Right people, right pay
I agree with honourable Ioane Naivalarua, the Policing Minister, that police officers’ pay and recruitment standards must be lifted to ensure the right people are hired in the fight against the drug trade. While I applaud this idea, I plead with him and the Coalition Government not to restrict that suggestion to the police force only, but to consider other important sectors like health and education. For once, pay a thought to the migration rate as Fiji continues to lose experienced, skillful and knowledgeable teachers to Australia, NZ and the neighbouring Pacific Island countries. Our teachers deserve the right pay. On the other hand, it’s important to intensify the fight against drugs, both locally produced and those brought from overseas. I’m pleased with the crack that is falling on the perpetrators. We can’t afford drugs to take control of families, communities, societies and the nation. I salute our police force and relevant authorities for stepping up in the fight against drugs. Looks like some have set their sights on making Fiji a drug-hub country, but we must join hands to disrupt their plans. A concerted effort is needed at national level. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Call for an accountability
I wish to address and express my deepest concern on the growing issues of corruption and poor governance that undermines the progress of our country. I believe citizens are still confronted with misuse of public funds, nepotism and lack of accountability among leaders despite the promises of reforms. I believe many citizens face discrimination and limited freedom of expression. This governance failure undermines public trust and violates citizens’ basic human rights. Leaders are to be transparent and should be held accountable for their work. The people of Fiji have the right to good governance and need a government that serves its citizens equitably and upholds the rule of law. It is significant that government or non-government agencies take real action against corruption and work to ensure human rights are respected across all levels of society. Silivia Leleicakau Suva
Diabetes outbreak
The Fiji Times report “Blind eye on NCDs in young Fijians going blind from diabetes” (FT 13/9) has still not opened the eyes of many. It’s sad to note how we become addicts to fast phones, fast food leading to obesity. Some struggle to put family food on the table while others are dying of hunger. Preventive natural medicine with nutritious food, exercise and weight control, rather than those bills, surgery and tears for consequences is nature’s way to be healthy, wealthy and wise. Eat well with less is the way to live long. Diabetes, a deadly disease taught me discipline to live longer. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Safe at home?
My brother’s house in Tuirara, approximately 100 metres away from a Police Post, was broken into the other day, between 12pm to 2pm with mostly working neighbours in their vicinity. No one was at home as this couple operate a shop in Suva and only discovered the robbery when they arrived home with their two children. Police came and took their report and said forensics would come and take fingerprints and details, advising them not to compromise the scene. They waited the whole night for forensics without sleep as the entry gate and windows with grills were broken as they feared the culprits may pay another visit during the night. We picked their children yesterday in the morning for school and the couple looked very shaken from this ordeal with the forensic team yet to visit them. Social media is flooded with similar incidents. People no longer feel safe in their comfort zone, their homes, with Police inundated with such crimes. Can the authorities urgently do something regarding making its people feel safe as the festive season approaches with similar incidents on the rise. Joyti Lal Makoi St 2, Nasinu
Government’s improvements
The Minister for Infrastructure has urged voters to see improvements (FT 27/9/25). The head of government is not new as PM, even very familiar with Fiji’s politics. And yet, he seemed not to have proactively read the “political landscape”, in my opinion. Was it deliberate ignorance? The Trump administration’s accomplishment within its first 100 days, was what no other has ever done, in US history. Mocked, as not “politically right” and has no political career, whatsoever, his actions proved otherwise, in my opinion. He served much more beyond himself, to put America first, again. Has Rabuka’s administration made any domestic transformative impact? In fact, what has been actually noticed, were “improved duplications”. The traffic congestion, water reticulation issue and power cut-offs, still linger. Was it accumulative negligence and incompetence? In my view, it simply was insanity. The end result speaks for itself. It is what it is. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Online safety
In the past few months, social media influencers and personalities have become the centre of attention in Fiji, for both positive and worrying reasons. The tragic death of Dr Isireli Biumaitotoya, known online as Leighley Leli Darling, whose alleged murder investigation is before the courts, is a stark reminder of the risks associated with this online visibility. Alongside Dr Leli, other influencers currently before Fiji’s courts and those scrutinised in the court of public opinion highlight the growing influence and potential dangers of online platforms. While everyone has the right to freedom of expression, there is also a responsibility to ensure that content shared online is appropriate for public consumption. I believe that both influencers and users must recognise that their posts, comments, etc, can shape behaviour, attitudes, and safety, especially among youths. These contents can influence the very essence of our communities, shaping the way we think, talk, act, and behave. Even our relational spaces could be impacted if moral standards online are not upheld. So therefore, the right to post must be balanced by accountability. Encouraging responsible use of social media is essential for the well-being of both individuals and our communities. Rather than seeing influencers and users as two radical sides of a spectrum that often have conflicting ideas, we should see them from a perspective that they can rather learn from and guide each other, especially establishing standards within the confines of the law to ensure online participation is safe for all. Salote Taoi Suva
