Road safety! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU
SCARY! That’s how I’d describe the picture (FT: 04/11) of the servicerun bus, that belonged to Classic Buses Ltd and veered off the Denarau Bridge on Monday. It’s disappointing that despite the many accidents that are taking place and causing severe injuries and even claiming lives, drivers are not paying attention to road safety rules. Back to the horrific accident on Monday, what was supposed to be a normal working day for 50 hotel workers turned into mayhem. These workers could have been seriously injured or could have lost their lives. Lucky that only seven passengers were rushed to the Nadi Hospital. I’m pleading with public service drivers and companies serving the public to please exercise precautionary measures when on the road. Authorities must ensure that public service vehicles are well maintained, not overcrowded and roadworthy, so they don’t put the lives of workers at risk.
Denarau accident GEOFFREY CHAND LAUTOKA
ALL of a sudden the workers union, ordinary citizens and Denarau tourist workers became experts by saying the bus that was involved in the accident was not road worthy. Some were quoted as saying “the bus is usually over crowded”. Every citizen has the right to travel by bus or not to travel by that bus. If the bus was crowded then why board that bus? Every time when any accident happens, many people become experts and give their views. People need to be realistic about things.
Harbour eyesore AREKI DAWAI SUVA
IT is an eyesore when you stand on Narain Jetty and seeing a vessel owned by Goundar Shipping Ltd partially submerged. While Goundar Shipping disputes that they are to be held accountable for or be responsible for removing their partially submerged vessel, it begs the question what are the Fiji Ports Corporation Pte Limited, Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport going to do? It seems like the said departments of the threewheeler Coalition Government are just watching in limbo, indecisive.
What is the problem? JAN NISSAR SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA
THERE have been many concerns recently about drinking in public and the loutish behaviour of people in public places. I am of the view that in a now free country such as Fiji, citizens have the freedom to do as they please, especially in their own land which is now ruled by their own people and not by vulagi. I have said this many times before, one of the basic human rights in a free country is the right of citizens to choose to be stupid. These people are in good company such as grog dopeys and those who voted for Neanderthals to form government. How many such people are there? People do not complain about them … except me that is. So, what is the problem?
Nabavatu saga SAMU SILATOLU NAKASI, NAUSORI
THE original locality, I am certain, was inspected by the respective government’s agency and the relocation discussion materialised, accordingly. It was declared unsafe to be inhabited, leaving no option, but to relocate where necessary. In fact, under the “climate resilience” initiative, with the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change funding, I believe, the Cabinet’s $5.9million approval began in early 2024. The project duration was supposed to be eight months and today, it is almost two years. Another COP30, is about to be attended and yet, in my view, what has actually been experienced on the ground, can not be comprehended. What exactly is the Political Champion of Climate Change? Has Bulitavu dethroned Bainimarama, the former champion? That is like “from the frying pan into the fire”. It is, in my view, one of the worst understatements in Fiji’s political history. Isa o Viti.
Traffic congestion NAVNEET RAM (TD)
LAUTOKA TRAFFIC congestion at major centres in the country is an issue that Government agrees has become a problem. So the point is more and more vehicles are coming but less roads are being built. The roads will never be able to catch up. A journey that should be taking about 20 minutes to half an hour can stretch to around an hour during peak hour traffic. Well in overseas countries they’re able to control traffic flow which Fiji can adopt and if we don’t do anything about it soon, we’ll be perpetually stuck.
Sex offences WISE MUAVONO BALAWA, LAUTOKA
THIRTY-FOUR counts of sexual offences last month alone. Kemudou! My suggestion to counter the uncontrollable rising number of sexual offences against children is castration. That will deter would-be sex offenders committing the unforgivable act. My second suggestion I shall not mention because it won’t be printed. Sobo!
Workers’ rights DAN URAI LAUTOKA
IT is advisable to read the Employment Relations Act Amendment Bill, in its totality before commenting and misleading readers.
Lay-off decision SAMUELA RAILOA NADI
THE lay-off of seasonal workers at the sugar mill in Rarawai was imminent. The boiler fire has made it commercially impractical for the miller to fulfill its contractual duties. While the decision is academic and mutually understood, feelings are not. This is the part where Santa Claus appears and tells the employer that it is morally obliged to keep workers, irrespective of work availability.
Road humps BERNARD CHANDRA NADI
SEVERAL writers have commented about traffic humps. Apart from them not clearly marked, my question has always been why the hump sign is placed right against the hump itself. That’s far too late for drivers to slow down and it’s worse along the national highway to Suva where one is driving at a fairly decent speed. Common sense dictates that the signs be erected a few yards before the humps.
Every dog has its day PECELI ALISTIR WAITOLU, NAITASIRI
THOUGH I’m not a follower of the rugby world, but big news is what always drag the eyes. Reading the heartfelt tribute to Malolo’s historic Skipper Cup triumph (FT 04/11/25) brought back vivid memories of another unforgettable underdog story — when Naitasiri, once counted out by many, rose to dethrone Nadroga and claim the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy years ago. The country even created a memorial song that mentioned Rokini Kiliraki. Malolo’s win was more than a game; it was a statement that greatness is never confined to tradition or territory. Like the Highlanders of old, they played with heart, humility, and hunger — qualities that define our local rugby spirit. Their victory reminds us that rugby is not just about size or record, but about seizing the moment and daring to dream big. It reminded us that discipline counts in all areas of life, and even to God. Congratulations to Malolo anyway, their coaching staff, and the loyal supporters, for writing their own piece of Fijian rugby history. And to my fellow Naitasiri fans — tip your hats, regroup, and remember: every dog has its day, and God willing, yours will come again. Maleka vakalevu.
Reconsidering our selection FLOYD ROBINSON MICRONESIA
AS a sporting fan, with all due respect, I think we may have missed out a wonderful opportunity to expose more local based rugby league players in recent matches against Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea. For some reason, our Bati side lacked will power and mental toughness against PNG. These were seasoned and professional players, with majority based overseas. Against PNG we looked lost on the field. Motivation was seriously missing. Perhaps our local based players would have displayed more passion and pride. Are we only interested in winning that we overlook the benefits of exposing our local based players to international matches? All in all, our Fiji Bati side deserves continued support but the humiliating defeat appears to provide more reasons for a reconsideration to our selection criteria for national duties.
Strength of a woman! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU
HALF Yours and superstar jockey Jamie Melham sent shockwaves, winning the 165th Melbourne Cup at Flemington. Melham created history as the first female jockey to complete the Caulfield-Melbourne Cups double by riding Half Yours to victory in the ‘race that stops a nation’. A decade after Michelle Payne became the first female jockey to win the Cup, Melham matched the feat in stunning fashion, riding the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained horse to victory, beating Goodie Two Shoes and Middle Earth. Ironically, Melham’s husband, Ben, who rode Smokin’ Romans and finished 14th, became the first husband and-wife to ride in the same Melbourne Cup. As Melham dedicated the race to her grandfather, who passed away before the race, her fascinating, high-profile career as a star jockey starts. Melham is an inspiration to women across the globe that winning high-profile horse races isn’t only for the menit is for women who love adventure and take risks. Lesson- never undermine or underestimate the strength of a woman!
