Concrete Jungle
They took a chunk of Churchill Park without public consultation. The iconic Shirley Park was also threatened by massive development projects, with a part of it being fenced off for years. Now, the Lautoka City Council has announced major construction plans for Coronation Park, again without a shred of community discussion and debate. Unsurprisingly, this has sparked strong opposition and fiery concerns from residents. The people of Lautoka are fed up with decisions being made behind closed doors, ignoring the voices of those who actually live here. These parks are not empty land waiting to be paved over, they are vital green spaces that support community wellbeing, provide environmental balance, and offer much-needed recreation in a city already overwhelmed by concrete. Lautoka is being gradually turned into a concrete jungle. The continued loss of our green spaces not only affects the city’s character but also has serious environmental consequences for surrounding areas. If the council is seeking projects to focus on, it should start by cleaning up its own mess. The $12 million swimming pool debacle remains incomplete, shrouded in secrecy, and a glaring failure of leadership. Finish what you started. Earn back public trust before embarking on other capital works. Meanwhile, if the council is truly interested in beautification, invest in what residents actually appreciate, add more seating (benches), improve the deplorable public amenities, and protect our open spaces. These small steps enhance the city without bulldozing its soul. Lautoka doesn’t need more concrete. It needs leadership that listens. Isa, if only the late and beloved Unkol Allen was still around – he certainly would have remarked “development tuma gun!” Nishant Singh Lautoka
Humble man!
I am very surprised to learn that veteran Yalalevu, Ba farmer, Arvind Singh got into a heated argument with Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh. You couldn’t find a more humble man than Arvind Singh. Everyone who knows him will tell you that about this salt of the Earth man. Wonder if the same can be said of the minister? Or, is the minister a man intoxicated with power and self-importance? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Social media ban
Under a new law that will come into force on December 10, 2025, children in Australia below the age of 16 will no longer have access to social media accounts. (FT 17/10). The ban is for the safety of the teenagers. When are we going to do the same in Fiji? SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Diwali holiday
Can our Government please have this holiday the night after Diwali since Diwali is celebrated at night? People travel from far to their homes. Hardly people return to work the following day. It’s hard on the employers. The Diwali sweets are made two weeks in advance. And if you think that on a Diwali holiday every one stays home, most play soccer and reach home at 6pm for their prayers. The real Diwali starts at night. Don’t have to be a genius to figure out that in reality, Diwali holiday is gazetted for a day. But people extend for another. Two days off for one day holiday. DPM, you should know. A Shariff Shah Savusavu
Public relations training
Does the Land Transport Authority provide customer relations training for public service vehicle drivers? Introduce it if not yet. Asish Vinay Prasad Park Rd, Raiwasa, Suva
Corporal punishment
Recent calls to reintroduce corporal punishment in schools concern me deeply. Discipline is essential, but using belts or rods can be effective but not in line with today’s law, especially local and WHO. The Bible provides examples of discipline without physical harm. After deceiving his father, Jacob was sent by Isaac to stay with his uncle Laban to learn responsibility and guidance. Similarly, Joseph and David’s parents entrusted him with responsibilities at home, teaching accountability and resilience through work and mentorship rather than fear. Absalom also experienced consequences for his actions through reflection and restricted privileges. All these are home-based teachings, not schools. Today, children can learn accountability through temporary restrictions—limiting TV or gadget time, assigning extra chores, or spending time with trusted relatives for guidance. Positive discipline grounded in empathy and clear consequences teaches right from wrong without fear. Let our schools and families embrace constructive, Biblical methods that nurture integrity, respect, and self-discipline. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
The focus on the girmitiya!
