Proposed law
This is not a politically motivated letter. During a routine late Friday afternoon coffee with a colleague, as we reflected on the week’s work, he read aloud a report about a proposed law targeting children not attending school. According to the report, parents who fail to send their children to school could face a $2000 fine or up to one year in prison. Without hesitation, I disagreed with the approach. If a school-aged child is found loitering and it is discovered that he or she has not attended school for a prolonged period, there are often multiple underlying reasons. Even if, in some cases, the responsibility lies with the parents, one must ask: would a family struggling to meet basic needs realistically have $2000 readily available? Imposing such a fine risks deepening financial hardship. Furthermore, if a parent — particularly the breadwinner — is jailed for failing to pay, the child may be left in an even more vulnerable situation, potentially pushed further onto the streets. This approach appears to place additional burdens on households that may already be struggling. Rather than addressing the root causes of absenteeism, it risks compounding the problem. What is needed is a more comprehensive and compassionate response. Instead of focusing on punitive measures such as fines and imprisonment, greater emphasis should be placed on support systems that help families overcome the barriers preventing children from attending school. It is also important to note that assistance such as the back-to-school support of $200 per child should not be conflated with this issue. While such initiatives provide temporary relief, they do not replace the fundamental responsibility of parents to ensure their children attend school. Moreover, school fees are already supported by the Government through the Free Education Grant. Additionally, our correctional facilities are already under significant strain. Increasing incarceration for matters such as this may not be a practical or effective solution, especially when more serious offences are placing growing pressure on the system. We must also remember that among the children currently out of school could be some of the brightest minds of our future. Their absence from the classroom is a loss not only to their families but to the nation as a whole. I urge decision-makers to carefully consider the broader implications before advancing policies centred on fines and imprisonment. A supportive, well-thought-out approach will serve our communities far better in the long term. I reiterate, this is not a politically motivated letter. DONALD SINGH Nausori
Dialogue and peace
I refer to the Chris Hedges Report published on March 20, 2026, which stated: “Trump, who is not very bright, has fallen into a very deadly trap. The Israelis tricked him into the war on Iran that they’ve been lobbying for over three decades.” This commentary brings to mind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations some years ago, where he warned of Iran crossing a so-called “red line”, using a chart to drive home his point and urging decisive action. Today, we are witnessing the consequences of escalating tensions, with the United States and Israel engaged in conflict with Iran — resulting in civilian deaths, widespread destruction, displacement, and serious disruptions to global energy supplies and trade. Many allies, along with the United Nations, have called for an immediate end to the conflict. In this context, I note the views expressed by Rakesh Chand Sharma (FT 21/3), who suggests that greater concern should be directed toward China’s actions in the South China Sea and its treatment of Uighur Muslims. While these are indeed important issues, I believe it is equally valid to focus on the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its far-reaching global consequences. My perspective is informed by voices such as Chris Hedges, a former war correspondent, as well as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, and the Pope, all of whom have raised concerns about the conflict and called for peace. At a time of growing instability, it is important that we remain focused on the urgent need to prevent further loss of life and to support efforts toward de-escalation and dialogue. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Increase in penalties
The Government is proposing legislation to increase the penalties for non-compliance across several areas. The message is clear: do not litter, adhere to speed limits, ensure children attend school, and for employers, comply with the amended provisions of the Employment Relations Act. DAN URAI Lautoka
Good investment
The Ministry of Education’s $7million grant (FT 14/3/26) is, in my view, a sound investment in technical and vocational education and the development of much-needed facilities. The tertiary sector requires such institutions to provide opportunities for those who may not be academically inclined, offering practical pathways to employment and skills development. In this regard, the recipient institution, Pacific Polytech, must ensure it meets and maintains high technical standards, in line with regional benchmarks and beyond, to achieve and sustain proper recognition. Substandard teaching, inadequate resources, or a weak curriculum will only undermine the institution’s credibility and purpose. As the Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC) chair has noted, institutions must not only exist but also grow, innovate, and remain competitive. Equally important is the responsible stewardship and transparent management of the funds provided. As Malcolm X once said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare today.” SAMU SILATOLU Nakasi
Please respond!
Jan Nissar, there is nothing wrong with the people of Fiji (Sat 21/03). However, when legitimate questions are raised, you do not respond. I refer to earlier letters, “Explain Please” (14/03) and “Craters and Sinkholes” (06/03), which remain unanswered. RAKESH CHAND SHARMAAdelaide, Australia
Language, welfare and report
Street sleepers
AMEND the legislation to ban sleeping on the streets. The outcome may shock many. DAN URAI Lautoka
A-G’s report
THE Auditor General’s Report 2024 finds major gaps in social protection schemes worth millions of dollars. Is this another “raita” (misappropriation) in the making. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Adelaide, Australia
Welfare dependency
Politician Jone Usamate recently warned against welfare dependency (FT 19/3). The Opposition Member of Parliament should be more concerned about the growing dependence of parliamentarians on the exorbitant pay rises and additional perks they have awarded themselves using public funds, rather than stigmatising those who rely on welfare. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Vernacular studies
I WILL keep it simple. The push by politicians to make vernacular compulsory is not a progressive idea. Parents should be given the option to decide. If a parent does not see value in requiring their child to study vernacular subjects, they should have the freedom to make that choice. There will still be a good number of students who will take vernacular subjects. It doesn’t look like anyone is seriously thinking about the marketability of our children after they graduate or exit formal education. Fiji Hindi has been useful for ages and doesn’t need to be taught in school. Pure Hindi must be taught but as an option. Teaching Tamil, Urdu, Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, iTaukei or Swahili should be left at the discretion of schools. They can get the teachers and seek Government subsidy. Let’s stop the drama about making vernacular subjects compulsory. I already know of two children absolutely struggling with forced vernacular subjects. Cultures have already eroded significantly, and proficiency in a vernacular subject is unlikely to make a meaningful difference. Securing a good position locally can be challenging if key subjects are studied in the vernacular, and this may further limit opportunities for international employment. Let’s try to improve English proficiency first. DONALD SINGH Nausori
The iron lady
Such inspiration from Rusila Melokibau of Naisomua, Namara in Tailevu (ST: 15/03) who has spent nearly two decades quietly reshaping the narrative that the construction industry is for men. I salute the iron lady for building a career in an industry that is male dominated and where few women dare to step in. The 39-year-old has been part of the sugar mill workshops in Labasa and construction projects in Tailevu. The tradeswoman and business owner has lifted steel, climbed scaffolding and taken on the same demanding tasks as her male counterparts. Her resilience, passion, character and determination show that when the heart and mind are willing to take on a task, gender stereotyping can be erased. She has set the benchmark, a platform for other women to emulate her success. Her story reminds readers and women that barriers in male-dominated trades are slowly being dismantled. Women are rising to the top, occupying leadership roles and taking head on jobs that were once done by men. Women are strong, creative and dynamic leaders. They have the potential. They should never be seen as a threat but a companion whose bright ideas must be considered for nation building. The people’s newspaper never runs short of stories that capture minds and inspire readers to do better! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa
