Queen contestants
I was disappointed to see that only eight queen contestants will be part of this year’s FMF Foods-sponsored Hibiscus Festival. Seen as a historic event which celebrates beauty, talent and cultural heritage in Fiji, I’m thankful to The Fiji Times (18/09) for publishing the profiles of the contestants — quite impressive and decorated, I must admit! Their messages focused on the pressing issues plaguing Fiji’s families, communities and societies – social ills like the HIV crisis and mental health challenges, and areas that we could do better in like lifesaving, youth equity, greater female representation, marine conservation, and strengthening family bonds. We have eight powerful and dynamic queen contestants. The Mother of all Festivals continues to resonate and inspire young women to chase their dreams and shatter glass ceilings. Expect a bumper crowd in Suva on Saturday! I plead with the Fiji Police Force and the organisers to keep the festival crime and drug-free. Such opportunists will be out to make a way from the week-long event. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Do two wrongs make a right?
Some time ago a primary school student, who was going home from school, got killed in an accident in Nabua. The driver of the vehicle got beaten up by bystanders and motorists in plain sight. That driver mysteriously died later on the same day. Have the people who assaulted the driver been caught and charged? Or have the two wrongs somehow made a right? Just a few days ago, a video made the rounds on social media showing a man in vest and some other people assaulting another man for causing an accident around Vuci, Nausori. Again, two wrongs seem to have made a right. Countless other examples exist but I’m not writing a full page here (yet). It’s not hearsay. Videos are out there. Have we, as a nation, become complicit with criminal behaviour? Donald Singh Suva
Warning for motorists
Police to launch nationwide crackdown (FT 16/9/25). The recent road fatalities on our roads seemed undeniably shocking, in my opinion. Why is it that the police traffic section is always reactive, rather than proactive? Is it not the government’s enforcement arm for the public’s safety and security? For whatever the LTA’s “governing provisions” on our roads, the major setback is always the enforcement, in my view. It is easy to import vehicles and licence motorists, but it is always impossible to enforce the road traffic operation. Until this “inadequacy” is seriously considered, the continuation of unsafe and reckless driving on our roads will linger. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Legislation for drug trafficking
I write to express my deep concern regarding the escalating issue of drug trafficking in Fiji. It has become alarmingly clear that the situation is spiralling out of control, with disturbing reports indicating that individuals entrusted with enforcing the law are themselves complicit in the trafficking of hard drugs. This betrayal of public trust not only undermines our justice system but also endangers the safety and future of our communities. The current approach is insufficient to deter such criminal activity, and it is time we take decisive action. I strongly support the adoption of legislation like Singapore’s drug laws, which have proven effective in curbing drug-related crimes through strict enforcement and clear deterrents. Implementing such measures in Fiji could be a critical step toward restoring public confidence and protecting our nation from further harm. Let us act now to avert the worsening crisis and safeguard the integrity of our institutions Joseva R Vatubulitinibua Namaka, Nadi
Police scandal
Public trust on the Fiji Police Force is further shattered when members of the Narcotics Bureau were caught with drugs. How many more of our law enforcement officers are involved in other crimes? If our law enforcement officers are involved then the question arises, is the law enforcement arm doing its best to tackle other people involved in similar crimes. Many say the drug suppliers got the backing of many law enforcement officers thus the drug problem becomes bigger day by day. I believe a big clean-up is needed in the law enforcement department to tackle this issue. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Suva City Council
SCC should seriously consider establishing an office in Nabua Town. Parking is a major issue and just one of the reasons now and more so to effectively cater for all its citizens and ratepayers to have easy and convenient access to its offices for any business. Asish Vinay Prasad Park Rd, Raiwasa, Suva
Poor decision
On the Fiji Government Facebook page, they proudly posted the successful completion of the deck replacement works on Kalabu bridge. Would it have made more sense to replace that wooden bridge with a concrete one due to concrete’s superior durability, longevity and lower maintenance needs? Dou bula! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Miserable season
With the fire at Rarawai Sugar Mill forcing the suspension of crushing at the mill, cane farmers in Ba, Tavua and Ra will now have to take their wares to neighbouring Lautoka mill for processing. Alas, Lautoka has been having ongoing mechanical problems of it’s own since day one. One does feel for the farmers, who are trudging through prolonged trials this season. Samu Railoa Vanuabalavu, Lau
Professional jealousy
This is what happens when one works in an institution/organisation/company with hatred at all times. Face value you may like the person but through professional jealousy, you dislike him/her. It happened in the past, happening now and will continue to happen in the future. It is also in the political arena. Social media has lot of examples of it. You be the judge. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
Steering wheel cover
Could it be that these steering wheel covers can cause an accident? If the steering wheel cover slips and go in one direction while the steering wheel goes the other way, the car won’t follow the cover. It will follow the steering wheel and possibly cause the car to hit something. Personally, I stopped having a steering wheel cover for many years and I can drive with confidence knowing that the car will go where I turn to go. Conan Hatch Nadi Airport
Road, teenage pregnancy
Road humps
The increasing number of road accidents and deaths on our roads leaves no choice but to construct road humps. Humps are a vital tool in the hands of the Fiji Road Authority to bring sanity to our national roads. Young drivers (drunk drivers as well) forget that speed not only thrills but it also kills. Thus road safety is paramount. Purpose of road humps:
- Traffic calming; Their main purpose is to slow down vehicles especially in areas with high pedestrian activity like schools, Fijian villages, hospitals, and residential areas.
- Accident prevention: By reducing speed they lower the risk and severity of crashes. Faster vehicles means more kinetic energy and more dangerous collisions.
- Pedestrian safety: Slower traffic gives drivers more time to react and makes road safer for crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Encouraging compliance: Drivers are more likely to stick to speed limits when humps are present, especially on narrow local roads.
- Improved quality of life: Less speeding means quieter roads and safer neighbourhoods, which can enhance the overall well-being of residents as speed is reduced to 20kmph to 25kmph.
- Construction: Most humps in Fiji are built of cement or asphalt and they are half moon shaped.
- Complaints: Most drivers complain that there are too many humps on our roads which cause immense damage to vehicles or are responsible for accidents: the number of road humps on the Queen Elizabeth Drive along Nasese coastline is mind boggling … 11 in total from end to end … must be a world record!
- System must improve: At the moment there are a number of loose ends contributing to unacceptable levels of carnage on our roads: corruption in licensing offices, corruption involving police officers on our roads and generally a weak surveillance system.
- I hereby appeal to all those involved in using our roads to show civic pride and contribute to national safety. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Reflections and discussions
If recent media reports of approximately 490 teenage pregnancies recorded over the first six months of 2025 are correct, as a society, we may have an emerging issue which deserves more serious reflections and open discussions? Whatever one’s opinions, this may certainly raise questions on the level of parenting at household levels versus the modern-day peer pressures our youths are exposed to on a daily basis? As parents and guardians, to what extent are we talking about sexual education and responsibility with our teenage children? What cultural factors either support or hinder discussion on this important topic within our households? At what age should these discussions begin? Do we know what social media platforms our children frequent and if so, are we aware of the names of their accounts and online activities? Are we familiar with the characters of our children? If not, social media and peer pressure may exert more influence on our children than us as parents and guardians. Circumstances have rapidly changed and continuously challenge traditional roles of parents and guardians. Aside from this, let us hope that our families and communities are receptive to supportive options such as counselling services for teenage parents, both mothers and fathers. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
