Monika’s fight for survival
Monika Keivuluki’s story of survival (FT: 18/06) titled ‘Monika’s fight for survival’ teaches readers that survival is about resilience, adaptability, and the courage to keep moving forward despite adversity. Her story reminds us of two quotes – one by Helen Keller: “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it” and the other by Nelson Mandela: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Originally from Naivilaca in Rewa, Monika resides in Narere and earns a living by selling fruits by the roadside. Her act of survival is summed up in three words – never give up. Monika grew up in a home burdened by poverty and instability, and her parents did not enjoy a happy and stable marriage. Thus, when financial hardship tightened its grip on her own household, she turned to roadside selling, shunning away the embarrassment of standing by the roadside, exposed to the dust, car fumes, the hot sun and the rain. Despite the challenges, Monika has not surrendered. She believes that struggles must be overcome so that brighter opportunities and better days could emerge. Thank you, John Kamea and The Fiji Times for the inspiration. I conclude with the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger: “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” Monika is a role model for many Fijians. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Silent key players
The more I read about the submissions made by perpetrators of Fiji’s coups to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the more I am convinced that the truth may never see the light of day. I have said this before and I say it again. It won’t happen. I say this with all due respect to members of the TRC members and their integrity. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Trim the size of Government
Speaking at the State of the Economy dialogue last week, former minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad said that it might be a good time to relook at the size of the Cabinet and the civil service in light of the adverse impact of the global fuel crisis on our economy. He further acknowledged that the Government could have managed the size of government better. I totally agree with him. There is absolutely no need for such a bloated Cabinet. As part of the downsizing exercise during the pandemic, some positions in the public service were declared redundant, only to be later reinstated by the Coalition Government, bound by its election promise. Ironically, the same dilemma has returned to haunt the Government. If Professor Prasad is genuinely serious about trimming the size of government, nothing stops him from moving a motion during the 2026–2027 National Budget debate seeking a reversion of the Cabinet to its original composition. He could also propose the dismissal of all special administrators, as their work can be easily managed by municipal council staff. Let him walk the talk. It is high time we started doing more with less. We should not wait for a crisis to make it happen. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Sugar industry struggle
I quote Sugar Industry Minister Tomasi Tunabuna (FT: 18/06), “We (Government) cannot continue doing business that is costing the Government and taxpayers a lot. The Government continues to invest in the industry despite the ongoing production challenges, such as providing fertilisers.” As farmers prepare for the crushing season, there is anxiety all around them. They are worried about the current cane payment and whether it would suffice for all their expenses — harvesting, transport, land preparation costs, farm maintenance, ploughing, fertilisers and labour. As we approach another crushing season, it is time to accept the bitter truth — once Fiji’s backbone and pride, the sugar industry is on the brink of collapse. The mills are deteriorating. The expiry of land leases has prompted farmers to leave and seek other forms of employment. Management issues continue to plague the industry, and farmers, who have been its backbone, have had little say in decision-making. Finally, the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s ongoing financial and operational challenges, have contributed to the decline of the sugar industry. The Government cannot continue to bail out the sugar industry. A tough decision must be made in the best interests of farmers and other stakeholders. It is a pity we have come to this stage! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Leadership, election and trust
Leadership style
After 14 years as prime minister, the Dutch leader Mark Rutte stepped down, handed over power, and quietly rode away on his bicycle. There was no 21 gun salute, military parade or significant ceremony to mark the official handover of power. I wonder how many of our leaders would adopt such a down-to-earth approach to leadership. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Democratic leadership
Fiji has now been under a democratic representative system for over 55 years since independence. Has it worked? Have the lives of the people and national infrastructure been transformed, or has stagnation deepened? Calls for resource development, better fiscal planning, revival of the sugar industry, and greater investment are often made, but these have largely been echoed as familiar political rhetoric prior to general elections. What, in practice, is the objective of democracy? Is it truly power to the people, or is it about delivering outcomes for the people through the state? If the system does not clearly understand the practical mechanics of governance, then its purpose risks being undermined. Fiji’s political leaders, in my view, are often judged by their ability to win elections rather than to govern and build. There appears to be little in the way of measurable performance indicators—such as whether minimum income levels have increased, poverty has been reduced, or infrastructure has improved. The delivery of safety, infrastructure, and prosperity is, in my view, a more meaningful measure of democracy than a system that offers only the ballot box without visible progress. Do votes matter if life does not improve? It is sometimes observed that China, now a highly developed nation, is governed by engineers and scientists trained to build and deliver outcomes. This is in contrast to systems that may prioritise rhetoric and campaigning. The question remains whether Fiji will continue to be governed by political parties focused on messaging and elections, or whether it will move toward more measurable national transformation. Only time will tell. SAMU SILATOLU Nakasi, Nausori
Municipal elections
It has been over 20 years since municipal elections were last held in Fiji, a disconcerting reality driven by politically motivated agendas of successive governments. While the nation is governed at the national level by an elected government, municipal councils remain unelected, raising concerns about consistency in democratic governance. Democracy, widely regarded as the gold standard of governance, thrives on principles of inclusivity and collective decision-making. Yet, while citizens exercise their right to elect national representatives, this same privilege is denied to ratepayers in relation to council-level governance. The ongoing delay in municipal elections, now stretching well beyond two decades, lacks any substantial justification. This prolonged deferment diminishes the rights of ratepayers and undermines their voice in local decision-making. Two successive governments have continued to neglect their responsibility in addressing this issue, leaving communities without the representation they deserve. It is imperative that municipal elections be reinstated without further delay to ensure that democracy is upheld at every level of governance in Fiji. The ratepayers deserve better. SURESH CHAND Nadi
Looking homeward
I have always wondered what the President, the Prime Minister, his ministers and senior public servants think of Fiji when they return from overseas trips. Do they notice the dilapidated state of our roads and the general appearance of towns, cities, houses and buildings along them? Have they ever felt compelled to change the situation, or are they too busy returning to the routine of doing nothing while preparing for the next trip? The state of Fiji embarrasses me whenever I visit. Many Australian tourists have remarked on it, though I suspect they are being polite. JAN NISSAR Sydney, Australia
Earning public trust
I wonder whether Prime Minister Rabuka’s reminder to new police graduates—and the police force as a whole—that public trust must be earned through conduct (FT 20/6/26) applies equally to politicians and those in positions of power. Has the Rabuka-led government earned the public’s trust since taking office? RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
