Providing receipts for bus fare charges
I wish to raise a matter of concern regarding bus fare charges for senior citizens using e-ticketing cards in Fiji. Recently, during my travel between Valelevu and Suva, I noticed that I was charged $1.97 each way despite using a senior citizen bus card. While I was able to quickly view the amount on the fare screen, no receipt was issued after the transaction. This raises an important question: How can passengers verify whether the fare charged is correct when there is no printed receipt or proof of payment? I also travelled within Suva on a short route from the bus station to Victoria Parade and was charged $1.27 each way. Again, no receipt was provided. The lack of receipts creates uncertainty and concern, particularly for senior citizens who may not always be able to check the fare screen carefully or challenge questionable deductions from their card balances. I have heard from many senior citizens who share similar frustrations. Many have expressed that their bus card balances are depleting far quicker than expected, especially when travelling regularly within Suva and surrounding areas. This has led to growing concern that passengers may be unknowingly overcharged. Many senior citizens are either less educated or have sight problems to see the fare charged and displayed on the e-ticketing machine. Whether these fares are correct or not is something the relevant authorities must urgently clarify. Passengers deserve transparency, fairness, and accountability in the public transport system. At the very least, bus operators should ensure that passengers receive receipts, either printed or digital, for every transaction. This would provide transparency and help build public confidence in the fare system. Senior citizens, in particular, deserve protection from any possibility of overcharging. Public transport should remain accessible, fair, and trustworthy for all. I respectfully urge the relevant authorities, including the Land Transport Authority and consumer protection agencies, to review this issue as a matter of urgency. INDAR DEO BISUN Tamavua Heights, Suva
Taveuni crisis
Is someone bothering about the crisis on Taveuni caused by the shipping crisis which has quickly escalated into a peoples survival crisis! And we’re not only talking about fuel! NOLEEN BILLINGS Savusavu
A voice for communities
The Fiji Times editorial makes explicit its commitment to the democratic State and society with the valid observation that old style town hall public meetings enhance democratic participation “by strengthening the connection between citizens and those seeking to lead them” (FT 1/7/26). The editorial says “democracy flourishes when people are informed, engaged and willing to speak up. Every voice matters, every question deserves an answer and every community deserves to be heard. We need such forums to encourage greater participation, accountability and trust, for the people and for the nation!”. It does. I agree fully but with the caution that these public forums coming around election time should not become a platform for the propaganda of those currently in power and their cronies. One would be naive not to recognise that as an inherent danger – a roadshow to cast the power holders in a good light for the election. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia
Thumbs up for Kalouniwai
I back Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua, who has backed Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, to continue as the Commander. Apart from continuity, I believe Ro Jone has all the qualities that a military commander must possess. He led the military at a time when the government changed hands, and he did not compromise his position. He came out strong, assuring the nation that all was well between the RFMF and the Coalition Government way back in 2023, and he dismissed rumours that there was tension among members of the armed forces. In his interview with The Fiji Times in 2024, he shared the experiences of RFMF post-2022 General Elections, where he respected the outcome of the citizens of Fiji. Under his leadership when the RFMF was put to the test in 2022, it came out victorious by respecting the rules and decisions of the land. After the death of Jone Vakarisi, Ro Jone, in his address to his officers, stressed the need for the security forces to remain measured and responsible under pressure. He reminded the team to guard their hearts, refrain from acting in haste and remain alert, observant and measured in their actions. I salute his visionary leadership and commitment, and I’m looking up to his leadership and decision making. Bravo! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
War is inevitable
Like that unnamed award winning author of Myanmar, there are thousands of writers sitting in India who are presented awards and given financial support by “Western powers” to write anti government articles etc. Presently, the Deep States are vigorously trying to destabilise Myanmar and India’s North Eastern States. The Rakhine State of Myanmar is controlled by rebel Arakan Army and supported by Deep States. It is believed that China is also colluding because of its claim on India’s NE State of Arunachal Pradesh. Bangladesh, India’s North Eastern States and Myanmar have become a cauldron. USA’s smaller warships regularly visit Bangladesh’s St Martin Island that has a listening post. A strong Myanmar government is an absolute necessity at this time. It is PM Modi’s diplomatic acumen that is holding peace in the region. But a war is inevitable in future. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
Missing People
The increasing trend of the missing people, especially the young girls and women, is alarming and frustrating. While the police is trying to curd the situation which is acknowledged, the increasing trend is worrying. Human trafficking is being tackled for way long as well with its ugly heads still emerging. Fiji is a smaller developing nation with so much going on right now. Our women and girls need protection together with other vulnerable males. We need to get to the root of this evil. Where is the loop? KIRTI PATEL Lautoka
Tough reality
We have somehow accepted that working full-time and still struggling to survive has become a common and widespread reality globally. You turn up, you work hard, you do everything right, but few days after payday, you are counting cents until the next one. That is not a lack of effort. The system is broken. Sobo! WISE MUAVONO Headstrom Pl, Balawa, Lautoka
US passport
US passport to feature Trump’s face (The Daily Telegraph / FT 30/6/26 ). How can the Emperor of America not have his face on US passports? Will the new limited edition passport featuring Trump’s face be orange coloured? RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia
National ID
The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma’s ( MCIF) call for all citizens to be called Fijians to unite the country should be welcomed by everyone. While celebrating differences, we can say, “unity is strength, diversity is beauty”. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
Fuel price
Could the FCCC explain why the unleaded fuel price went down, but the pre mix price remained the same. Pre mix contains 2 per cent two stroke oil in it . Price of both fuels should have gone down. Anyway an explanation is required. SUKHA SINGH Labasa
Road to WC
Seriously! Don’t you think Fiji would have been participating in the world cup now? MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Where to?
