$500m bailout – SELWA NANDAN LAUTOKA
THE FSC board chairman Nitya Reddy has sought a $500million government bailout to rescue the company from its dire straits. He is quoted as saying “Hail, rain, storm, beg, borrow, steal. We need that share if we
want to revive the industry” (FT 9/10). My question is what was the board doing all this time. Has the heat from the fire at Rarawai mill woken them from their slumber? Is there no insurance protection for such loss? Has the mill been operating without any allocation for such contingencies? The desperation is a clear indication that the industry is no longer sustainable as it cannot survive without government assistance.
For how long can the government keep injecting more and more funding. And steal from whom? The taxpayers? What has happened to the money generated from the recent sale of properties?
Worry about your own – RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
NISHANT Singh’s letter ‘Worry about your own‘ (FT 10/10) is a regrettable reality in today’s Fiji 55 years after independence. Nishant tells Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu he should focus on the predicament of
the iTaukei rather than the Indo-Fijians. It reflects a pervasive perception that national leaders do not represent all the people in the nation but rather their own ethnic community. That stands as an indictment on the leadership in Fiji’s political landscape 55 years since independence. Wonder how much the coup culture is responsible for this deleterious reality?
Big fish – MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF NATABUA, LAUTOKA
SOME time back, The Fiji Times headline read “Hunt for big fish”. Just thinking how the big fish are able to survive when there are crocodiles around.
Interesting magazine – SARITA LAL MALOLO ST, LAUTOKA
I WISH to thank The Fiji Times for its amazing publication of ‘Becoming Fiji’ for Fiji Day.
Top leaders – RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
IN his 55 Year Fiji Day message DPM and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad says the founding fathers of Fiji were “gigantic leaders who put national interest above everything else” (FT 10/10). Sadly, we can’t say the same for the current leaders in the country given their track record in power, can we?
Great Council of Chiefs – VIJAY P. MADHAVAN BORRON RD, SUVA
WHAT a beautiful piece on the Great Council of Chiefs written by its chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula (FT Special Edition 10/10). Well done sir.
Right intent – WISE MUAVONO BALAWA, LAUTOKA
CONSIDERING the drastic increase of social problems, we should stop looking for the perfect Christian denomination. Instead, worship the perfect saviour with a congregation of flawed people who needs grace just as much as you do. Emeni!
Unveiling Fiji’s dropout crisis – BHAGWANJI BHINDI LAUCALA BEACH ESTATE, NASINU
IN Fiji’s sun, so bright and clear Some children leave, consumed by fear Causes of student dropouts in Fiji schools are alarming The fading of young dreams is truly disarming Poverty forces some to leave their class Chasing odd jobs as the years pass Peer influence pulls them astray Guiding their footsteps the wrong way Teenage mothers, struggles immense Face judgment harsh and doors locked tense Scholarships, counselling, and extra care Can help each child their life prepare If we unite, take hands as one The battle of dropouts can be won Education is a sacred right Not just a dream in fading light Let every child in Fiji’s schools Unlock the doors of knowledge’s tools Early intervention, care, and aid Can halt the losses, make the grade Poor performance leads to despair With no support, they feel no one cares Schools must act with vision and might To keep every child’s future bright When struggles grow and hopes are few Dropping out seems the thing to do Substance abuse traps youth in chains Disrupting focus, dulling brains They lose their path, their vision blurred Their future dreams left unheard To solve this crisis, we must unite Teachers, parents, and leaders with might For every dropout is a story untold A fading spark, a future on hold Some teachers lack the tools they need To nurture minds, to plant the seed Large classes crowd, resources thin A losing race they can’t begin Every teacher needs to understand student’s psyche to avoid dropout To guide them with wisdom, clear every doubt With patience and care, their trust we earn Through gentle support,
young minds will learn In a safe space, their spirits will rise Nurturing dreams beneath hopeful skies Let’s tackle student dropout in Fiji with commitment Work hand in hand, let’s show our firm engagement Through guidance and care, we’ll build a strong foundation Empowering each child to reach their aspiration With unity and action, we’ll turn the tide For every learner’s future, we’ll stand with pride.
