PWD equipment
The PWD has had $8.6million dollars vanish? Is this some kind of joke? Ro Filipe says the equipment was transferred to the FRA. The Hon Jone Usamate says they were not in government — how convenient — who was? Who signed the transfer documents? Under whose authority was the transfer made? Who are the owners of the FRA? Who are the owners of FWH? What is the makeup of the $23.6milliom outstanding to FWH Associates? This is all public money and it is only right there is full disclosure to the public. FWH as engineers, our roads are a disgrace so I really don’t see how you can justify your bills. FRA you must work under the instruction of the engineers (I hope). Your work is truly unsatisfactory. The Buca Bay Rd in Savusavu is an example. Our local man in Savusavu who is a cattle farmer does a better job and yet he is continually bypassed for some over exaggerated supposed road contractor. Please Mr Minister, while you are still struggling to get PWD going, take some action on the FRA by removing them from road works and bring in our honest hardworking road contractors that will outdo these so-called professionals. TAI SMITH Nasinu Secondary Sch Rd, Kinoya, Nasinu
National unity
Our PM has said that Fiji should take real action towards building national unity (FT 28/4/25). It is good, in my opinion, as it is the most priceless asset for any country. However, unity without variety is no better than conspiracy. When people hold opposing views on political issues, it can be challenging to find common ground and work together towards a shared goal. National unity, in my view, has been used for years by governments to deny that there was a problem. Although it is important, we must define it, because our “distinctions” are also important. Social and economic inequality can also create a challenge to it. His coalition administration, I believe, will need to implement the people’s “will”, to embrace it. No “top soil” scraping, but that which has generational effects. That will not kill unity. Abraham Lincoln stated: “A statesman thinks in the future generations, not about the upcoming election.” Samu Silatolu Nakasi, Nausori
Nightclub scrap
It was a chaotic scene (as per the viral video doing the rounds on social media) at a popular Suva nightspot over the weekend, with fists flying and tempers flaring. Disappointingly, a senior public official in uniform, who appeared to be under the influence, was evidently involved in what appeared to be a one-sided altercation. (www.fijitimes.com). This avoidable incident highlights a recurring issue — some individuals simply cannot handle alcohol responsibly. Such disorderly and “junglee” behaviour, particularly from those in positions of authority, reflects poorly not just on them personally but on the institutions they represent. Shameful conduct indeed. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Martintar litter
During my 6km early walk yesterday morning, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, I saw first hand the amount of empty alcohol drink cans and a disposable syringe very close to a liquor outlet. Much alcohol consumption and the like take place after hours. More stringent measures must be taken to curb street-side consumption. Greater police presence at more regular intervals is deemed necessary. I congratulate Government for reducing kava bar trading hours. People need to learn to spend some time at home instead of drinking all night; sleeping all day and add to the increase in non-communicable diseases. Time to alleviate poverty levels. Save a dollar for family bread. These little adjustments in life are recommended for better living. (There is much loitering by our restless youths). Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Runway restrictions
The Fiji Times report on “Flight restrictions” (FT. 27/4) may cause some inconvenience to travellers, but we should understand the need for safety on landing and takeoff of the aircraft.
