Rabuka’s leadership
Our Coalition Government has been under the radar with all sorts of indiscipline and leadership problems with him, his Cabinet and government civil service departments, and Fijians are far from satisfied. Firstly, it’s a very difficult task getting the three political parties together to form a Coalition and think as one, considering all their different backgrounds as opposed to a one party government. It’s the first in Fiji’s political history, but credit to PM Rabuka for maintaining the ship in its direction despite being ridiculed by Fijians on many occasions. We call him names, criticise him, but he handles things with ease and at the end of the day, it’s his call as he is our main fala the Prime Minister. A true warrior indeed, nevertheless, with a tested leadership. TUKAI LAGONILAKEBA Namaka, Nadi
Historic event
The Fiji Teachers Union (FTU), which has a rich and proud history, marked a milestone on Tuesday evening as its 95th annual conference was officially opened at the Shangri-La Yanuca Island Resort by the Minister for Education Honourable Aseri Masivou Radrodro. Members gathered in a large congregation to attend the historic event. Ninety-five years of existence, and FTU has achieved a lot in terms of workplace relations, providing welfare and medical benefits to its members, and in the process saving valuable lives through its in-house medical scheme, and assisting children at the height of a natural disaster. Its school relief fund account is used to assist children and families with stationery. Powerful deliberations were delivered by the FTU Nadroga branch chairperson Mesh Chand, the national president Sashi Mahendra Shandil and the chief guest Hon Radrodro. The moment allowed members, who travelled from the North and the old capital, to catch up on lost time and share some glorious moments. The theme for this year’s annual conference is “Building better benefits, bonds and brighter beginnings”. The CEO for Bred Bank, Pierre Tastet, and his team were welcomed with great arms as they sponsored the opening event. The four-day gathering of FTU members on the Coral Coast is set to steer the organisation to greater heights. Sports, which will also be played, will bring out some top district reps and top-level action. Wishing my FTU family all the best for the conference and annual general meeting at Cuvu College! Thank you to the number one newspaper and FBC TV for the grand coverage on day one — the historic official opening. God bless! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Reward for Elder
Can the Hon Minister for Sports acknowledge Nehemiah Elder’s gold winning world title and give him a reward on par with what we gave our glorious gold medal 7s team. He and his coach deserve the reward just as our sevens team received. Congrats Nehemiah and thank you for your dedication and heeding the advice of your super coach Henry. Thank you for putting Fiji on the world map of great lifters. I am certain we will see more of you Tai Smith Nasinu Sec Sch Rd Kinoya, Nasinu
Road projects
The Transport Minister’s recent reassurance about long-term plans to ease traffic congestion in the Suva–Nausori corridor is encouraging. Proposals such as the new Tamavua–i–Wai bridge and road widening offer optimism that the current frustrating traffic woes may soon be significantly reduced. However, while these initiatives sound very promising, it would be helpful if the honourable minister could also shed some light on the Fiji Roads Authority’s proposed $1.5billion Nadi to Suva freeway. If I recall correctly, this major infrastructure project was expected to commence in early 2025, with the goal of improving transportation, alleviating congestion, and creating employment opportunities. As we are nearly halfway through 2025, there appears to be little public information on the status of this costly project. Could the minister kindly shed some light on its progress, including any delays or revised timelines? The public would greatly appreciate more clarity on this prime development. Or is this just shaping up to be another grand fantasy — right up there with the legendary railway network promised by the former FijiFirst masterminds?” Nishant Singh Lautoka
Tourist numbers
I read that numbers for tourists visiting Fiji are dipping. Personally, I am not surprised. There are several factors that anyone, especially our tourism stakeholders should have seen a mile away. l Hotels charging exorbitant prices for accommodation and meals for the past few years.
- Reputation for drugs, sexual crimes and generally unsafe country.
- Unscrupulous handicraft stores and swordsellers in Nadi and Suva. Tourists are posting their stories on social media of being conned.
- Reputation as a clean pristine country is being lost because of rubbish everywhere.
