The voice for Fijians

The survivor

Ever since I was small, I watched my father and one of my grandfathers — who was the first Fijian to become the principal at the Ministry of Forestry — read The Fiji Times as if it were scripture. ‘The First Newspaper Published in the World Today’ wasn’t just a slogan in our home – it was a legacy. A ritual. A truth. To me, The Fiji Times has always been a feast for the mind and soul. The front page is the entrée – bold, inviting and seasoned with island grit. The main course blends politics and humanity with the kind of honesty that cannot be sugar coated. The Laugh Out Loud Flotsam and Jetsam is the decadent dessert; rich, wicked and layered like a dark chocolate mousse that lingers long after the last bite. And the sports section? That’s supper — sizzling, fierce, and alive, the kind that makes you feel the heat rising off the page as if we could already see the mighty Crusaders and Chiefs Mana colliding in the finals. This paper doesn’t just inform. It feeds. It fires up. It fills you and still leaves you craving for more. However, during the reign of the old regime, this beloved newspaper was pushed into the shadows. Silenced. Dimmed. While another bloomed like wild orchid. For 16 long years, it endured sedition charges, advertising boycotts, and its editors were pressured to tone down anything that could be interpreted as political defiance or self–promotion. Its proud slogan — a badge of honour — was quietly stripped away and to this day, it has never been restored. Press freedom has improved, and the people of this nation once again have no fear in expressing their views. The Fiji Times stands as the nation’s Holy Grail, a beacon that refuse to go dark. It’s where familiar voices like Rajend Naidu of Sydney, Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Richard Naidu, Donald Singh slice through the noise with courage that cannot be bought or bullied. This newspaper stood the tribulation of all times and never backed down. Remarkably, since its founding in 1869 in Levuka, The Fiji Times has endured 157 years of storms, floods, earthquakes, and political turmoil — yet it still prints today. Lavenia Malama Nabua Road, Nabua, Suva

The voice for ordinary Fijians!

Heading to this year’s General Elections, and in a bid to disseminate the truth, The Fiji Times remains the voice for ordinary Fijians. It’s hard to imagine life without a copy of The Fiji Times in hand. Newspapers play a complex role in the civic life of communities, and The Fiji Times, which is Fiji’s oldest newspaper, is no exception. It has strived for 15 decades to provide the most accurate and reliable information. I salute the newspaper and its management and staff for maintaining the credibility, ethics, principles, and governance of journalism. I commend The Fiji Times for keeping alive the letters to the editor column and for giving the platform to our writers to contribute issues and opinions. I have been reading with great interest the letters that appear in my favourite newspaper, and I am fascinated and touched by the depth of these letters, many of which have resulted in action. I pay tribute to the writers then and to all the writers who are behind the popularity of the column. The Fiji Times is embedded deep in the hearts of many. It was, it is, and it will always be the voice for ordinary Fijians. Vinaka vakalevu, team The Fiji Times! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu

State of emergency

That says it all about our economy and the purported emergency situation in terms of dinau. Two things. One. The recent gala at GPH didn’t have the incumbent Finance Minister on the podium. The two MPs present from government side are former ministers, currently not in Cabinet. They didn’t look like they wanted to be there. Two. It is always the case that before elections, everyone who is not in government knows best how to manage the economy. That’s until one or two of them end up in government. Even I know how to do it better, even better than former PM Chaudhry. But once I get in, I’ll look for scapegoats. I said two things. But, three. Can we return to the elections atmosphere of old please? Party sheds, goat palao, BBQ, grog, blaring music, and, simply, fun, but zero alcohol. Elections these days bring that funeral-esque environment. We need that party environment. Areh, after all, we have so many parties gunning for it now! Donald Singh Nausori

Missing $850,00

Any update? In April, 2022, a significant robbery shocked the region when $850,000 being transferred to Suva from Westpac Savusavu via Labasa Airport was stolen. To this day, neither the stolen money nor the individuals responsible for the crime have been located. It is worth noting that more than four years have passed since this audacious theft occurred, leaving many unanswered questions. Understandably, the public remains eager to learn about the progress investigators have made in solving this high-profile case. Has new evidence come to light? Have authorities identified any potential suspects? These are some of the pressing concerns that continue to fuel public interest in what remains one of the most puzzling heists in recent years. Suresh Chand Nadi

Too much glory

When you think about it, there is just too much glory being enjoyed by the leadership in Fiji and just too many investigations, inquiries and commissions which are going nowhere. It has been almost four years now. When will leaders do some real work instead of creating these distractions and when will the blessed people of Fiji stop falling for these shenanigans. When will the blessed people of Fiji realise that what their leaders are doing is affecting their everyday lives. Or are they all just too blinded by prejudice and fear of the vulagi? Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia

Coalition leadership

I thought the head including the three wise men who were deputies to the head would be much better than the two ruling men, however, their coalition leadership has been tested, showing who they really are. “Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build bridges even when there are no rivers.”- Nikita Khrushchev. AREKI DAWAI Suva

Planting a tree

Sometimes in life we may plant a tree but may never have the opportunity of sitting under its shade. That’s why it’s so important to uplift people at every chance we get. Na loloma e seqa ni yali – love is never lost! Colin Deoki Australia

It’s a misconception

Sad, but once the police uniform was admired, now people have the misconception that all cops are corrupt. Dan Urai Lautoka

Too many

Anyone else finds it disturbing that a country of less than a million people has almost 10 political parties registered for this year’s general election? Are these parties formed to solve our socio-economic problems or formed for personal gain? Fifty five years after independence, Fiji should be moving forward by avoiding the creation of new parties and reducing political differences. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka

EFL bills

EFL should consider to include the meter reading taken or estimated when texting the monthly bill on the mobile phone. This way we can cross check with the meter before we make payments. Mosese Cirikisuva Lavusa, Nadi

Expensive Fiji

Common sense dictates if cost of living is high, improvise. Complaining will only increase your blood pressure because no one listens. Dan Urai Lautoka 

Missing drugs

Someone recently showed me a comical clip where a lawyer enters a police station to enquire about missing drugs. The police officers tell him that the drugs were eaten by the rats. The lawyer is further stunned when Tom and Jerry are mentioned. Perhaps, that is a possibility. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka

Economic dialogue

There were some interesting and thought-provoking views shared during the 2026 State of the Fijian Economy Dialogue held recently at the Grand Pacific Hotel. Former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry and former deputy prime minister and finance minister Biman Prasad engaged in a spirited, or rather fiery exchange, with Mr Chaudhry firmly defending his record in government. He reminded Professor Prasad (put him back in his place) that, during his brief tenure in office, his government achieved outcomes that many would argue surpassed what the current administration has delivered in three years. Prof Prasad would do well to revisit the achievements of the democratically elected People’s Coalition Government before directing criticism and questionable assertions towards the Labour leader. To refresh his memory, under Mr Chaudhry’s leadership, Fiji recorded one of the highest annual economic growth rates in its modern history, with GDP growth reaching 9.6 per cent. His government also achieved an operating surplus of approximately $47million, driven by record government revenues and prudent expenditure management. Furthermore, through disciplined financial policies and controlled spending, the Labour government moved aggressively to ease the cost of living burden by removing VAT and customs duties on a range of basic food items, providing much needed relief to thousands of struggling Fijians. Unlike the previous and current government, Mahendra Chaudhry was not into the habit of “Dinaunomics”. These are only some of the notable achievements of the Chaudhry-led administration. Prof Prasad should also be reminded that the People’s Coalition Government was abruptly removed from office in 2000 under the guise of protecting so-called “indigenous rights”. As a result, Mr Chaudhry was denied the opportunity to serve a full term as Prime Minister. Had his government been allowed to complete its mandate, I believe Fiji’s economic trajectory could have been significantly different. We would have been a booming nation today. Mr Chaudhry’s 1999–2000 tenure remains a benchmark for disciplined public financial management and economic stewardship. Whether one agrees with all of his policies or not, the economic indicators achieved during that period continue to be cited as evidence of a government focused on financial responsibility, economic growth, and reducing the cost of living for ordinary Fijians. Perhaps these are facts that Prof Prasad should keep in mind before dismissing the record of a former prime minister whose achievements continue to resonate with many Fijians today. Mr Prasad, aptly put, your performance as deputy prime minister and Finance Minister has been deeply disappointing. The state of Fiji’s economy under the PAP/NFP-led government speaks volumes. Rather than attacking critics, I suggest you stay in your lane and focus on fixing the country’s economic challenges and rising poverty. Nishant Singh Lautoka

More questions for Aiyaz

It was interesting hearing the various speakers at the recent Fiji State of Economy Dialogue. One of the more notable contributions came from former attorney-general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. It did make me wonder though – did anyone manage to ask him about Decree 51 and the concerns raised at the time regarding its impact on more than 6000 pensioners and their families’ retirement savings? And more broadly, what lessons were learned about the wider economic consequences when policy decisions intersect so directly with people’s life savings? Also, was there any discussion about the deregistration of the political party he helped establish and the outstanding debt that reportedly remained at the time? Has that matter since been fully resolved, or is it still sitting somewhere in the “pending file” cabinet of history? And if it has been settled, it would be interesting to know who assisted in bringing it to closure. I had a few more questions in mind, but then I remembered the purpose of the gathering was, of course, the state of the economy, not a full excavation of past political footnotes. My apologies for momentarily drifting off script. Sa qase sara ga. Colin Deoki Australia

An emotional birthday celebration!