Sugar, bailout, float questions – DONALD SINGH SUVA
THE Fiji Sugar Corporation Board chair Nitya Reddy has told the PM that a $500m bailout from Government will help the FSC stay afloat. Reddy’s desperation can’t be hidden when he tells the PM “Hail, rain, storm, beg, borrow, steal. We need that share if we want to revive the industry”. You can’t suggest stealing, Reddy.
Mr Reddy, let’s say Government provides you with the $500m capital injection. What next? Will you suddenly start growing sugarcane and producing sugar like we used to do some decades ago? I have some answers, but this is for you to ponder. How can a $500m bailout request be termed a capital injection? FSC’s loans will undoubtedly be paid off with Government money, with some money to spare. How about the current state of the sugar mills? One got its carcass sold for cheap, another just got paralysed and is out of action, the biggest one is limping and the one up North is not getting any younger. Will the FSC suddenly have a lot of revenue and funds at its disposal to encourage current and new farmers to plant more cane? I have more questions but I’m not writing a full page (yet). We need the right people with the right ideas and innovative minds to salvage the sugar industry. You see those derelict ships out there in the harbour? They will cost millions to dispose. Sunken ships cost more to salvage and restore than even the value of those vessels. FSC’s total value of assets after depreciation is likely way less than the $500m bailout Reddy is asking for. So the Government would have to be out of its mind to inject $500m in something that is valued lower. Mr Reddy, I cannot sanitise the truth, in your words. Please stop making wild requests or maybe stop reading prepared speeches. Understand the situation and context first please. I’m glad the PM didn’t buy too much into that and suggested that a Cabinet paper from the Sugar Minister is needed and then they will look at ROI and sustainability issues first. In a fair debate situation, the likes of Reddy won’t last five minutes with me. Reddy at the helm could lead us to a different kind of bailout. And yes, this is not a political letter, rather a logical one.
Peace deal – RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
WITH all the understandable euphoria surrounding the American initiated peace deal between Israel and Hamas, after the immense loss of lives and human suffering and human misery resulting from war atrocities and Hamas hostage taking, it is nevertheless important to remind ourselves the phrase “peace is not the end of war” means peace is more than the cessation of hostilities, but rather a state characterised by justice, goodwill, and a positive absence of conflict’s underlying causes. While a ceasefire merely halts fighting, true peace requires addressing the root causes of conflict, fostering understanding, and promoting a deeper harmony within societies and between nations (AI Overview). Now we wait to see how this peace plan works out for both Israelis and Palestinians long term. I sincerely hope it succeeds.
Minority rights – SELWA NANDAN LAUTOKA
NILESH Lal in his article “A vanishing minority” (FT 4/10) correctly attributes the two main causes behind the depleting Indo Fijian population as migration and reduced fertility rate. The statistics speak for themselves.
Like it or not, that’s the stark reality of the paradigm shift in our demographics. And the trend is most likely continue on the same trajectory in the years ahead as the push and pull factors remain irreversible. We cannot blind fold ourselves to the impact of the exodus on our economy. My prediction is the Indo Fijian population will shrink to 25 per cent in the next 10 years. Given this evolving dynamics it makes it even more imperative to approach with caution any moves to amend the constitution that could have far reaching ramifications for the minority ethnic groups. That is if we are truly concerned about addressing their growing sense of insecurity in this country. Come to think of it, that could be one of the reasons why the threshold for amending the 2013 Constitution is set so high. That is to protect and safeguard the interests and rights of the minorities. It’s pointless to argue as to who is responsible for the departure of the Indo Fijians because the horse has bolted a long ago triggered by the events of 1987. But on the flip side it may have been a blessing in disguise for those who have prospered in their new countries. But at the end of the day our loss is their gain.
That noise! – MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF NATABUA, LAUTOKA
WHEN members of the current administration were on the opposite side, they made a lot of noise about loans and government wastage, particularly related to finance. Do you still hear that noise?
