A bold question!
Thank you, Jake Wise and The Fiji Times, for having the guts to ask a bold question (FT: 20/10), “Where is the FICAC chief?” Taxpayers are funding the pay of the Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, Lavinia Rokoika, who remains unknown a month on, with the anti-corruption watchdog yet to clarify who is overseeing its operations. In recent days, FICAC has come under scrutiny, and it is time actions are taken. For how long will Fijians be kept in the dark regarding Rokoika? Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Finished product
ON the Facebook page of the Parliamentary Opposition (19/10) a bold statement by the honourable Leader of the Opposition reads “A Constitution cannot simply be written for the people and presented to them as a finished product”. I just had to laugh out loud at first after reading his statement but then it made me realise that Mr Seruiratu did not have the courage back then to make these type of statements before the promulgation of the 2013 Constitution. He was just an obedient flatterer back then. However, today the ball is in the hands of the current members of the Cabinet who know what is fair and what is not. So, members of the Cabinet, please don’t paint yourself to be just another “yes-man”. “History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce” — Karl Marx. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Young offenders
I was told that Year 8 children who are currently in school in Lautoka broke into a prominent primary school in Lautoka, stealing essential things, burning exercise and textbooks, urinating all around the classrooms and leaving a big mess behind for others to clean up. Imagine if the fire would have spread to the building, how many children would be affected today. One of those young offenders also was involved in stabbing a taxi driver in Lautoka I am told, now the young boy will not be able to continue his education because of what he has done. The saddest part is when his own relatives didn’t ask him about every stolen item he brought home. What happened to “our Fiji the way the world should be”, sadly if I may question, “which way”. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
A great loss for rugby!
Epeli Osborne, the coach who ended Suva Grammar School’s 21-year-old wait for Deans supremacy, bid his loved ones and the rugby fraternity goodbye. He led a courageous Suva Grammar outfit to victory in this year’s U18 Vodafone Super Deans Trophy over Lelean Memorial School 36-21 under wet footing and heavy ground conditions. Described by his loved ones as a ‘gentleman’, Osborne had rugby in his blood. He had a deep passion for coaching and was quite emotional when the Lions ended their 21-year-old drought. His time, unwavering commitment and efforts in nurturing and molding young athletes and sports personalities will forever be remembered. His kindness, caring and compassionate nature will never be forgotten. Osborne has left behind many broken hearts and beautiful memories. Rest high, champ! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Traffic lights
THE traffic lights at the intersection of Mount St Marys and Queens Rd remain in disrepair following the tragic accident on March 28, 2026, which claimed the life of a young Virgin Australia flight attendant. Despite the severity of this incident, seven months have passed, and the necessary repairs have yet to be completed. This prompts a pressing question: what is causing such a prolonged delay in fixing these faulty lights? It’s hard not to wonder about the priorities of those responsible for overseeing infrastructure maintenance. Are they fully aware of the ongoing risks posed by the non-functioning lights? Additionally, can the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) provide the public with an explanation for this troubling delay? It’s essential for all involved parties to address the reasons behind this extended inaction and to reassure the community by establishing a timeline for restoring these critical traffic signals. Silence creates doubts. Suresh Chand Nadi
Question time
Dear Finance Minister and the FNPF board members. Can you please answer this question? It is not very difficult or maybe it is? Do you feel proud every time a struggling, stressful, hurt and disturbed senior betrayed pensioner dies? Kirti Patel Lautoka
Pen power
If Narayan Reddy was allowed five minutes only to make his pitch at the Nadi public consultation last week, then I’m glad I haven’t taken a day off for making my own pitch. A day’s productivity lost for five minutes of nothing makes no sense. These pages offer more in that sense. Here we feint, talk, jab, punch and all but no ducking. And it’s effective too. Pen power. Donald Singh Nausori
Info is gold
Charlie Charters (FT 20/10) is so on the money with information being doled out piecemeal by Government. Near a million tonnes of sand to be removed, and sold back to us after the minerals are removed. Nothing happening here, move along please. Brings to mind Bainimarama’s comment regarding media censorship; “Fijians are not interested in politics”. In Fiji, information is gold, to be held very close. Terry Hulme Eastwood, NSW, Australia
Christian state
What will be the benefit of a Christian State? NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
What ethnicity?
