The festival of colours!
Holi, the festival of colours, brought Fijians together, yesterday. It gave individuals an opportunity to meet each other, play with colours, water and powder, and forget, forgive, and repair broken relationships. It allowed individuals to reach out with the colours of joy and express the happiness of being loved. It was a joy seeing Fijians of Indian descent draped in colours. The singing of the chautal was pleasant to the ear, and so were the savouries. Holi is a time where we forget the difficulties of the past. It unites diversity. Holi reminds us of the eternal triumph of good over evil. Music and merrymaking allow us to share a common theme which is unity. We live in a country that is special. We are fun loving people. We value friendship. Fiji needs such events to remind us about unity, peace, and happiness, and to keep our people together. Fiji is blessed to be a multicultural country. Hindus celebrated Holi yesterday. Muslims are observing Ramadan and looking forward to Eid. Hindus will celebrate Ram Navami this month, while our Christians brothers and sisters are looking forward to Easter in April! Aren’t we blessed to be here in Fiji? RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Potholes galore
The recent rain proved once again that either the workmanship or the materials used to repair the roads are to be blamed for the poor condition of the roads. Almost all the potholes which were filled this year (January and February) have either gone back to how it was or gone bigger now. I have seen drivers trying to avoid potholes and in the process driving on top of the roundabout at Tavakubu in Lautoka. Accidents can happen while avoiding potholes but most drivers don’t have a choice too. With wheel tax, road levy and the recent increase in traffic fines, can there be some kind of insurance cover for vehicle damage due to poor road conditions? Let’s be realistic, FCCC and Consumer Council of Fiji will take traders to task if inferior quality goods are sold. Why can’t the same be done to Fiji Roads Authority and Land Transport Authority? After all vehicle owners pay a lot to use the roads which are of poor standard. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Traffic controllers
Lately, I’ve noticed that the traffic lights in Martintar are frequently malfunctioning, often remaining non-operational for hours before any repairs take place. It’s troubling to witness motorists left to handle the situation independently, as there is no support from local police during these incidents. When such situations arise, it would be courteous for the Namaka police to promptly dispatch a team to manage traffic and ensure safe passage for drivers, minimising unnecessary conflict or confusion. This should be a basic and non-negotiable protocol for law enforcement. I firmly believe that local police need to remain vigilant and respond swiftly in these circumstances. Unfortunately, this level of readiness appears to be significantly lacking. The combination of faulty traffic lights and the absence of traffic controllers have only intensified the difficulties faced by road users. Given the high activity level in this area, it is unacceptable for the situation to spiral into chaos. The urgency of addressing this issue should be abundantly clear by now. It is disheartening that authorities require reminders of their fundamental responsibilities. Therefore, I strongly urge the OC Namaka to address this issue without delay and ensure that appropriate actions are taken swiftly. Ignoring such a problem is simply not an option. It is crucial to recognise that many tourists are also impacted by this situation, raising concerns about our capacity to maintain order during these times. Please do not overlook this profoundly troubling matter. Suresh Chand Nadi
New cancer centre
Thank you to whoever is responsible for the new cancer centre project as reported in The Fiji Times (4/3/26). From what I’ve read, our Government, through the Ministry of Finance in partnership with the Ministry of Health, is leading the Pacific Healthy Islands Transformation Project in Fiji. Only the good Lord knows and the long suffering cancer patients, just how valuable this project is in offering the Pacific health care (cancer treatment) that has been out of reach for a good majority of our population. It’s truly wonderful to see a Minister of Finance and a Minister for Health address the real problems of our people. It is their efforts that have gotten the funding for our beloved country and the Pacific at large. Thank you to the financial providers, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the OPEC fund. To all our architects and building engineers, construction companies, hardware companies and other suppliers, please don’t see this as an opportunity to make millions of dollars but one to save a million lives — some pro bono would be appreciated Sir, Minister of Finance, could we offer tax rebates on pro bono works. Man, I’m just so excited at the thought that we are getting closer to saving more lives and that families will no longer be burdened with the guilt of not being able to send their loved ones away due to lack of finance. I may have missed out a vital group who I no doubt feel have also put pressure on the powers that be to have this project happen. Vinaka vakalevu to the Fiji Cancer Society. Tai Smith Kinoya, Nasinu
Portfolio change
Since the Coalition Government took office, the financial burden on taxpayers has grown to astronomical levels because of the bloated number of ministers and assistant ministers. Each new reshuffle triggers a costly cycle of “grand tours”, elaborate welcoming ceremonies, and traditional protocols — all funded by the public. Beyond the financial cost, these frequent changes disrupt the continuity and consistency essential for effective governance. Within a single four-year term, such instability comes at a high price for the people of Fiji. Sailosi Naewe Dilkusha Rd, Nausori
Swimming pool