Tuesday, June 9, was both special and emotional. My daughter, Mahika Lingam, celebrated her 11th birthday for the first time without her mother, Madhu Krishna, who passed away on September 24, last year. A daughter is her father’s pride, and the adage that, ‘A father holds his daughter’s hand for a short while, but he holds her heart forever’, inspires our daughter-father relationship. Mahi is my treasure — light that lifts my mood and spirit. Her sweet-sounding, nature-inspired name, symbolises greatness and unity, reflecting values cherished in various cultures. After her mother’s death, I carry out both roles — that of a father and mother, alongside being a companion and friend. It’s not easy, but the support that we give each other keeps us going. Mahi confides in me. She shares her secrets and takes my advice. As a single parent, I ensure I balance my time and we have enough time to share how each other’s day went. I didn’t want to let my wife’s absence affect her big day, so I took over all preparations. We had Ramayan at home, so all the preparations were done well before time — the making of prasad, food, sweets, snacks and savouries. Mahi chose the designs on her cake which was baked by Rosy Hearts. We also ordered cupcakes for the kids. During the celebration, emotions flowed openly as we recalled the endless preparations her mother did for her last year on her 10th birthday, knowing too well that she was fighting a battle to stay alive. Mahi surprised me as she delivered the vote of thanks- an eloquent and fluent speech. The night ended with hugs and well wishes. I’m glad that I did every bit to give my daughter a memorable birthday. To every father reading this letter, our daughter is precious and needs to be loved and taken good care of. If we do our part, we’ll solve a lot of social ills that Fiji is currently facing. God has blessed us with a daughter. Let’s do our part as fathers! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu

State of the economy

I REFER to Ronnie Chang’s letter, “State of the economy”. The writer suggests there is community speculation regarding how much it cost attendees to participate in the recent State of the Economy Dialogue. For the sake of accuracy, it is important to clarify that attendees were not charged a single cent to attend the event. Participation was completely free. The dialogue was fully-funded under Dialogue Fiji’s Strengthening Democracy, Human Rights and Social Cohesion (DeRiSC) project with the generous support of our long-term development partner, Bread for the World (Brot für die Welt). In the interests of transparency, we are also happy to disclose that the entire two-day event cost approximately $30,000 to organise. That figure covered venue hire and setup, meals and refreshments, professional audio-visual production, a four-camera livestreaming operation, event branding, technical support, logistics and all associated costs. To place this in perspective, events of a similar scale and production quality would ordinarily cost well in excess of $100,000. The level of professional AV production, livestreaming capability, venue standards and overall event management delivered during the dialogue would typically come at a substantially higher price tag. We are, therefore, extremely proud of our team’s ability to deliver an event of this standard at less than a third of what such events commonly cost. Rather than raising questions, the $30,000 figure should be viewed as an example of efficient stewardship of donor resources and prudent financial management. More importantly, the real measure of value is not how much was spent, but what was achieved. The State of the Economy Dialogue brought together senior government officials, opposition politicians, international financial institutions, development partners, economists, business leaders, civil society representatives, academics, media organisations and members of the public for what was arguably the most comprehensive and balanced discussion on Fiji’s economy in recent years. At a time when ordinary Fijians are facing significant cost-of-living pressures and uncertainty about the country’s economic direction, creating a space for evidence-based, non-partisan public dialogue is not a luxury. It is a democratic necessity. The dialogue generated substantial public interest, reached thousands of people through professional livestreaming and media coverage, and helped deepen public understanding of Fiji’s economic realities, opportunities and challenges. Indeed, it is difficult to identify another economic forum in recent years that has brought together such a diverse range of political leaders, international institutions, development partners, private sector representatives and civil society voices under one roof for an open and constructive discussion on the future of Fiji’s economy. For Dialogue Fiji, the approximately $30,000 invested in this initiative represents not only excellent value for money, but also an investment in informed public discourse, democratic participation and better economic policy-making. Nilesh Lal Executive director Dialogue Fiji