If these and other issues are not addressed with urgency, then we can expect tourism numbers to fall even further. Government, local councils and other stakeholders can do more. Please don’t blame tariffs and exchange rates and other factors. While they do contribute a little to drops, perception of our country ranks higher. Conan Hatch Nadi Airport
Reporting deaths
When countries are at war, why do you think women and children’s deaths are reported separately? Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Viral video
After watching the viral video on social media platform regarding the mighty and high attitude of an ordained priest from our largest denomination church at a recent traditional ceremony, it needs to be reminded that any representation from the church or government to the vanua on any occasion has to learn that their actions can affect others. So be careful what you say and do, remember it’s not always just about you! “How people treat you is their karma, how you react is yours”. – Wayne Dyer AREKI DAWAI Suva
No care
A request for road humps was sent to Fiji Roads Authority on April 22, for the upper Balawa Rd on the stretch that joins on to Drasa Avenue. Since the Balawa Rd was being re-tarsealed I thought it was a perfect time to request for speed breakers in an area that has a high volume of pedestrians, especially children. To date, still no road humps and FRA still even hasn’t bothered to acknowledge the request. With hundreds of millions of dollars allocated annually, the laxity syndrome seems to be very much alive within the organisation. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Fire hydrants
Are fire hydrants part and parcel of cities and town declarations? Then why are our small towns without it? Funny, isn’t it? Pita Soroaqali Rakiraki
PWD equipment
A writer questions how $8.6m worth of PWD assets vanished? (Tai Smith’s letter FT 7/5). We remember something like $250m disappeared from the National Bank of Fiji in post 1987 coup Fiji. Even Houdini would have been amazed at our disappearing acts! Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Funeral cost
I always wondered whom do we try to impress during the funeral of a deceased relative? Decorations, expensive suits, expensive foods and the never ending flow of kava are the order of the day, if not week. It all comes to waste at the end of the day as we pumped our resources down the drain for the sake of impressing others. We should change our mentality when it comes to funeral expenses and costs. Don’t try and compete. It’s costly! Pita Soroaqali Rakiraki
Wading into deep waters
This fellow Geoff Rashbrooke, the Fiji National Provident Fund messenger from overseas, is at it again. While the FNPF is largely silent about the claim of our group of elderly people for full restoration of pensions virtually stolen from us, its mouthpiece, Rashbrooke, continues his relentless efforts to undermine our campaign for justice. Based in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, he has a long association with the FNPF. In the fund’s latest annual report, he is listed as a member of its board’s crucial audit and risk management committee. It is therefore reasonable to conclude his regular attacks on us have the approval of the FNPF’s executives and directors. That the fund would allow someone from NZ to speak for it on this issue is bizarre! In his latest letter to the newspapers, he is wading into deep waters. Before I go into that, I must point out that Rashbrooke’s letter, published in both dailies on May 3, 2025, gave me a new surname. To him I am Dewan Shand. My surname, Mr Rashbrooke, is Chand. But that is a trivial matter compared with what followed. This FNPF representative from overseas was “taken aback” – meaning shocked – because our Prime Minister was looking at repealing decrees used against us by the military dictatorship in 2011-2012. The aim of the dictators was to crush our efforts to halt the attack on our pension entitlements. The most notorious of their legal weapons was Decree 51. Because of the Prime Minister’s own pension issues of that period, Rashbrooke mentioned certain implications he associated with the PM’s thoughts on repeal. Sensitive local political issues of this nature are usually out of bounds for visitors like Rashbrooke. He also delivered a lecture about what should happen in Parliament if other MPs faced issues because of the proposed legislation. Who is he to be preaching to us about this? The FNPF needs to control him. Rashbrooke may not be aware that Mr Rabuka stood with us through the initial crisis period. We are grateful for his continuing support and understanding in our drawn-out battle with the FNPF. Rashbrooke is confused about what I wrote recently which led to this latest standoff with him. He thinks I am seeking backdated reinstatement of the ‘subsidy element’ of our pensions. He’s wrong. Our Pensioners’ Group debunked the subsidy theory a long time ago. We simply want to be fully reimbursed for what was illegally snatched from us by the fund 13 years ago. The ordinary men and women we represent were singled out for a unique form of discrimination involving reductions in our life pensions. We are the only pensioners in the history of the FNPF to be subjected to this form of persecution. Perhaps Rashbrooke is unaware that our pension rates were approved by the Lower and Upper Houses of the democratically-elected Parliament, the highest civil authority in the land. The FNPF offered us life pensions on Form 9-OP. Does Rashbrooke not know that such lawful contracts are fundamental to free market private enterprise? He seems to be ignoring that the so-called reforms by the ruthless military regime, backed by the FNPF, eventually persuaded approximately 97 per cent of today’s pensioners to refuse the pension option for retirement. Does this mean that the FNPF is no longer a “pension” fund under its current board? Some questions for Rashbrooke: Why are you apparently oblivious to the illegality of what happened in 2011/2012? Does this mean you condone it? Also, I understand you were involved with the FNPF at that time so you must have detailed knowledge of what happened. This man is again spinning his narrative to falsely create the impression that we are just a group of undeserving wealthy oldies. I can tell him that I live on a shoestring budget. I regularly meet up with victims who also struggle to survive. They live with broken dreams of what should have been. Their retirement was not meant to be like this. A knowledgeable colleague has shared with me that an estimated 95 per cent of those affected by the pension cuts were receiving low or moderate pensions. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