We are told by Pacific Polytech chair Dr Ganesh Chand the Fiji International Conference on Indenture was a success and that instead of the 50 anticipated papers, 80 were presented. Papers had to meet academic and scientific standards (FT 16/10). Wonder if the seminal book on the girmitiya My Twenty-one Years in the Fiji Islands: The Story of the Haunted Line by Totaram Sanadhya would’ve met the prescribed academic standards. Wonder what standards were upheld when a girmitiya Library was set up in a ramshackle tin shack? It seems the girmitiya conference ritual has now become a lucrative enterprise for some people. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Interesting landscape
ON the contrary, Donald Singh, “regime change” operations have already begun in Venezuela. The Nobel laureate appeared on CNN and spoke about democracy and human rights. If regime change is successful, whatever democracy and human rights were left under Maduro will meet its dreadful end like Bangladesh. In addition, Venezuela’s oil wealth will also be ‘ looted’ as it happened in Iraq and Libya after regime change. The nation involved in these activities cannot manufacture and export cheap goods due to its strong dollar. Further, for a billion Indians , by obliging President Trump with a Nobel Prize would have been a good reward for disbanding of USAID which funneled millions of dollars through NGO’S for conversions. Recently, the Modi Government deregisterd a great number of NGOs. One should be aware that Churches also are part of “Deep State” in India. As for Israeli Palestinian conflict, Abrahamic religions contain texts that make peaceful coexistence very difficult. In Sanatan religion, everyone is a seeker of God. One can accept written scriptures or don’t depends on them. Finally, Trump recently threatened PM Modi that he will destroy Modi’s political career (CNN) for buying Russian crude oil. Mark my words — President Trump’s political career will begin to decline from March 2026 onwards and he will not complete his term. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Fire crackers
WE are at that time of the year when firecrackers are again in markets and with the excitement and hype, safety is a focus big time. Pets are also to be considered. Believe me, my cat vibrates completely on the sound of firecrackers and runs around like a sprinter. Well, there are always pros and cons to many things and so is it with firecrackers. The prices and old stocks are also to be considered. The consumer council has tightened belts with market surveys and monitoring of goods. The same consumer council who thought the public is not raising concerns about getting the cash back on the e-Ticketing system. Anyway the system is up for a proper and fair sale. I’m not against fireworks or the sale of it as it gives enjoyment and satisfaction to many kids, and also some adults, although it has no significance on Diwali. I hope people are safe this Diwali with firecrackers and are considerate with those “loud banging noises” that pops out as if it’s taking out its frustrations on the vulnerable. Be very mindful of some shopkeepers who might only focus on their own good to get rid of fireworks and focus on their sales increase. “Oops I didn’t touch a soft nerve, did I? I strongly believe the loud banging fireworks that is simply noise pollution also harmful to our environment should be banned. Our sick elderly people should always be kept in mind. There are many good, safe and interesting ways of enjoying auspicious festivals like Diwali. Let’s not spoil the mood with ugly sounds and some unscrupulous business people. I wish the whole of Fiji a happy Diwali. Enjoy but safely. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Kalavata issue
I READ with interest the recent column on kalavata (FT 16/10/25) and its growing prominence in our gatherings. It is true that kalavata has become a visible part of our social and church events — a symbol of identity and unity. However, I share the concern that we may sometimes focus more on the matching attire than the meaning behind it. The kalavata was never meant to measure status or fashion, but to reflect togetherness, respect, and harmony. Today, it can also become a burden for families when its cost is treated as a requirement rather than a choice. On top of it, the money spent on kalavata could be more beneficial if given toward the soli or the purpose of the gathering itself. And talking about “birds of the same feathers too”, Lol. Whatever! Let our gatherings be remembered more for our shared joy and spirit of unity than for how well our colours matched. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
Cash inflow
What has been revealed by our PM regarding overseas remittances, is breathtaking, in my view. If consistent every year, it is like $1.34billion annually, which I believe would be 23 per cent of Fiji’s GDP. What an economical contribution compared to 5 per cent, 10 years ago. Isn’t this something the Government needs to capture? Practically, it really matters, for it lightens the Government’s burden and indirectly provides a critical source of income that elevates living standards, in my view. The PALM program in Australia and the likes, are ways “financial aid” is being transferred into neglected and underprivileged areas. In fact, I have witnessed the transformative changes within some of our rural village’s welfare. Although it has temporarily created a “void” of young energetic youths and family separation, these are the ones worth the sacrifice. However, I am certain that the respective ministry will continue to constructively examine these programs and review where necessary, for the nation’s greater good. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
The leather belt!
IN a shocking twist that feels more suited for a 1950s boarding school than modern Fiji, some educated voices in the Fiji Teachers Association (FTA) are apparently advocating for the return of corporal punishment in schools — complete with leather belts. Because, of course, nothing says “effective teaching” like a strip of leather flying through the air. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the irony here. In an age where the world is championing mental health, emotional intelligence, and child protection, some of our brightest minds seem to believe the best way to build character is through pain and humiliation. What’s next — bringing back canes and public scoldings to “instil discipline”? They say it’s about respect and manners. But since when did fear ever breed genuine respect? What it really breeds is silence, trauma, and a cycle of violence that seeps into homes and future relationships. If we start standardising hitting children as “teaching”, we shouldn’t be surprised when those same children grow up thinking it’s acceptable to “discipline” their own partners or children with the same methods. It’s not education — it’s indoctrination into domestic violence. Let’s not forget that Fiji is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which clearly states that every child has the right to be protected from all forms of physical or mental violence. Section 37 of Fiji’s Constitution also explicitly upholds human dignity and prohibits degrading treatment. Apparently, some folks skipped that class in teacher training. And honestly, why are we outsourcing parenting to teachers in the first place? Schools are meant to educate, not to parent. If children lack manners or discipline, perhaps the issue starts at home — not in the classroom. Maybe instead of arming teachers with belts, we should be equipping parents with patience, guidance, and responsibility. It’s called parenting — not punishment. Education should uplift, not instil fear. A child who fears their teacher doesn’t learn better; they just learn to hide better. They learn to lie to avoid pain. They learn that authority equals violence. And then we wonder why society struggles with respect, empathy, and trust. So no, dear FTA intellectuals — the leather belt isn’t the solution. It’s a regression. What we need is compassion, communication, and collaboration between parents, teachers, and students. Because the true mark of an educated society isn’t how well we punish our children, but how well we guide them without ever needing to raise a hand. Ashwini Basant Nausori