Cane price debates

FORMER prime minister and sugar minister Mahendra Pal Chaudhry has been conducting meetings in the Western Division, urging cane farmers not to harvest their cane during the 2026 harvesting season on the grounds that cane payments are currently too low. Conversely, the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar, honourable Tomasi Tunabuna, refuted Mr Chaudhry’s claims earlier this week and cautioned him against misleading cane farmers. The minister further pointed out that the lowest third cane payment on record was made during Mr Chaudhry’s tenure as prime minister and sugar minister. Regardless of the political disagreement, it is ultimately the cane farmers who would suffer the greatest financial loss if they leave their cane unharvested, as uncut cane earns no income. Moreover, should the crop be destroyed by arson or other unforeseen circumstances, farmers are unlikely to receive compensation from either side of the political divide. In the end, political debates may come and go, but farmers cannot deposit promises, accusations, or speeches into their bank accounts; only harvested cane has that privilege. DINESH KUMAR Ba

Nicknames and all

CAN the media please stop referring to alleged drug kingpins and suspects charged with drug-related offences by their nicknames. It is becoming quite annoying. These individuals may choose to call themselves “kings”, “queens”, “princesses, Don” etc, or any other self-proclaimed titles, but once they are before a court of law, they should be identified by their real names, not by fictional or glorified fairytale aliases. More responsible reporting and less sensationalism from the media would be appreciated. Kaha ke king hai? Nishant Singh Lautoka

Soccer World Cup

Many people in Fiji are again glued to their TV to enjoy the FIFA soccer World Cup. Our neighbours New Zealand and Australia have again made the cut. The same NZ we used to thrash. The same Australia we used to beat have both moved on. Curaçao has a population of 160,000 people with only 1500 registered and active soccer players across all levels or age groups, created history and made it to the WC. Fiji has less than a million people, people with 35,000 active and registered soccer players across all levels and age groups. Never made it to these games. Fiji played Mexico here at the national stadium in the ’80s. And Mexico has made it to so many WCs.  So where have we gone wrong? What’s lacking? All other countries, including Muslim, Asian, black, are at every World Cup. Not even one Indian player or Indian national team has ever made it. Out of 1250 players in this year’s WC, not even one is of Indian or Fijian origin. That shows where we are in the sports world and where we stand. Are we doing enough or all our efforts are just not good enough? A Shariff Shah Savusavu

Bula Festival is coming

Police presence plays a pivotal role in maintaining public safety, particularly during large-scale gatherings such as this year’s Bula Festival. It is crucial for authorities to make substantial efforts toward increasing police visibility to safeguard both attendees and vendors. When law enforcement officers are strategically positioned and actively patrolling the area, it fosters an atmosphere that discourages criminal behaviour, including theft, assaults, and general disturbances. Festivals often draw diverse crowds, including individuals who may overindulge in alcohol or display unruly conduct. Last year’s event saw an unsettling number of intoxicated individuals moving about unchecked, which not only disrupted the festive atmosphere but also raised safety concerns for the public. Such scenarios can escalate into more serious incidents if not managed effectively. This year, I urge local law enforcement to adopt proactive measures by implementing a carefully coordinated strategy focused on crowd management and prompt intervention as necessary. Another pressing concern is the issue of pick-pocketing, a recurring problem at events of this scale. Large crowds create opportunities for petty criminals to exploit distracted festival-goers. A strong police presence alongside random surveillance efforts and regular public awareness messages can go a long way in preventing such incidents. Traffic management remains a significant challenge that also needs to be addressed. Previous festivals have seen issues with traffic congestion and chaotic parking, causing unnecessary frustration for residents and visitors alike. Measures such as deploying adequate traffic officers, installing clear signage for parking and entry points, and designing alternative routes should be prioritised within the police’s operational plan this year. Coordinating closely with event organisers will undoubtedly help streamline vehicle movement and enhance pedestrian safety. It is equally important for festival organisers to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure robust security measures are in place. Careful monitoring throughout the event is essential, leaving no room for negligence in fulfilling their duty to provide a safe environment for all. The true success of the Bula Festival will be measured not only by its vibrant attractions but also by how secure and comfortable attendees feel. A strengthened police presence coupled with seamless coordination among all stakeholders can create a safe and enjoyable event for everyone. With the festival just around the corner next month, it is imperative to prioritise these measures for a memorable celebration. Suresh Chand Nadi

Minimum education rule

There are growing calls from the public for minimum qualification standards for Members of Parliament, including a basic educational requirement for candidates. And yes, I fully support this. Some of the performances we have witnessed in Parliament over the years, especially during debates, have left many citizens scratching their heads and wondering, “How exactly did these people get there?” Somehow, the current system allows almost anyone with political ambition to walk straight into those corridors of power. The only question seems to be whether they can secure enough votes, not whether they actually have the knowledge, skills, or understanding required to make effective and informed decisions affecting the nation. There were even rumours in the past about the academic qualifications of certain MPs, including claims about one former MP who suddenly switched from NFP to FijiFirst before the last general election having only reached Form Four level. If true, that raises serious questions. If such claims have no substance, then it should be easy enough to clarify through transparent verification. Perhaps it is time we stop treating Parliament like a village community meeting hall where anyone can simply show up with a party ticket and a load of nonsense. A minimum education standard should be introduced for aspiring MPs, and academic qualifications should be properly checked and furnished to the public before candidates are allowed to contest. Running a country requires more than just knowing how to wave, put on Colgate smiles during election campaigns and read from prepared speeches. Parliament is where laws are made and the future of the country is decided. The people of Fiji deserve representatives who are capable, informed, and equipped for the responsibility. And please, no “Form Four” politicians acha? Nishant Singh Lautoka

Westin over FNPF pensioners!

