Commissioner’s speech
Compol’s speech during the Fiji Police church parade on Sunday 15/03 was not appreciated nor respected by certain sections of the community who are very fond of politicising everything. Members of the public should hear properly and understand what the commissioner said that no one is perfect in this world and we all have our shortfall in whatever we do. I do appreciate his boldness and courage to give a word of encouragement in the face of criticism and ungrateful society. The Fiji Police is still way far behind on logistics and equipment to counter the ever increasing crime rate and criminal activities. The public should remember he was addressing his officers and was trying his best to motivate them in the face of ungrateful people whom they dealt with on daily basis. I salute the police commissioner and the Fiji Police for their effort so far in giving us a safe and secure environment to live in. We, the public, also have a duty to make Fiji a better place to live in. It’s the people who fail to uphold their responsibility who always point fingers at the organisation. Because they thought that the police should be at all places at all times to see and hear whatever illegal is going on. That’s nonsense and is irresponsible. It’s our responsibility to see that we lived in a safe and secure environment and not the police. We the citizens are the first line of defence mind you! Take ownership and be responsible. Talk is cheap! Pita Soroaqali Tavua
No fuel price rise!
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka made a powerful statement (FT: 18/03), “There should be no price hike. There’s no need for any price hike because there is no need to panic yet.” I’m worried about the word yet. His statement came at the height of growing concerns that there could be fuel shortage and a hike in fuel prices. PM and his team must strategise and prepare for the worst-case scenario. We should learn from COVID-19 experiences and be prepared for negative outcomes. Despite assurances that currently Fiji’s fuel supply is stable, a strategic plan must be put in place. We must respond with clarity and not confusion. I also fail to understand why fuel stations are putting up signboards reading ‘Out of order’. These signboards and false rumours on social media are creating confusion and chaos. Taxi operators in the Sugar City voiced their concern about fuel supply there (FT: 18/03). I hope that their concern will be addressed. I’m also urging the relevant authorities and fuel stations to stop selling fuel in bulk. Not every vehicle owner can buy in bulk. Hence, the need to think about everyone and ensure that there is enough fuel for everyone. Bulk buying must immediately stop and those engaged in it must be taken to task. Finally, time to reset our energy focus through coordination and leadership. As I conclude, salutations to the editor-in-chief for the bold editorial titled ‘No panic, no complacency’ (FT: 18/03). The editorial provides a great insight into our fuel situation and what needs to be done. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Mother and son
The story of Nikesh Ravi Raj and his mother is noteworthy (FT: March 18/3). Raising cattle in the challenging terrain indeed is a story of resilience and renewal. Cows are considered one of the mothers of humankind because cows’ milk is perfectly suited to maintaining human life. It is noble for Nikesh Ravi Raj and his mother to raise cattle. Blessed are those people who own cows, feed them and take care of them. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Roadside vending
Former minister for Local Government, Premila Kumar, pointed out that selling goods or produce on the roadside is against the law. To tackle this problem, she mentioned that her team had been working to move roadside vendors and traders from highways to designated markets in towns and suburban areas. Mrs Kumar stressed that having unauthorised vendors near official marketplaces undermine the goal of establishing proper commercial infrastructure. She also recognised that many roadside sellers pick these locations to attract passing customers and gain a competitive advantage, but she reiterated that these actions break the law. In addition to the legal issues, Mrs Kumar expressed concerns about the health risks linked to roadside vending, especially the effects of exposing fresh produce to direct sunlight, which could affect both food quality and safety. To address these issues, she urged vendors to shift from roadways to the designated market spaces created for them. Even though Mrs Kumar is no longer in office, it is probable that the ministry has continued to follow her suggestions, taking steps to reduce roadside selling and encourage safer, regulated trading environments. Suresh Chand Nadi
Litter questions
The mooted hike in the fine for litter bugs from the current $40 to $200 is a move in the positive direction. However, if the enforcement efforts remain lacklustre as they currently are, I’m afraid the litter bugs will not be forced to change their habits or culture. I have lamented a few times about the neighbours’ loosely packed garbage bags and their garbage strewn in front of my house. If one day, after the new fine comes into effect, the authorities with the fine ticket book come around, will I be served the $200 fine? Or, undertaking some unnecessary documentation work, should I start keeping evidence of ‘wasn’t me’? Reminds me of a particular ‘it wasn’t me’ episode by a former minister from August 2020. Donald Singh Nausori
Poor drainage
