Upholding standards
It’s not about committing one mistake and being crucified for it, it’s all about upholding ethical standards, leadership, professionalism and integrity when you hold a ministerial portfolio, more significantly when you are modelling yourself as a role model for women and children. Sorry, Ms Manavesi, Lynda is no exception and she needs to be held accountable for her vile, nauseating and “pornographic” like act (FT 20/03). And what about the sex and illicit drug scandal involving Lynda and another minister while they were on an official taxpayer trip to the parliament of Victoria in Melbourne back in 2024? Some role model she is! And as for men who commit treason and later assume leadership roles, well the immunity clause in the constitution comes into play as it shields such self-serving politicians from certain legal repercussions. Our “Rolex” prime minister and the father of the Fijian coup culture is a perfect illustration. Everyone is throwing in their two cents on amending certain provisions of the 2013 Constitution. Let’s begin with abolishing the unfeasible immunity clause. What justifies a legal exemption for people who topple democratically elected governments? They ought to be thrown in prison! Nishant Singh, Lautoka
Poverty issue
A good number of Fiji’s population are living in poverty and this is a matter of concern. With the rise in the cost of living day-by-day, lives of many families are becoming very difficult. How can multitudes be fed with a little income? How can a single breadwinner with an average income afford to feed his family, fulfil the family’s basic needs and wants, pay electricity, water bills and at the same time everyone likes to have some luxury, for example gadgets, fancy clothing and special food. Additionally, this has led to people being forced to live as squatters with improper sanitation. Sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS are on the rise in urban centres too. Moreover, the lack of budgeting knowledge and saving skills worsen the problem of poverty. Navneet Ram (TD), Lautoka
A constitution to last
Thank you to Pita Nacuva (FT 15/3) for your reminder that a constitution is a document that is designed to last. That was certainly in our minds when we worked on forming the 1997 Constitution. The Constitution of the United States has certainly lasted long. If we cannot return to our 1997 document, I hope we will not forget to make something that can last through longer years than any Fiji constitution has so far. It is also important to note that the word God in the preamble of the 1997 Constitution does not refer only to the deity as understood by Christians. In our multi-faith community the word God is common to us all with all our different interpretations. When Interfaith Search Faith devised a prayer for Fiji, it was agreed by all present from a number of faiths that “Creator God” was acceptable to all. Tessa Mackenzie, Suva
Perfect timing
On Wednesday afternoon, I found myself trapped in a sea of motionless vehicles amid a torrential downpour. Given the snail’s pace at which we were crawling, I naturally assumed there had been a rather unfortunate accident up ahead. When I finally reached the source of the chaos, I was greeted by the sight of a few diligent road workers cheerfully patching up potholes. Brilliant timing, guys! A whole week of glorious sunshine, and you heroically decided that a rainy afternoon was the perfect moment for road maintenance. Clearly, meteorology and logic had both taken the day off. Dinesh Kumar, Ba
Election and leaders
Since the Supervisor of Elections has confirmed the general election will take place somewhere around mid 2026 and we are now just a year away, we can expect to see hidden faces emerging in public spaces with sweet talk and empty promises. We have the right to choose a faithful and transparent leader — one who doesn’t dwell on the past but focuses on moving us forward. A leader who prioritises the people over personal gain, who works to uplift the poor and vulnerable. A leader who is not driven by greed but is committed to raising the minimum wage and improving livelihoods. A good leader should focus on action, not just words. Planning, problem-solving, and implementing effective policies are key to making real progress. Strong leadership means identifying challenges, creating solutions, and ensuring that laws and systems work for the benefit of the people. Politicians will attempt to manipulate the people by using racial divisions, just as we have seen before. But we must remain vigilant and think critically. Let’s compare what we have truly gained in 100 days versus 800 days. Let us make informed decisions and choose wisely for a better future. Jaheed Buksh, Korolevu, Sigatoka
CWMH no-brainer
Dr Eddie McCaig (FT 20/03) has been there, done that, a respected voice and his comments on the hospital system should be heard by those in power. The thoughts of orderlies carrying patients up and down stairs to the operating theatre are a real life horror story. His assessment of a large scale renovation of CWM hospital while attempting to carry on “normal” activities is irrefutable. A entirely new building on the site adjacent to the existing CWM hospital should be a no-brainer, a must-do start to any large scale plans for the CWM campus. Terry Hulme, Russell St, Eastwood, NSW, Australia