Ronnie Chang’s letter (The Fiji Times May 29, 2026) is a plea from the heart of a pensioner, speaking on behalf of other pensioners in financial dire straits, because of a decision made by two men and a board that failed to stand by the very people it is there to protect and to ask the hard questions on their behalf. We now have another situation with the Westin project ‘busting the budget’ where workers’ funds are being used to support a project that probably should be declared bankrupt! We have not forgotten the Marriott disaster. FNPF owners are informed that The Westin review noted that legal advice had cautioned against proceeding under a cost-plus model because of the absence of pricing certainty, incomplete project designs, weak cost controls, and the potentially significant financial exposure such a structure created for FNPF. Nevertheless, the arrangement proceeded.’ I repeat, Nevertheless, the arrangement proceeded! The question arises, therefore, as to who is responsible for enabling this arrangement to proceed? The Minister? The Board Chair? A group of members? Collusion of a group? Again, the Board failed to stand its ground and this time on the $220m blowout for the Westin Project. There must be repercussions for this Board and the replacement of its members is the only solution. When the Pensioners Group advocated for compensation for the breaking of an irrevocable contract and removal of Decree 52 (2011) at a meeting with the Board, their stand was adamant that it is the law that prevents them from making the changes or even recommending changes. We have asked and never received a fitting answer to where the law was on irrevocable contracts and the upholding of fiduciary duties for the workers of Fiji? This matter is about governance and how Fiji’s only retirement institution manages risk using workers’ compulsory savings. The Coalition Government admitted that the actions of the former government were unjust and implemented partial restorative justice. Pensioners acknowledged this. What remains perplexing is why the Coalition has refused to take this matter to full justice. A reversal of Decree 52 is what is needed. Since the FNPF frequently boasts about the billions it has in cash and assets, money is not the problem. Taxpayers should not pay compensation, the FNPF should. In the final analysis, it is political will and since it was one Government’s decision to disrespect pensioners’ rights, justice can only be served by this Government to restore pensioners’ rights. Surely, there must be one or two or more among you with a heart! We pension eligible individuals are finding life even harder now and restoring what is rightfully ours is just compensation. The ball rests in your court PM and the Coalition to lead the charge. We trust you to do this in the name of justice to complete what the Coalition acknowledged as an injustice at the very outset of its term. Elizabeth Reade Fong Suva

Thinking outside the box

In these economically challenging times with ever-increasing fuel prices; bloated inherited debt repayment of about $1billion; bloated 40,000 civil servants’ annual wage bill in excess of $1billion, where does Fiji find millions upon million of “Saqamoli” for anything else. Some economists and prophets of doom say too much is spent on tourism (too many eggs in one basket). There is so much idle native land. Our people must be made to think outside the box; they must be motivated. Work hard like most Asians. Work the land. There are many capable iTaukei youths, who have interests in agriculture, aqua culture. Give them scholarships. Send them on attachments to various hardworking Asian destinations for up to 12 months. Bring them back. Work the land. Our Trade and Foreign ministries must find markets before crops are grown. There is no reason Monasavu, Nadarivatu, Namosi, Ra, Nausori Highlands cannot be turned into 20-year Tax Free Zones. Many cool temperate imported fruit and vegetables can be grown in the above places. Spare nothing. Educate our youth. Work all available idle land under professional supervisor. Donor developed nations can assist us. Maritime destinations can contribute with aqua culture and the like fish, prawns, crabs. Fiji needs to grow small types of kumala and yams. Asian countries are a ready market. Mangoes and Hawaiian pawpaws are always in demand. Soursop and Jackfruit need to be included. All commercial farming need long-term discipline and sustained determination. (Kana, dodo – will never help. Cut down on too much bereavement; oga and social commitments). Time for a new page in Fiji history. The iTaukei now have this one chance. A newer breed of hard workers must now rise up. Show us. Show the world. Bananas must also be grown commercially for exports. Farmers and exporters must learn to handle all produce with care and properly packed. Do not bruise them. The above are numerous opportunities. Fiji must have the will, passion, courage, determination to be faithful to all development. Our productive levels need to be enhanced 50 to 100 fold. Success is 1 per cent inspiration; and 99 per cent perspiration. As a surviving betrayed senior FNPF pensioner I offer these recommendations, freely. And help improve Fiji’s economy. And an advocate to motivate. If the Asians can; Fiji can, too. Please do not say: “We cannot, can.” Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi

Steel tracks to Fiji’s green revolution

Fiji routinely champions climate resilience on the world stage, yet a massive carbon-reduction asset continues to rust beneath our feet. Our sugar transport framework has been taken captive by short-term corporate accounting, offloading crushing logistics costs entirely onto struggling farmers. It is a blinding policy contradiction that must be challenged. My recent quantitative modelling research of a “Green Rail Conversion” reveals staggering macroeconomic benefits. Shifting just 70 per cent of a standard 1.5-million-tonne crushing season back onto existing rail networks would eliminate nearly 148,000 long-haul truck transits. Because steel wheels on tracks experience virtually zero rolling resistance, we would trade a road-clogging lorry fleet burning 12 million litres of diesel for a synchronised locomotive network consuming under a million litres. At current prices, this saves over 11 million litres of fuel—stopping more than $53million from bleeding out of Fiji’s precious foreign exchange reserves in a single season. The cascading grapevine effect benefits extend far beyond fuel. Transport costs currently consume a crushing 40 per cent to 75 per cent of a farmer’s total gross earnings. Transitioning to a co-ordinated mechanical harvester and rail-bin system would instantly plummet these logistics expenses to a manageable 5 per cent to 15 per cent, injecting millions back into rural households, saving the downward trajectory of the sugar industry. The death of the farmer is the death knell of FSC and all stakeholders. The thousands of roadside flat tyres, constant engine overhauls, and expensive imported spare parts draining farm profits would be a thing of the past. This model relies on the exact same tractor-trailer infrastructure our villages have utilised for a century. Specialised side-loading bins with wheels, will simply be towed on top of farm tractors, alongside mechanical harvesters in the field, when full making short, low-wear trips to the nearest railway line for smooth transfer onto the rail tracks. No farm machinery would ever endure long, diesel guzzling, and tyre-shredding journeys to mill gates, freeing idle tractors to return to their true purpose: active village field ploughing, contract work and cultivation. Furthermore, the public would be spared the daytime clogging of roads, mills, accelerated pavement destruction, and toxic fumes that choke our highways, removing the need for heavy taxpayer road subsidies. We must learn from the uncompromising benchmark set by Queensland, where road trucks are used nowhere in the bulk transport chain; rail is used exclusively. It is tragic that while advanced nations bar trucks to maintain competitiveness, Fiji allows the FSC to offload its structural inefficiencies onto farmers. We do not need an expensive green experiment; we simply need a political will on the part of the Minister of Sugar or Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to instruct FSC to invest in cane bins and put our sugar industry back on the tracks towards profitability, clawing back the ‘Green Revolution” that was part of the sugar industry for over a 150 years. Dr Sushil K Sharma Lautoka 

Gold Coast flights

Congratulations, please market Fiji as a destination, not just a stopover on the way to the States. Dan Urai Lautoka

NFP leadership

NFP has a leader and in future should the leadership change, there are some experienced personnel who have been there for long and hopefully have the capacity to lead not forgetting some with Parliamentary experience as stated by Sukha Singh. However, I will take the compliments by the obsessed letter writer who cannot get over the present leader. I wonder if he even dreams of the NFP leader every night. As for my suggestion to the Prime Minister, I have expressed my right to freedom of speech and it’s entirely up to him to understand, evaluate and act upon it. It was in good faith. Wording such as flip flopper were the compliments from that obsessed letter writer. Kirti Patel Lautoka