Jasveer Lal says on The Fiji Times Facebook video that they won’t take a single stick of cane to FSC. Fair enough. Just let us know where the other sugar mill is, because the rest of us seem to have missed it. I’m curious. AVENAI SERUTABUA Suva
Mbappe a star
Killian Mbappe once again was a cut above the rest against Sweden, scoring two magnificent goals. He is a star who never fails to twinkle on the field and in this FIFA 26, he has delivered for France when it mattered most. Sweden found it difficult to keep pace with Mbappe and team France, bowing out 0-3. It was an artistic delight to watch France play majestic football. No wonder Sweden waited for the final whistle. ARUN PRASAD Dilkusha, Nausori
World Cup and politics
Religious State
Fiji should be a Christian State, according to the Methodist Church’s submission to the Constitution Review Commission. Sadly, our social problems are a far reflection of being one. The church’s core mission should be to care for its congregation and ensure they receive emotional, spiritual and physical support through life’s challenges. Maybe, that is where they should start before calling on Fiji to be a Christian State. Sobo! WISE MUAVONO Headstrom Pl, Balawa, Lautoka
FIFA WC drama
Paraguay recorded their most powerful World Cup result by defeating 2014 and four-time WC champions Germany in dramatic penalty kicks. It was a heartbreaking result for Germany, and while their fans were in pain and agony, Paraguay fans, whose team came as the third best, celebrated, shedding emotions and tears as Paraguay recorded an incredible win. Football can be cruel. Even after dominating statistics and with 75 per cent possession, seven shots on target, 753 passes and 92 per cent pass accuracy, Germany could not beat Paraguay as they missed three penalty kicks. Goal scorer Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah missed for Germany while for Paraguay Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena missed. Prior to this upset, Japan was on the verge of knocking out five-time WC champions, Brazil as Kaishu Sano punished Brazil early, but veteran Casemiro equalised with a powerful header and then Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli lifted Brazilian spirits with a goal in extra time. I can imagine the joy back in Levuka as Brazil progressed into the round of 16. Big bother Anthony Sahai was on cloud nine. Best wishes to Brazil! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Too late
A chinese national who faces a fraud case for tax dodging to the tune of $20 million, absconded even though there was a stop departure order on him. Now the minister orders an audit of the Immigration Department’s border control system ( FT 1/7/26). Is that a case of closing the gate after the horse has bolted? RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia
Political candidates
SODELPA unveiled its first 22 candidates for the 2026 General Election (FT 29/6). Its leader commented on their will to trust the party and serve the country. A very challenging comment because if democracy is undermined by the party’s trustworthiness, then I believe its leadership is gearing towards the wrong direction. In fact, manifestos are documented and are expected to be practically applied, as stipulated accordingly, in my view. It should simply be to walk the talk. Even to serve, is not only to be popular, uttering political rhetoric, delivering parliamentary “fancy” speeches, being publicly attentive and viewed frequently, but simply being, a “servant-leader”. Focusing on the prioritisation of the nation and the people’s growth, above one’s own personal ego. Not an opportunity to make a living as being mostly projected by previous MPs. And above all, is to make tough, unpopular and unpleasant decisions, when it matters most. Not avoiding or passing the buck, which is a “political survival” tactic. The Bible advised that by the fruits of their deeds, shall they be known. SAMU SILATOLU Nakasi
