Tuwai’s new role!
I warmly congratulate the 7s master magician Jerry Tuwai as he took over as the assistant coach for the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s national 7s side. Tuwai is no stranger to 7s having won everything as a player, except a gold at the Commonwealth Games. His presence will lift momentum and morale. His skills, expertise and knowledge will greatly assist head coach Osea Kolinisau who just won (the Singapore 7s) out of the six tournaments in the 2025/26 HSBC SVNS WRSS circuit. Both Kolinisau and Tuwai are Olympic Games gold medallists and have been trained by two great 7s coaches in Ben Ryan and Gareth Baber. Hence, they have a winning combination and a deadly team. We have what it takes to win the Valladolid 7s in Spain and the Bordeaux 7s in France. The boys must work on their decision making and discipline which was our downfall in that 24-17 loss to Argentina in HK. I’m thankful that the boys have adapted well to Tuwai’s introduction in the coaching panel. All the best Little Master! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Food for thought
Jan Nissar’s so-called “logical” explanation for McDonald’s Fiji not serving pork and bacon rests on the claim that the outlet is “halal certified” (FT 05/05). However, to set the record straight and to get Jan up to speed, McDonald’s Fiji has not been halal certified since August 2025, after the Fiji Muslim League withdrew its certification following a bit of kach kach (disagreements) over mechanical slaughter practices in New Zealand. So, the obvious question remains, what exactly is stopping McDonald’s Fiji now? Given this, it is difficult to understand why the company cannot revisit and broaden its menu to better reflect the diversity of its customer base. Who are they attempting to please? And generally, one could argue that there is no absolute necessity for food establishments in Fiji to be halal certified to begin with. This is the Pacific and not the Middle East. Consumers are perfectly capable of deciding where they wish to dine based on their own preferences and religious beliefs. Perhaps McDonald’s Fiji could take a cue from its major competitor, which operates without halal certification and offers a wider menu that includes pork and bacon options. I honestly do not have a “beef” with McDonald’s Fiji, but a more balanced and inclusive approach to its offerings would certainly be fair. And once again, I would bet my bottom dollar that the management of McDonald’s Fiji, including its managing director, will stick to their usual routine of saying absolutely nothing on this debatable matter. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Fuel crisis
For years, Fiji has relied almost exclusively on imported refined petroleum, $730million in 2024 alone, with over 90 per cent coming from Singapore. That fuel arrives on tankers that travel from the Persian Gulf, a journey now stretched from roughly 10 days to between five and seven weeks following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. They are only allowed through if supplying non-USA or non-Israeli aligned countries. The tankers that left the Gulf on or around February 28, 2026 are now finally reaching Singapore and other major refining hubs worldwide. This means the physical reality of disrupted supply chains is beginning to directly and unavoidably affect Fiji’s fuel import bills. It is important to understand that no amount of market speculation or social media commentary or posts can override the basic economics of storage. When actual physical stocks in tanks are low, real prices rise. Period. Our people must prepare for tangible impacts, higher transport costs, and broader inflationary pressure. Crucially, countries that normally rely on the 20 per cent of oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz will now compete fiercely for the 80 per cent of global fuel supplies sourced outside that route. This competition will further tighten supply and pressure prices, regardless of online statements. These will further impact our beloved small island nation. From now onwards, fuel costs will be determined by what is physically stored, not by what is posted online or market manipulation posts on truth social platform site by the orange haired man. This sharp global fuel increase is caused in the first place by the illegal unilateral action to attack Iran on February 28, 2026. Meli Matanatoto Nadi
Think before action
I refer to The Fiji Times of Wednesday, May 6, regarding the report on claims that a young man was ganged up on. This is serious, and unfortunately it’s becoming too common. Too many young people are getting dragged into fights because of peer pressure or the need to “prove” themselves. To the youths of Fiji — be careful who you keep around you. Not everyone in your circle has good intentions. The wrong company can easily push you into trouble that can damage your future in a single moment. Revenge is not the answer, and it is not legal. Taking matters into your own hands only leads to more problems — police cases, injuries, and lifelong regret. Nothing good comes out of it. You don’t need to fight to prove strength. Real strength is knowing when to walk away. One split-second decision in anger can change your entire life. Think before you act — think of your family, your name, and your future. Let’s do better as young people. Choose respect over violence. Avenai Serutabua Nabukelevu Village, Serua