A different perspective

First up, I’d like to acknowledge that I’m not an economist. However, not long ago I was having dinner with friends when the conversation turned to the economy. One of the guests had held a senior position within some of the region’s major financial institutions and he explained macroeconomics in a way that even a layperson like me could understand. In its simplest form, macroeconomics is the study of the economic health of an entire nation. It examines things such as employment, inflation, economic growth, government debt and ultimately how affordable life is for ordinary citizens. In many ways, macroeconomics is about keeping a country’s economic engine running as smoothly as possible. Like any engine, an economy requires regular maintenance and constant monitoring. Warning lights need to be noticed before they become major breakdowns. A Government must continually assess whether the economy is operating efficiently, creating jobs, attracting investment and generating sufficient income to meet its obligations. Debt, by itself, isn’t necessarily a bad thing, I’ve since discovered. Many countries borrow money to build roads, ports, airports, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure designed to stimulate economic activity and improve living standards. If those investments generate growth and future revenue, debt can be a useful tool. However, the challenge arises when the debt continues to grow faster than the economy’s ability to service it. At the end of the day, every dollar borrowed must eventually be repaid, along with interest. That repayment has to come from somewhere. For a country such as Fiji, which imports far more than it exports, that presents a significant challenge. We spend large amounts of foreign exchange purchasing goods from overseas while generating comparatively less through exports. So, what needs to happen? Perhaps the first priority is to significantly expand and diversify our export sector. We cannot continue relying heavily on a handful of industries while importing so much of what we consume. Secondly, greater support could be given to local manufacturing and agriculture so more products consumed in Fiji are produced in Fiji. Every imported item that can be produced competitively at home helps keep valuable dollars circulating within the local economy. Thirdly, we need to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and value-added industries. Instead of simply exporting raw materials, we should be looking for ways to process and package more products locally, creating jobs and generating higher export earnings. Tourism will continue to play a vital role, but it cannot be the only pillar supporting the economy. Recent global events have shown how vulnerable countries can become when they depend too heavily on one industry. We also need policies that attract investment, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, improve productivity and equip young people with the skills needed in a rapidly changing world. Most importantly, economic success shouldn’t simply be measured by GDP growth or favourable statistics. It should also be measured by whether ordinary families can afford groceries, pay their rent, meet their utility bills, educate their children and have confidence about the future. After all, what good is a strong economy on paper if the people living within it continue to struggle? Colin Deoki Australia

Road conditions

Fiji’s severe pothole ridden and bumpy roads will not only change the radio station in the vehicle but can also unlock the doors and speed up taxi meters. Kemudou! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka

Say no to drugs!

The Fiji Times (06/06) dedicated two pages to International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) as schools commemorated IDADAIT. Students recited poems, gave speeches, made posters and took part in character parade. Their creativity was brought out. I salute them for their efforts. Just shows the talents that we have inside the four walls of the classroom, and I commend the trusted brand for unearthing them. It is important to raise awareness on issues facing students- peer pressure, making wrong choices, experimenting with drugs and substances that are harmful to their health, having unprotected sex and sharing needles, to list a few. It is important to raise awareness on how making wrong choices and decisions can affect their mental and physical health, relationship with others, their education and dreams of becoming a successful person in life. Children must be taught that life is precious- it comes once and they must guard it well. They must be taught to make responsible choices and choose good friends. They must be encouraged to say no to drugs, wrong choices, pornography, and behaviour which is risky, and instead focus on healthy living, respecting those around them, sports, good values and faith. Our children are vulnerable and need our support and advice. Together, we can protect and nurture them! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu

Sugar Minister to account

Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Minister Tomasi Tunabuna’s response to the National Farmers Union Ba meeting (FT, 11/06/26) is a textbook political diversion. Rather than answering the 11 resolutions passed by farmers demanding $110 per tonne, restoration of rail transport, a fuel rebate scheme, and compensation for stand-over cane — the Minister attacked Mahendra Chaudhry personally, accused him of playing politics, and reached back to March 2000 to relitigate history. I believe this is the response of a minister who has no answer to the substance, nor the issues of the industry, and knows it. Let the substance be stated plainly. On July 15, 2024, Cabinet approved the write-off of $200.2million owed by the Fiji Sugar Corporation to the Government. Even after that $200.2m debt write-off, FSC remains burdened with $382m in debt and lacks the financial headroom to fund capital investments independently, its own chairman Nitya Reddy acknowledged in the 2025 annual report. Parliament separately approved a government guarantee of FSC borrowings up to $200 million until 2028 — with FSC exempted from paying the guarantee fee. The taxpayer of Fiji has written off $200.2m of FSC debt, guaranteed a further $200m in borrowings, and exempted FSC from the guarantee fee — and in return the farmer receives $85 per tonne, a price set by Bainimarama in 2018 when rural diesel cost $1.54 per litre against today’s $4.63 per litre. As Opposition MP Viam Pillay stated precisely: Government support has been patchwork, not a plan — and despite the $200.2m write-off and $200m in guarantees, cane production has fallen 15 per cent. The Minister is the 100 per cent owner of FSC on behalf of the Fijian people. He has not directed FSC to undergo salary and executive perks rationalisation. I believe he has not directed FSC to restore rail transport as a contractual Master Award obligation. He has not directed FSC to revert to bin transfer systems — trialed successfully in Fiji and standard practice in Queensland — that would allow mechanical harvesters to offload cane onto railway lines without diesel lorry transport costs falling on the farmer. He has not directed any accountability or oversight review of an institution that its own former Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh described as technically bankrupt. What he has done is place a whole page paid advertisement — paid again not by him but the Fijian tax payer, in both the dailies (FT and FS 6/6/26) announcing $85 per tonne — the same figure Bainimarama offered eight years ago — and then attack the NFU general secretary for holding a farmers’ meeting. I believe Minister Tunabuna voted himself a 138 per cent parliamentary salary increase. He sits in a ministerial portfolio that has overseen successive FSC bailouts totalling over $400m in taxpayer funds. The farmers of Ba, Rarawai, Lautoka, and Labasa have received $85 per tonne while diesel has tripled, rail has been abandoned, and the lorry allowance has been cut from F$15 to $10 per tonne. Successive ministers have come and gone like roller doors — each one promising, none delivering. The NFU farmers in Ba last Saturday were not playing politics. They were doing arithmetic. The minister should try it and maybe he will learn what really happens in the sugar industry, where he keeps bailing out FSC but does not care about the Fijians sugar cane farmers, as shown by his outdated cane guarantee price of $85 per tonne. In my calculations the payment due to cane farmers planting, growing, taking care of, harvesting and then delivering at his own costs, is $115 per tonne and not $85 as he advertised in the tax payer funded advertisements. DR SUSHIL K SHARMA Lautoka