Pictures of floods in the Western Division have been circulated on social media and motorists can be seen driving along flooded road. We need to anticipate flooding, but here people are also walking along flooded roads. We talk about being prepared? What should I say? Is it floodwaters in towns and cities just because of the poor drainage system which municipal councils are not taking action over, or is it climate change affecting Fiji? NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Water pressure
Why can’t the Water Authority explain the reason or reasons there is low water pressure in parts of Lautoka? I believe if they can explain the reason or reasons then they are halfway to resolving the issue. The problems have existed for far too long. Dan Urai Lautoka
Bus routes
Many citizens feel the current network doesn’t work well for our community with a lack of bus services! Is there anyone reviewing bus services in our country and I want to hear from you LTA. NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Stop watching 7s rugby
@Jan Nissar it must be terrible feeling like sour grapes every day of your life? Just because Australia doesn’t feature anywhere in 7s or 15s rugby anymore? The recent tournament was definitely not a Mickey Mouse tournament and the fact that according to you no one knew in Australia about it just shows that Australians have given up on rugby as they are not good at it — maybe you should also stop watching it. Brian Bouwer Nadi
Better life
It is all too important that everything we eat and drink must be in moderation. Anything excessive will cause some harm. For many of us, too much of everything we eat and drink leads us to NCDs. Many have paid and continue to pay heavy prices. To all men, aged 45 and over, please be responsible to yourselves, and your families. Go to your nearest health centre and get tested for your prostate. Do not delay. If your health centre is not your preferred choice, please go to your nearest health laboratory. A simple test in not expensive. Consider it an investment for a better life. Do not procrastinate and regret later. Life is a precious gift from God. Nurture it. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Roadside trash, permit
Our roads are not rubbish dumps
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the deteriorating state of our beautiful nation’s roadsides. From rural villages to urban suburbs and our city centres, the sight of discarded roti wrappers, plastic bottles, and various household waste has become an eyesore that we can no longer ignore. Oh, and not ignoring mechanical wastes dumped by unidentified ignorant mechanics. It is disheartening to see passengers in buses and private vehicles treat our open land as a personal rubbish dump. This irresponsible behaviour does more than just ruin our scenery; the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) has repeatedly warned that this litter blocks drains and culverts, directly contributing to the severe flashflooding that plagues our communities. While the Government has launched campaigns like “Do The Right Things” to foster civic pride, more localised action is needed. I urge the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the FRA to move beyond general awareness and, to my opinion, implement the following:
- Public Transport Stickers: Mandatory anti-littering stickers in every bus and taxi to remind passengers of their responsibility;
- Strategic Signboards: Visible signage at hotspots and bus stands detailing the hefty fines under the Litter Act 2008 — which can reach $200 for individuals, (if there’s even one!); and
- Community Workshops: Collaborative sessions with town councils to educate pedestrians and residents on proper waste management.
- Acknowledgement on local television channels is not enough.
The Ministry of Environment has already begun training Litter Prevention Officers (LPOs) from the LTA and police. It is time this enforcement is matched with a visible, daily reminder to all Fijians that our environment is a treasure, not a trash can. Let us work together to keep Fiji clean for ourselves and for future generations. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
Taxi permit freeze lifted
The Land Transport Authority has finally lifted the seven-year freeze on taxi permits, an announcement that must have come as a shock to the many “pari” drivers who have been operating illegally and without fear all this time (FT 18/03). Scrapping the Open Taxi Rank System is also a welcome dose of common sense. The controversial 2018 barrel draw fiasco, masterminded during the reign of the FijiFirst regime, was more of a circus than a system. I still remember the theatrical glove-and “Zorro” mask-like performance by the former minister for everything (Aiyaz), while names were pulled from a barrel, Unsurprisingly, it delivered confusion, complaints, and a complete lack of credibility. Now that permits are being issued again, perhaps those operating quite comfortably (and quite illegally) from places like the Pacific Energy Service Station in Lautoka might consider joining the legal taxi operators. One should explain how such illegal operations were allowed to flourish in plain sight. Even more concerning are reports indicating that some of these “pari” drivers didn’t even possess valid driver’s licences. Meanwhile, while the Government has found the urgency to fix taxis, the long-promised review of the rent freeze remains lost in transit. Former Finance Minister Biman Prasad assured the public back in August of 2025 that changes under the Landlord and Tenancy Bill were on the way. Fast forward to 2026, and the silence has been deafening. As for the ever-vigilant Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), their sudden vow of silence on the matter is truly inspiring. One might assume the issue has either been solved quietly or conveniently forgotten. Landlords have been suffering in silence for the past 18 years. Nishant Singh Lautoka
