Action and not words!
To the Police Commissioner, Rusiate Tudravu — please employ all strategies to address the escalating meth issue in Fiji. Meth is destroying Fiji. It is like the tentacles of an octopus that will suffocate the enemy, in this case the user. The young, including primary and secondary school students, are getting hit by meth and if we don’t address it, our society will become deadly. The revelation by Mr Tudravu, that Fiji is no longer a transit point as there are potential buyers of meth in Fiji, shows how the glitter from sales of meth is taking sellers by storm. Money, which is the root of all evil, is taking prominence over health and the mental state of Fijians. Mr Tudravu and the police force have a mammoth task ahead of them. If not controlled, we will see a hike in criminal activities and a good number of people in mental hospitals. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Rotten apples
With seven people now being charged in their alleged involvement of 4 kilograms of meth, including a Fiji Revenue Customs Service senior official, makes one wonder about the number of individuals whose primary responsibility is detecting illegal activities but involved in Fiji’s drug epidemic. Sad eh! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Savusavu safety
It is time now to review the management of the Police Force in Savusavu! There have been too many complaints lodged on social media platforms, over a very long time, which involves the safety and security of our children and adults in Savusavu, where the force and officers in the force are members, there has been little to no sign of interest from the Savusavu Police Force to improve the situation! Officers will not move unless authorised, and authorisation will not come unless the boss makes the call! The means in which information is being translated has changed and the Police Force has reacted to many calls and threats that have come through social media platforms, and so why not now? Savusavu needs a revamp! We need active management staff who are alert and awake to things happening in and around Savusavu. We need management who are able to read the data from all media to take preventative measures to prevent future crimes and to encourage economic growth. Savusavu needs a Police Force management team that helps us build a safe, secure and thriving economy! Noleen Billings Savusavu
Freehold land
Cabinet has approved the reintroduction of the Freehold Buyback Scheme (FT 22/5/25). A very sensible idea regarding iTaukei well-being. However, how were the lands initially converted to freehold? Were they not Native Land prior? Who will be buying? However, there are also “attachments” that need to be resolved. I believe the post-colonial “land laws” still being utilised are ineffective and yet, very much of being the “dominating” financial leverage, today. Besides, the current “land lease rates” are proportionally outdated, against today’s economy. No wonder the wealth gap has continued to widen, because the “cream” of the financial returns, mostly benefited the lessees and developers. Is this not compromising a fundamental human right? The right to dignity and a decent life. “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress, can be judged by the way its people are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Unifying force
Vinaka Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for your message in The Fiji Times on Saturday, May 24, where you mentioned during your interview the GCC is inclusive for all Fijians as citizens. We are a multiracial nation with one vote, one people and your interview is very welcomed and pleasing to hear the role of the GCC. But, let’s take the GCC make-up further. Please PM Rabuka, if you are really serious, kindly include Indo-Fijian and Chinese representatives to be part of it similar to our inclusive Parliament members so that it reflects on our 2013 Constitution. Our PM has already implemented his inclusiveness as seen with the 1997 Jai Ram Reddy-Rabuka Constitution. He now celebrates and acknowledges the Girmitiya, Diwali and the Chinese New Year public holidays with respect for our multiracial unity, but are we realistically ready for a new robust economic growth with the GCC establishment? Amazing enough God opens and closes doors accordingly and people do change for the better as they age, malo Tovata. Tukai Lagonilakeba Nadi
Top referee
The first soccer tournament of the year is about to get underway. To make it a ‘zabardast’ one, I think the soccer referee (allegedly) from some inky pinky ponky league should become part of it. Of course, the Australian Mickey Mouse! Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Anyone invited?
Just wondering if anyone from the Indo-Fijian community was invited to the opening of the GCC complex. Perhaps the vocal chair of the GCC can tell us. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
iTaukei language
The chairman of the GCC, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, is concerned that it was regrettable that the iTaukei children in the villages were unable to read the Bible in the iTaukei language. But doesn’t the iTaukei written language use English alphabets. So maybe the iTaukei students should be learning the English alphabets (language) in the primary schools. That might solve the problem. Vijay P. Madhavan Borron Rd, Suva
Pray for peace
Looking at the world full of natural and man made disasters let’s pray for peace as many innocent lives are lost. It can only be achieved with understanding what humanity is. Live and let others live. God save the world. Prayer, patience and peace, definitely a virtue. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Threat to culture
The greatest threat to iTaukei culture and tradition is not drugs and alcohol. I believe the greatest threat to iTaukei culture is this government and the GCC. I believe the moral decay is already clearly evident over the last two years since this government came into office. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
COI report
Now that PM Rabuka has confirmed that the COI report won’t be made public, after doing his trademark zig-zag dadakulaci dance on it, Bharat Morris wonders: “How long will the contents of the COI report remain secret?” (ST 25/5). My guess: Not long. In fact intelligent Fijians already know why the report is kept secret and withheld from the public who footed the $2m bill for the inquiry. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Squatters and water woes
Vulnerable in society
I’m writing to call attention to the growing homelessness and squatter settlement crisis in our cities and towns, especially in the settlements of Wairua, Raiwaqa, Qauia, Maravu and Nanuku in Suva. Too many people and families are living in unstable situations without access to essential services like safe housing, sanitary facilities, clean water, or medical care. This situation presents significant risks to public health and safety in addition to undermining their dignity. Vulnerable communities have been forced into informal settlements, which are frequently overcrowded and have inadequate infrastructure, as a result of growing urbanisation and economic difficulties. These communities will keep growing and suffering if government agencies, non-governmental organisations and local leaders do not provide prompt and coordinated assistance. Our leaders and citizens must act quickly and empathetically to support these vulnerable members of our community. It is crucial that we develop comprehensive strategies to provide affordable housing, improve living conditions, and create pathways for social and economic inclusion. Prioritising emergency assistance, infrastructure upgrades, and community empowerment programs will help address both immediate needs and long-term solutions. Assisting those in squatter settlements and homelessness is not just a charitable act; it is a moral and social responsibility that benefits all of society. Otoota Aho Laucala, Suva
An achievement for all Fijians!
Fiji-born Crusaders winger Sevu Reece created history as he became the all-time try-scoring record holder in Super Rugby. The Kadavu man etched himself into the history books as he scored his 66th try that took him off a share of the lead on 65 tries with former Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara. Sevu’s try was from a determined dive at the line from a ruck that needed TMO confirmation before it was awarded. The try could not have been sweet as the Crusaders struggled to beat the Highlanders in a nail-biting and exciting affair, 15-12. The win took the Crusaders to second on the points table, one behind the Gallagher Chiefs. This weekend the most successful team battles the Brumbies in Canberra. It’s going to be a tough battle, but the Crusaders can’t afford any slip up as the Brumbies are pursuing second spot. Go, go the ‘Saders! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Water woes
I am reliably informed Nadi’s water supply cannot meet the ever growing demands. WAF Nadi is struggling to cope with Nadi’s never ending insatiable demands. The Coalition Government needs to make sizeable provision in the 2025/2026 Budget. Similar provision must be made to increase and improve our hopelessly outdated sewage system in Navakai. We are tired in Gray Rd Mountainview, Martintar, to be subjected to water cuts of up to five hours each evening from about 7pm. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