Defence partnership

Indian journalists are now saying that since the Modi Government and UAE’s Strategic Defence Partnership Agreement, Iranian missiles now target Bahrain and Kuwait. They also add that Modi quietly spoke to the Iranian regime. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi

GDP in crisis

AT a recent forum, Reserve Bank Governor Ariff Ali admitted that the Government cannot inject additional spending into the economy because it simply does not have the resources. This frank admission should alarm every Fijian household. Economists measure national output through a simple formula: GDP equals Consumer spending (C), business Investment (I), Government spending (G), and Net exports (X). When one pillar collapses, the others must compensate. Right now, Fiji’s G has gone silent. Around the grog bowl, the cruder verdict would be: G faat jao. Government spending is normally the lever a state pulls when consumer spending is suppressed by rising costs and external pressures. Without it, the spiral deepens, with fewer jobs, less spending, further contraction. History is unambiguous on this point. How we got here is a debate with no end or solutions, way beyond the grog tanoa goes maca. Fiji’s constraints are real: import-dependent, small open economy, limited monetary tools, high debt-servicing costs. But no fiscal room does not mean no options. It means the options must be structural. These three steps deserve serious consideration. First, cut the state before cutting the services. Fiji’s overlapping statutory authorities, boards, and agencies duplicate government functions and consume resources that should reach frontline services. Reducing ministers, ministerial entitlements, board fees, travel budgets, and vehicle allowances is a credible starting point. Second, engage creditors proactively. Seeking debt rescheduling, grace periods, and concessional rollovers now before conditions worsen. Free recurring cash flow without new borrowing. Countries that waited too long paid a far steeper price. Third, mandate local food procurement. Directing hospitals, prisons, schools, and government facilities to source from local farmers keeps existing spending circulating within the domestic economy, with no new money required. Time for tough choices is now. Praneet Singh Sacramento, California

Fiji’s economy

THE insights given by the key speakers at the “State of Fijian Economy Dialogue 2026” organized by Dialogue Fiji clearly indicates the economy of our country needs a push. $11.4b debt level is an alarming figure at this stage. Of course we have seen the rising level from previous years. The operating surplus being declined by 95% raises alarm and Fiji’s economy forecast being slashed to 1.5 per cent according to the Reserve Bank Governor is no icing on the cake and it pains to know of inflation rate increasing in the coming months. The global fuel tension is not and cannot be blamed for this situation. Even two Government Members of Parliament have accepted that improvements can and should be made towards the declining economy, outlining all that has been done and can be done. Of course, there always will be challenges with any government ruling. The fact remains that it’s not glossy out and about. Let’s hope some good suggestions being thrown out on that forum will put into perspective and implemented. It’s not just only about the “fancy talks”. We have inherited some “blessings” of this downfall from back in years no doubt. Fiji surely needs urgent fix through practical solutions. Meanwhile eyes and ears are eagerly waiting for the upcoming budget which “some” refer to as “vote buying budget”. Understandably. The last budget announcement before the election is always referred to as such. The question is: who is to be blamed? The Government or the general voters? Governments come and go, so does the budget. So, when “vote buying budget” is being yelled out, where should be the line of control and understanding? Those people already have the answer to this. By the way, it was good to see someone as a speaker this time, who always declined to show up during his time in the regime. Anyways, hoping those dialogues do come to fruition in some ways for the betterment of our country. Anticipating a meaningful budget. Kirti Patel Lautoka