendra Chaudhry has every right to be critical of the Coalition Government. For me, raising the VAT to 15 per cent and collecting millions of dollars from poor people with very little improvements to infrastructures and increasing social problems, speaks volumes about the leadership of this nation. Reduction of VAT to 12.5 per cent is akin to inflicting a wound and then applying the balm to soothe the pain. Paras Naidu has to bear in mind that not everyone is a blind supporter of NFP; a party that, I believe, failed the Fijians of Indian descent from 1960s onwards led by businessmen and lawyers. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
Divisive remarks
I understand that Awadh Sharma considered remarks by the CEO of Dialogue Fiji about a certain Hindu sage (FT 29/05) caustic and divisive. The premise is: no one to disparage a religious leader, and by extension his faith. In this category are advocates of an absolutist mindset. Allow me to give a brief but a broad philosophical viewpoint on criticism of faith and value of freedom. Martin Luther, a German theologian, was called a great church reformer because he succeeded in challenging a monolithic church with his thoughtful criticisms. The age of Renaissance (1300 to 1600 AD) ushered the Western civilization the freedom to doubt, question, criticise views once considered intractable and imbedded in institutions. All knowledge whether religious or scientific is provisional regardless who advocates them. Until when something more persuasive comes along to be considered. Our debates, discussions and criticisms on subjects close to our heart could lead to giving or taking an offence. I think this is the price we are required to pay for freedom and human progress. Sachida Nath Nadi
Passport shortage
I write to express my deep concern over the ongoing shortage of passports in Fiji. For weeks now, many Fijians have been left in limbo, uncertain when new passports will be available. This has caused significant distress, especially for those needing urgent travel due to medical emergencies or the death of a loved one overseas. To make matters worse, the public is left in the dark. The Immigration Department’s landline is not functioning — it redirects to an automated response that offers little to no useful information. The official website provides limited guidance, with no clear timelines, contact points, or emergency procedures outlined. This lack of communication is unacceptable, especially for a government service that is essential for the mobility and wellbeing of its citizens. Where do we, the taxpayers and citizens of this country, go when we need help? How can someone in urgent need of travel even begin the process of seeking assistance? These questions deserve immediate answers. I urge the newly appointed Minister for Immigration to make this issue a top priority. We need transparency, clear communication channels, and a contingency plan for emergency passport processing. Citizens deserve better. Salvin Deo Suva
Nasinu administrators
I was surprised to hear from a TV iTaukei program on Tuesday, July 1, that Nasinu Town Council employs four Special Administrators (one each from the three political parties in the Coalition Government and one from somewhere else). Could they advise on the success of rate collection as it could easily be the highest in the country and the general service delivery which must be the best with four administrators leading the charge to provide one of the most densely populated areas in the country with much needed support. Other municipal authorities could learn from them. Emosi Balei Suva
Card balance
If the balance of a lost bus card cannot be transferred to a replacement card, what happens to that money? Asking for a friend! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Expensive news
Dennis Fitzgerald wonders if there should be a limit on individual wealth (FT 1/7). His is a well meaning but naive view. It would mean a paradigm change in the capitalist system and corresponding culture of wealth amassment. It won’t happen. It hasn’t happened even in so-called classless communist countries. Human greed sees to that. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Maintain traditions
When the long-anticipated COI Report is released, I expect the PM and the President to be wearing kalavata and salusalu. It goes without saying that cake-cutting must also be an essential part of the occasion and the COI Report must be wrapped in tapa cloth. Traditions must be maintained at all costs. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Supreme law
No matter what, the 2013 Constitution is the supreme law of the country. The 1997 Constitution was abrogated after the military takeover in December 2006. Fiji operates under the 2013 Constitution although Fijians prefer amendments to suit the needs of our beloved Fiji. We know this constitution was forced upon the nation, but we must respect it as a document governing Fiji’s affairs. The motion to make amendments to the 2013 Constitution was defeated in Parliament, and we must respect the rule of law. Hats off to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for reminding Fijians (ST: 29/06) that the 2013 Constitution is the supreme law and urging the public to respect the rule of law. Any amendment to the constitution must be done within the laws in a calm and respectful manner. I respect the call made by PM for national unity and a collective respect for Fiji’s legal order, with hopes of building stability. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Justice, violence and drug
Just ice!
While sipping my morning smoothie and skimming through the headlines (equal parts news and novella), I found myself reflecting on the recent shenanigans in Fiji’s judiciary. And then — bam! A frosty little epiphany hit me right between the eyes. Just ice. Yes, you heard me. Two innocent little words that, when fused together, form the mighty pillar of democracy: justice. But lately, it feels like all we’re getting is the “just ice” part — cold, hard and chillingly indifferent. I mean, take the case of former DPP Christopher Pryde. Cleared of any wrongdoing, and yet … no job waiting for him at the end of the rainbow. No fanfare. No official “Oops, our bad”. One would think clearing your name in Fiji these days gets you a commemorative ice cube, not your desk back. And the plot thickens, like refrigerated curry. One scandal after another, judicial musical chairs, and enough finger-pointing to start a mime convention. Somewhere along the line, Lady Justice appears to have misplaced her blindfold and picked up a pair of designer shades instead. Is it too much to ask for a legal system that actually delivers, well, justice and not a polar version of it? Colin Deoki Australia
Challenges for schools
The newspaper headlines are screaming that schools are under: as a sense of desperation spreads across the nation. According to media reports there is a sudden rise in student violence among themselves and against teachers. The peddling of drugs in schools, open abuse of drugs, sexual harassment and increasing risk of mental health among students. SAAC (the Substance Abuse Advisory Council) has revealed that over 20,000 cases of student abuse cases were reported: violence, bullying, drugs, teenage pregnancies and mental health, Schools have become stress zones for teachers, students and administrators. Students openly smoke, sniff glue, sniff petrol, consume alcohol and bath bombs etc. This is simply mind boggling! It is true that in recent times the student behaviour has deteriorated, affecting their learning capacity, inter-school rivalry and even attempted suicides. Teachers are taught to use SOP (Standard Operating Orders) in cases of violence. However, how effective is this when teachers themselves are a scared lot. Doctor Sheetal Singh (Acting Principal Medical Officer) has pointed out that we are undergoing a silent mental health crisis. One hundred and twenty students have been treated by St, Giles Hospital. These are not pretty pictures of our schools. According to a police report some 2446 drug related cases were reported between May 2024 and May 2025: cases involving marijuana and methamphetamine. All these illicit drug activities are simply not possible without a well organised drug mafia. The rugby legend Waisale Serevi who has opened the Waisale Serevi International Academy has called on the nation to face the truth. He claims that the community is under siege from the drugs which are destroying the fabric of our society. He asserts that discipline in homes and schools is the answer. Some 10,000 students are involved in his program. He exhorts students to,”Stay strong say no to drugs”. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