Mini carrots
Last Saturday I literally entered all the supermarkets in Nausori Town. Surprisingly, not a single supermarket in the town where three province meet sells frozen baby carrots. Extremely unusual I’d say. Upon calling my tavale Solo Rokotuiveikau to ask, he quipped, “Tu ga qo na daddy carrot.” Isa! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Difficult to hide
If you have visited workplaces these days for random matters, you would have surely noticed the strain on the faces of the employees. This is despite their extreme attempts to cover it with friendly smiles and courteous customer attention. But you know from personal experiences, the constant frustration is difficult to hide. As per my observation, what worsens our days are impatient visitors and those pretending to have the qualities of producing better and faster output. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Media role
We were told by a state official at the World Press Freedom Day 2026 that the media must act both as a watchdog and a force for peace. Can someone please explain to me how the media is to act as a force of peace in all the current theatres of war? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
‘Jungle Raj’
Mamata Banerjee’s 15 years of rule is labelled as “jungle Raj” by the West Bengal people. Mamata’s Trinamool Party henchmen, hoodlums were supported by State police in extortion, scams, land grabbing and all sorts of crime. Millions of Bengoli people and businesses left WB in fear. The “Deep States” of USA, Pakistan and Bangladeshi’s moved in and out of West Bengal and Bangladesh freely because Mamata’s government wouldn’t allow Indian border guards to fence the border. To the Modi government in Delhi, Mamata’s government had become a national security threat. Hence, they were uprooted in a lawful manner rather than being dismissed and put under presidential rule. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
What next
Every morning you wake up … just wake up and say “what’s next?” What will happen in the nation today? What new drama? What new episode? Who will get humiliated, who will be discarded … who will realise and who will fix it. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Australian aid
The whole world is doing something about their people during the fuel crisis. We were twiddling our thumbs. I was wondering if we are saying “Oh, man, we don’t have the money.” Thank you Australia for providing $30million in budget support towards our nation. Vinaka! NAVNEET RAM Lautoka
Climate and sovereignty
Fiji’s ambitious climate target
The Fiji Times of May 5, 2026 carries an article by Dr Michael on Fiji’s ambitious target to reduce emissions by 36 per cent from business-as-usual (BAU) levels by 2035. How ironic, Dr Michael.
Planting 30 million trees is a commendable initiative. However, how will allowing the burning of other countries’ waste in Fiji help achieve this goal? Expressing targets in percentages obscures the real picture. The public deserves transparency — please present actual emissions data based on Fiji’s projected emissions through to 2035. Does this 36 per cent reduction account for the additional waste the proponent intends to import, over and above our domestic waste? This must be clearly disclosed for public scrutiny. Otherwise, the target may still appear to be met on paper under BAU assumptions, while in reality emissions could rise significantly. That would amount to manipulating the narrative. You are, therefore, urged to provide actual emissions data covering at least the past five years through to 2035. Your department should already have this information. This will allow the public to assess trends, identify deviations, and question any upward spikes. Your stated goal should guide your actions. Use the NDC 3.0 framework to halt the proposed waste-to-energy project at the Vuda coastal area. Focus efforts on achieving the tree-planting target of 30 million by 2035, which requires planting approximately 9000 trees per day. At the same time, marine protection remains a critical responsibility. There is already substantial work at hand. Efforts should remain focused on addressing domestic priorities, without introducing initiatives that risk undermining national climate commitments. RAJ DEO Votualevu, Nadi
Fiji’s sovereignty
The RFMF Land Force Commander encouraged protection of Fiji’s sovereignty (FT 5/5/26). Is this not what Fiji’s military is all about? I believe this is when it matters most and the “intent” of having a military, in any country. It is about time that the Government stops being a “puppet” to foreign influences and defends its people as it is supposed to do, in my opinion. Fiji has passed 55 years of independence, is a sovereign country and I am certain, has to be governed by its people’s will. And since the past 20 years of the police force’s silence and negligence, I believe the decision for the joint operation is long overdue. May I suggest courageous, intelligent and dedicated leaders, who can subject their particular egos to the greatness of the course. Sometimes, the worst things have to happen, before greater things can come alive. Samu Silatolu Nakasi, Nausori