Gap closing
The gap is closing between Australia and its rivals on the rugby paddocks. Going down 24-33 against the All Blacks is an indication of the Wallabies’ increasing confidence and growth. Earlier they narrowly lost to Argentina and against the British Lions. All in all, the Wallabies are establishing a firm foundation come the 2027 Rugby World Cup. I am banking on the Wallabies in 2027 and sincerely, hope that our Fijian Drua side finally develops the confidence in 2026 to start winning home and away games. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Hamas and peace
Can Colin Deoki name for us without cowering before truth and with his conscience the name of regimes who bankroll State terror? (FT 1/10). Colin Deoki’s anti-intellectualism is not surprising. He prefers his own bombastic take on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Human trafficking
International Justice Mission. Check their Facebook page. Deals with human trafficking issues worldwide. The Government and the relevant minister should contact them. Asish Vinay Prasad Park Rd, Raiwasa, Suva
Social workers
In The Fiji Times Street Talk question, ‘How can we address the problem of child abuse in Fiji?’ (FT 1/10), Vasemaca Vuiwacawaca said: “There should be more well-trained social workers (and) mental health professionals…” As a former Social Wefare officer in Fiji I applaud her progressive response. She identified a real need which is often ignored by politicians and policy makers. I thank her for her view. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Collective efforts
Some call it a growing epidemic while others liken this to a disaster. It will not stop unless we collectively as a community, unite in our efforts to combat the increasing rates of HIV. From about 500 known cases in 2014, within 10 years, the statistics sky rocketed to about 5900. As parents and guardians, the need to discuss sexual education and responsibility with our children is at an all time high. We must know the friends they hang out with as it only takes one instant of peer pressure to bring long term pain to our children. On the other hand, let’s unite in displaying compassion and understanding towards those living with HIV. Like it or not. Believe it or not. This is a reality of our Fiji and our collective efforts as a community is the only way forward in addressing this significant health issue. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Pension, mills, friendship
Holding people accountable
I’m driven once again to express my solidarity with the pensioners from 2012 whose life retirement contracts were decimated in what must also be regarded as an act of virtual theft. As a result, they endured emotional distress and mental anguish. I believe the very system that was meant to be their protector, betrayed them. These men and women were part of Fiji’s backbone. They helped in the building of this nation. And yet their precious retirements were deliberately violated by leaders of the previous administration. The Fiji National Provident Fund appeared to be a willing partner. What happened was, and is, a national disgrace; a betrayal that should enrage every Fijian. We must stand with the victims. They deserve more than restitution. Those who singled them out for their ordeal should apologise. I appeal to the powers that be to act swiftly and act now to ensure wrongs inflicted are put right, while there’s still time. And here’s the real question every Fijian should be asking: will those who engineered this betrayal, who designed and passed legislation to facilitate it, ever be held accountable? Colin Deoki Australia
50-years of friendship!
Congratulations to Fiji and China for celebrating 50 years of partnership. Hats off to the People’s Coalition Government and Deputy PM, Professor Biman Prasad, for reaffirming our strong and enduring ties with China. I read his speech where he described our relationship with China at an unprecedented level, characterised by respect for sovereignty, mutual prosperity, and collaboration in areas of shared interest. I had to agree with the learned professor that Fiji’s longstanding and enduring relationship with China stood the test of time and continues to remain firm and resolute. It was also pleasing to read that bilateral relations have grown substantially and the trade between the two countries rose from $2.3m to $534m in 2024, making China Fiji’s third-largest trading partner. China has significantly contributed towards agriculture, health, education and infrastructure. Many Fijians love Chinese dishes cooked in the local Chinese restaurants. China stood by Fiji at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and like Narendra Modi, the Indian PM, the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, visited Fiji in 2014, signifying the deepening tie. In Fiji, the Chinese community is an important partner in socio-economic development. I thank them for their contributions. Their continuous investment in Fiji generates employment and promotes economic growth. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Sugar industry
The Sugar Minister, Hon Singh was quoted as saying that the fire at the Lautoka Sugar Mill was deliberately lit. These puts the question on who is behind this and an investigation must be carried out on both Ba and Lautoka sugar mill fires. The fire at the scrap metal yard in Lautoka is nothing new to many people in Lautoka as similar incidents have happened previously at the same location. Imagine if that same fire would have spread to the mill then Fiji would have a major problem. After Penang Sugar Mill closed after cyclone Winston, all the sugar cane was brought to Rarawai Sugar Mill in Ba which added extra cost to cane growers and our already busy roads became more busy with all those cane trucks travelling from Rakiraki. Now every day the Lautoka to Ba and Lautoka to Nadi roads are busy with these trucks carrying sugar cane causing traffic problems for many people. I hope the Government works quickly to fix the Sugar Mill in Ba as the Lautoka mill is well known to break down every now and then. Our sugar industry needs a complete overhaul to move our economy forward which has been neglected for so long. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