Influential and legendary – FLOYD ROBINSON, MICRONESIA
FOR rugby fans, who would be the most influential players on the paddock? In rugby league, one cannot ignore Reece Walsh. His performance in the grand finals last week was legendary in terms of defence, creating opportunities and scoring tries. In rugby union, Ardie Savea’s leadership and ability to motivate fellow All Blacks team mates is a class of his own. Fans are entitled to their own opinions but for now, Reece Walsh and Ardie Savea, appear as legendary players.
Water carting business – ISIKELI NAKATO RAIWAQA SUVA
I SINCERELY believe the water business in Fiji can make millions of dollars in net profit, just like that of the electricity business! One of the solutions, is the controlling of water carting trucks, doing business with the Water Authority of Fiji. If we have the long list of owners of the trucks doing the water carting and the amount of money they claim from the Water Authority, then only, we can see the my truth in my article! For transparency’s sake, the workers at Water Authority of Fiji now are more relaxed, compared with those who were there before privatisation. Treated water running freely on the roadsides and streets are a waste of government money, as the WAF continues to survive on our government. The budget is the proof. The water business has never made any profit to repay the money given out to them. A great bulk of the millions given out to WAF to my understanding, is taken up by these hired water carting trucks. The water system in Fiji can handle the water disruptions on its own. No great need for trucks to be involved in the game! The auditor general’s office must be alert, and to be stricter with the control and feedback and reports. There are too many loopholes and leakages in the big ship-no profit there.
Gigantic leaders! – RAKESH CHAND SHARMA NADI
I REFER to DPM and Finance Minister, Professor Biman Prasad’s statement (FT 10/10) that A D Patel and S M Koya were gigantic leaders who put national interest above all else to negotiate Fiji’s independence 55 years ago. I beg to differ. According to my father (now deceased), at the Fiji Constitutional Conference in London in April-May 1970, Fiji’s Chief Minister, Ratu Mara and the leader of the Indo-Fijian opposition, S M Koya, (A D Patel had passed on in 1969) decided to resolve the land issue within Fiji after independence (Google for more information). The British wanted to resolve land issue. Ratu Mara had outwitted S M Koya. Thus NFP has been forever trying to resolve Fiji’s land issue with ALTA , ALTO and all those years of negotiations while expiring sugar cane leases brought about a slow demise to the industry. Now Sugar Industry is on “life support” (ventilator). While reading all the news in the FT on the state of Sugar Industry, I was glad to notice
that M P Chaudhry’s name had not been used any time by either F S C Chairman, Nitya Reddy or Sugar Minister, Charan Jeath Singh. PM Rabuka also added his remarks, but failed to mention the impact his 1987 coups and that of year 2000 had on the sugar industry. However, the Coalition Government would want to portray a glossy picture, the descendants of the “girmitiya” will continue to leave Fiji.
Emigration from Fiji – OLIVER VINOD SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
I REFER to comments attributed to the Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu regarding the migration of Indians from Fiji. His comments would have been better directed at the current Prime Minister and his
predecessor who have played a major role in the migration of Fiji Indians. The golden years for Fiji were under Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, who sadly was bundled off to Lau.
Doing for others – RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
IN The Fiji Times Today’s Thought we have Martin Luther King Jr quote: Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What you doing for others?“ (FT10/10). With regard to the Rabuka Coalition gang in government, they haven’t been doing much for others since their rise to power despite their election promise to be a “people-centred“ government.They have been doing a whole lot more for themselves and their cronies. The people feel let down by them. That’s a shame because it was supposed to be a government of change.
My plea! – RONNIE CHANG MARTINTAR, NADI
RESPECTFULLY, I make another appeal to the Fiji Roads Authority following my first reports in September 2025…. (or earlier). Street light right opposite 26 Gray Road Mountainview Martintar remains extinguished.
Martintar boasts no fewer than six nightclubs, all within walking distance. Additionally, there are many bars and licensed restaurants. Returning home into a darkened section causes some fear for safety due to intoxicated nightclub patrons. Is FRA waiting for a new pedestrian fatality.