Those who have been travelling on this route always find Fiji Airways as friendly as the North, with safe, reliable service. Safety is our priority. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Flying fist video
The Fiji Times has done the right thing by the people of Fiji by releasing the video of a high official of the Fijian State engaged in a fist fight in a nightclub in the Capital City (FT 6/5). This clearly is in the public interest because it has ramifications on the standard of leadership and governance in an institution of the state. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Student discipline
Who is to be blamed for students’ indiscipline? Parents or the students? Are parents responsible for teaching or spending quality time and talking to their children? I notice that mischief will always involve iTaukei students and what a shame it is. When it comes to dangerous drugs found in schools, I believe iTaukei children are involved, fighting and other dangerous behaviour, of course iTaukei students are involved. Parents, please, how do we deal with these problems? Tukai Lagonilakeba Nadi
Time at the beach
Family time at the beach (FT 6/5). It is so nice that so many people from Suva and surrounding areas and beyond can unwind and enjoy an outing at the beach at My Suva Park in Nasese. That entire stretch of sea front was my childhood playground. I wonder though when was the quality of the sea water last tested for health safety given the reported pollution in the area? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Land law
I believe many indigenous landowners are still in the dark and do not clearly know the laws of six-feet under and 20-centimetre ownership. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Carnival safety
I happen to see people struggling with water to do their dishes at the Hope Carnival in Lautoka. May I suggest the authorities add more stand pipes at the carnival ground during festival season. Improving access to stand pipes and clean water for carnival attendees and the public potentially addresses concerns about hygiene and sanitation during festivals. NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Putting out fires
The conduct of acting FCS Commissioner reminds me of the Hindi expression: “mast Sham masti mein, aag lage basti mein” – jolly fellow Sham continuously enjoys himself while the settlement burns. I believe PM Rabuka will spend the rest of his term putting out fires started by his own appointees in his own administration. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Alcatraz and discipline
Alcatraz Island
Like many people, I have been in a cell at Alcatraz Island but escaped. It’s a lot easier when you are a tourist. Now President Trump wants to reopen it as a working prison for the worst. Prisoners have previously escaped from cells but died crossing the bay, we presume. There are surely enough, secure jails already and if not, building and running prisons is very profitable. Basically it’s probably another attention distracting stunt rather than wiping out an interesting tourist spot. However, he might be looking at converting it to a luxurious venue given the number of previous attempts to jail him. Dennis Fitzgerald Landale St, Box Hill, Vic., Melbourne, Australia
Corporal punishment
It seems that Fiji is sitting on the fence with regards to corporal punishment, after reading the for and against view in the dailies. Most of us old school will call for the return of corporal punishment in our schools today because we have become law-abiding citizens of Fiji because of it. From the year corporal punishment was banned in Fiji until today, a lot of changes have happened in the world that have affected Fijians too, including students. We are all aware of it and that is why the 131st Fiji Principals Association Conference has called for the return of corporal punishment. I believe that the answer to the dilemma on corporal punishment is for all parents, teachers and students to be reminded and taught and live out the principles of Christian education. The home is the first school and both parents need to show their children that they worship and love God and they also love and care for their children. The church they attend is the second school where they learn to worship and put God first and respect others as well. Parents should choose the school they want their children to attend and it is best to enrol them in a school that includes Christian education. The call by the 131st Fiji Principals Association Conference to bring back corporal punishment is because of the indiscipline in students today caused by different factors, but mainly the fact that they are untouchable. When the parents are in Christ, their love for God will be reflected in their love for their children and worshiping in their chosen church and sending them to a school that will continue their Christian education. The ultimate aim of Christian education is the restoration of the image of God in the human being through Christ and a character of love expressed in unselfish service to God and fellow human beings. When parents, teachers, students and the nation are in Christ, to have or not to have corporal punishment becomes a non issue. Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa Kattar Singh Rd, Tacirua, Nasinu
Ferris wheel death update
While the Employment Minister has assured the public that the investigation into the FHL Tower electrocution is ongoing, can Agni Deo Singh also provide a quick update on the status of the Ferris wheel tragedy that claimed the life of 21-year-old Komal Kumar? It is nearly two years now since that devastating incident, yet there has been no conclusion to the investigation and no accountability for those responsible. It is disheartening and frustrating to witness such a lack of urgency in delivering justice, especially when a young life was lost due to what appears to be gross negligence. One can’t help but wonder if these inquiries would be handled with the same delay if it were the children of senior officials involved. The double standards are appalling, and the silence from authorities only deepens the public’s distrust. The grieving Kumar family deserves justice! Nishant Singh Lautoka