The Botanical Gardens’ swimming pool must be full and overflowing now with the recent rain. The people of Lautoka have waited for too long for the pool to be completed but looks like it will be done after the next election. I am told municipal elections will be in September so hopefully the new councillors, when they are elected, will complete the pool. Geoffrey Chand Lautoka
Timely decision
As I have stated earlier, it’s good to give credit where it’s due. I am not a fan of some big wigs, but I must say the Education Minister acted swiftly in his decision to keep the schools closed in the recent adverse weather condition. Not like before when late decisions were being leashed out leaving our students, parents and stakeholders in a dilemma. The schools remained closed throughout the bad weather which seemed unpredictable especially for the Western Division. Thanks to the authorities for the decisions made before time and maintained through out. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Artificial countries
Jan Nissar should first tell Australians not to go to Middle Eastern artificial countries. There is always some conflict going on there. Jan Nissar should encourage more Australians to visit Fiji for its natural beauty or go to India and visit historical sites. I am certain that Australians do not want to read their own history. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Controlling diabetes
Rakesh Chand Sharma’s letter on diabetes, a deadly disease, with his personal experience “diabetes and lifetime” (FT 22/2) is worth noting. A valuable message for those who don’t take serious care to maintain a healthy life. Let’s live a healthy, happy lifestyle with careful control of such killer diseases. Diet and exercise first. “There are obviously two educations — one should teach us how to make a living and the other is how to live.” — John Adams. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Health scare and help line
Thanks and appreciation
I write this open letter to express my thanks and deep appreciation to Fred Wesley, the Editor of The Fiji Times, for highlighting my harrowing experience on the road and at the CWM Hospital on Thursday, February 19, 2026 when I suffered a heart attack. It is a wonder I am still alive. My thanks go to a large number of friends (locally and overseas) who have been calling me to wish me good luck and offering prayers for quick recovery. When I was admitted to ICU-1 at CWMH, a number of them came to wish me well. I will never forget this. Among them were Ross MacDonald (chairman of the Pensioners Core Group), Dr Neel Sharma, (former minister for Health), Suluweti Rabuka (wife of the Prime Minister Rabuka), Brandon (Reserve bank of Fiji), Navin Prasad (Secretary to Arya Samaj-Suva) and Vijay Prsad (former CEO – Shreedhar Motors). Messages of good wishes are still pouring in and people want to know how it all happened as many of my friends know that I do not smoke, drink alcohol or kava. I have been a keen sportsman and at the age of 81-plus I still carry on with light exercises and yoga. Despite the fact that I am diabetic, I’m still relatively healthy and happy for my age. I am a widower and looking after an epileptic daughter on a shoe-string budget. This has made my life difficult as my pension was drastically reduced by the FijiFirst government. For the last two years the pensioners have been fighting to have their pension restored and be given the backpay. The former minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad had assured us that this would be done. From August 1, 2024, our pension rates were restored to their 2012 level and the committee was assured that the matter would be resolved. We were grateful but nothing really happened thereafter. However, the new Minister of Finance, Hon Esrom Immanuel, made a unilateral government statement rejecting our claim for reinstatement. The pensioners saw this as a betrayal and it sent shock waves among the pensioners. I had been brooding over it on my way to the pensioners’ meeting. And that’s when I got the heart attack. The FNPF saga is directly responsible for this stress. Therefore, it is a good feeling to know that the editor of a distinguished newspaper, The Fiji Times, saw it fit to draw the attention of the public regarding this matter in his editorial comment. I am deeply grateful to Wesley for his kind gesture. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Moving forward
While in Fiji during February, I was watching Your Voice on FBC1 where the chairperson and another commissioner of the TRC were being interviewed. One of the commissioners kept saying the TRC is there not to bring charges or allegations against people involved in coups but so that the country may “move forward”. How many times have we heard this from people all over Fiji over the last four decades – “move forward”? Can someone tell me how the country can ever “move forward” when you have the same person who destroyed the country still at the helm? Am I missing something or are the people who keep saying this missing something? Are people who keep saying this simply oblivious? Allow me to say it clearly – nothing in Fiji can ever “move forward” for as long as we have the same person who destroyed the country still at the helm. It is simple common sense! Why can’t people see what is in plain sight? What is wrong with the blessed people of Fiji? Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Call centre
The Commissioner of Police has declared a “toll free” number for the public’s information and concerns regarding suspicious or illegal activities (FT 2/3/26). Is this not protecting the public’s safety? However, the greatest loophole that has been experienced was the “reaction time”, in my opinion. The practicality of the “site enforcement” has to be well co-ordinated and reinforced accordingly, to achieve maximum result. And I believe such an operation really needs the government’s backing, financially. Otherwise, all will be a waste of time and resources. On the bright side, I am certain, it should alleviate the public’s insecurities from the increasing crime rate within our communities. Government can’t make us equal, it can only recognise, respect and protect us as equal, before the law. Samu Silatolu Nakasi, Nausori