Good governance – RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
OPPOSITION Whip Jone Usamate couldn’t have been more succinct when he reminded the Acting A-G Siromi Turaga that “the Opposition has both the right and the duty to hold the Government to account”. It would actually be failing in its duty if it did not do that. So Usamate is right to let Mr Turaga know that the Opposition “will continue to speak out on the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (COI)” despite Mr Turaga’s attempt to silence Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu with his spurious criticism. It is certainly the expectation of the Fijian public that the Opposition do that and uphold the norms of democratic good governance.
Alcohol invading sports fields! – ISIKELI NAKATO RAIWAQA, SUVA
TRAGICALLY, our sports fields in the country are now invaded by alcohol, which is the destructive go between or secret agent, to the downfall of players all over the world! The Ministry of Sports must put its foot down on this evil practice now, before it is too late! We had never seen alcohol or grog being taken to sports fields, when we were growing up, even drunkards were not allowed to enter! There has never been a serious study on the deadly effects of alcohol on our players or society as a whole! It is now that we must attempt to conduct one! We must attack this most sacred cow! All Christians living in Fiji should try to examine anything, especially alcohol which hinders anyone from living their fullest and healthiest lives!
Alcohol remains to be a silent killer! Alcohol is a mind-altering drug, a big or the biggest danger to the grounds’ security! We have witnessed players’ performances after a heavy bowl of drinks. Booze is the greatest evil in Fiji’s sports and society, today! Even the brown liquid must not be allowed inside sports grounds. Can I ask the Fiji Sports Commission to shut down all drinking sports within our playing fields! Close all booze centres and brown liquid swiping inside the ground.
New way! – ADRIAN DOW SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
I RESIDE in Australia and have been trying to campaign to change the way Australia observes its national day. Instead of it just being a celebration of Australia, I’m proposing that the morning be set aside for reflection and discussion of the mistakes that Australia has made over the years, and the afternoon a celebration of the positive things that Australia has done as a country. I believe that this could be a model for how all countries observe their national days. All countries have made mistakes as well as had successes.
This would be a more nuanced way of observing the national day and a form of insurance against repeating past mistakes. With Fiji set to celebrate National Day, I invite the Fijian people to consider this idea for how this day is observed.
Proud Fijian! – ASHNEEL J PRASAD (TEACHER) SHINAGAWA-KU, TOKYO, JAPAN
TODAY, as Fiji marks 55 years of independence, I can’t help but think of freedom — and its peculiar sense of timing. We celebrate a half-century of self-rule, yet the story of how we got here didn’t begin in 1970. It began on ships crossing the Kala Pani, carrying men and women who never knew the word “Fiji” until they were bound to it. Between 1879 and 1916, over 60,000 Indians were brought to Fiji under the indenture
system — a polite term for something far less civilised. History calls them “girmitiyas”, after the “agreement” they signed, often without understanding it. Five years of labour, they were told. But contracts have a way of stretching when ink meets empire. The conditions were brutal — long hours, little pay, and punishment for insolence, which often meant simply being human. It was slavery with better stationery. And while the world congratulated itself for abolishing one form of bondage, it quietly invented another, cheaper version — just with receipts this time. Those girmitiya weren’t heroes in the cinematic sense. They didn’t have revolutions,
only routines. No flags, just fields. No slogans, just silence. Their defiance was survival itself — enduring humiliation so their children could inherit dignity. And we did. We, their descendants, live with the comfort they never knew. Our education, our voices, our citizenship — all trace back to their suffering. Every Fijian Indian surname is a memorial, whether we admit it or not. And yet, when we speak of independence, we rarely speak of them. They were the foundation no one invited to the ribbon-cutting. But here’s the truth: I love this country. Fiercely. Fiji is home — the soil that accepted those who had nowhere left to go. The land that took my ancestors in when their own had cast them adrift. Independence, for me, isn’t just about a flag raised in 1970; it’s about the generations who toiled so that flag could one day exist. So yes — I am proud. Proud to be Fijian. Proud of what this nation has become. But pride without memory is just vanity. Today,
between the speeches and the songs, I remember the nameless — the men and women who arrived in chains of ink and left behind the gift of belonging. They built a home for strangers and, somehow, made us a people. Happy 55th Independence Day, Fiji. Thank you for giving my ancestors a place to stand, and for giving us the courage to remember where we came from.
Police ‘laxity’ – DAVID SUSHIL LAL MALOLO ST, LAUTOKA
I LODGED a complaint at Lautoka Police Station in December where an officer advised he would visit us that afternoon or the following day for full submission of our report. He did not turn up so I called him to which he replied there was no transport available. I reminded him my home was only a five-minute walk from the police station. After a few days, I called again and was told by the receptionist that particular police officer was not seen around although he was on duty. I left the message with the receptionist, however, until yesterday, there has been no response from Lautoka Police Station. The above is just one example of police laxity. There have been many other cases where police officers deliberately refuse to attend to our pleas. Every year there are hundreds of new police recruits but how many are eager or even take pride to serve the public. Often, we hear police officers arriving extremely late or not arriving at all to attend to reports, the last incident was at Waiyavi in Lautoka when fire crackers were aimed amid prayers. Many crimes have been left unreported because of police laxity. Due to their reluctance, some of us have lost all trust in these so called ‘law abiders’. It’s no longer crime prevention but crime promotion.
A valiant battle! – RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU
AS I reflect on the loss of my beloved wife, Madhusani Krishna, who fought a valiant battle against dialysis and kidney failure, I allude to the words of Billy Graham, “No matter how prepared you think you are for the death of a loved one, it still comes as a shock, and it still hurts very deeply.” After my wife’s departure for eternal rest, I was touched by the number of condolences that were shared from all over the world. I continue to get support from my loved ones and well-wishers, and this keeps my daughter, Mahika Lingam, who is a year five student at Rishikul Primary School, and I going. It’s hard but we must accept the fateful event of September 24 and move on with life. I thank my letters to the editor family – Colin Deoki (Australia), Dinesh Kumar (Ba), Sarita and David Lal (Lautoka) and Rohitesh Chand (Nasinu) for the heart-felt words and sympathy. I salute the Editor-in-chief Fred Wesley and his wife Mrs Emele Wesley, and the subeditors Waisale Koroiwasa, Josaia Verenakadavu and Rodney Duthie, and the sports editor Rohit Deo for their unconditional support and gesture in reaching out to me during the toughest of times and darkest of days. I plead with the relevant authorities to support patients battling kidney failure and those who are going through dialysis as the cost of treatment is high. Like me, my dearest wife was a loyal civil servant, a committed, dedicated and passionate nurse who completed her post-graduate studies in midwifery and served the CWM Hospital with so much vigor, passion, pride and enthusiasm to that extent that she did not mind staying away from us during the lockdown period (COVID-19) to ensure that she continued to serve as a frontliner. Unfortunately, her health took a toll on her productivity, and a time came when she had to bid goodbye to the job that she revered the most. That day, she cried a lot. Her ambitions came to an end as she took early retirement. As she continued her treatment, Oceania Hospital was fast becoming her home as she spent more time in the ward than at home, and then on Wednesday, September 24, she took her last breath. Her death was a tool of unity. Race and ethnicity aside, I was touched by the presence of a multi-racial gathering at home. The pain of losing Madhu is real, but time heals all wounds, and my daughter and I are taking things slowly. With the support of many, we continue to strive. Valuable lessons were learnt- be a good person and be good to others; spend valuable time with your loved ones; health is wealth; be there for others during their trying times. To my Fiji Teachers Union and Nabua Secondary School families and those in the teaching fraternity, plus residents of Balgovind Road, Nadawa, religious groups and artists, and those, who stood by us as we mourned the loss of Madhu, please accept my sincere gratitude and appreciation! Each one of you provided relief and comfort during our difficult journey!