On the question posed at the constitutional review consultation about a child born to iTaukei and non-iTaukei parents, doesn’t the child take his father’s ethnicity? I pity the day we decide to let the child decide. Samu Railoa Nadi
Litter fine
A $200 litter fine was introduced replacing the old $40 litter spot fine. Most towns and our two cities are still having litter problems. On any morning or at night our towns are littered with rubbish, be it paper cups, receipts from supermarkets or even PET bottles. Some say not enough rubbish bins are provided and some say our people are just not bothered about our environment. The question remains: “Have the increased fines helped?” Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Thank you
A senior academic from one of our universities asks for the definition of “reasonable chastisement”. May l draw attention to the excellent letter from a former physics teacher of mine in FT Oct.20. Thank you Brother Fergus. You made my day and l still smile whenever l see the phrase. Daniel Fatiaki Suva
We will fight on
Good morning my dear Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. The late masterji, Dewan Chand, a valuable member of our 2012 Pensioners Committee was a true stalwart.
He lived;
He fought;
He died believing justice would come. Sadly, he did not live longer to witness the “bitter end” to the infamous, cruel and festering Decree 51. Man can be man’s worst enemy. Illegal man-made Decrees with a hate for the elderly and humanity, must be changed, forthwith. Why procrastinate? Masterji, yearned for an early Christmas 2026. He worried for his daughter, Prameeta. You were his former neighbour. He spoke highly of you — yet, worried about your “ill-informed advisors” immediately within your own “closed circles”. They are hindrances you do not deserve. Masterji was a perfect living example in our midst. He silently endured enormous personal stress, mental anguish, frustrations and disappointments over numerous months. It finally culminated in his stroke at about 11.30 am Saturday, October 10, 2026 — Fiji Day. In just over 96 hours later, he vacated his earthly home address. He is no more amongst us today. I will miss him sorely. He was well-spoken; well informed; very learned. Many pre-deceased pensioners, like him, would have suffered the same ill fate. How many more must die the same way before restitution and restorative justice finally sees the light of day? Prime Minister, that “Proverbial golden key” is with you. Use it now and “save our souls”. Rest in God’s perfect peace and eternal happiness, Masterji — Dewan Chand. Yours was a life well-lived; Sadly, you died in vain. We will fight on. You now join our late fearless fighters in David Burness and Jackson Mar. Rest well. Ronnie Chang Nadi
Fading tradition
Someone has hit the nail on the head (FT letters 19/10), Diwali has become little more than another public holiday, stripped of much of its traditional significance. Diwali or Deepawali, a festival celebrated around the world, has become increasingly commercialised in Fiji. Businesses and FMCG companies bombard us with cleverly crafted advertisements, urging consumers to purchase ridiculously overpriced products in the name of celebrating the festival. I believe what was once a festival of lights, prayers and togetherness has turned into a highly competitive affair. Who wears the finest traditional outfit? Who makes the most elaborate sweets? Whose house is decorated like a Bollywood movie set? Apparently, the bigger the spending, the brighter the Diwali. Biswaas karna! Businesses are quick to jump on the bandwagon, promoting expensive brands of ingredients for homemade sweets while department stores try to convince us that traditional attire must come from their shelves to make the occasion complete. But one has to ask: “Paisa kaun dei, tuma baap?” Who is going to pay for all this? Not everyone has deep pockets or the luxury of splashing money around to impress others. With the cost of living soaring and inflation continuing to squeeze household budgets, many Fijian families are struggling to make ends meet. Yet businesses deploy every marketing gimmick imaginable to persuade consumers to spend money they may not have, all in the name of celebrating Diwali. Gone are the days when Diwali was primarily about lighting diyas, offering prayers for peace and prosperity, sharing homemade sweets and enjoying the company of family and friends. Today, the emphasis seems to have shifted from devotion to decoration, from sharing to showing off, and from spiritual fulfilment to commercial competition. There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying new clothes, exchanging gifts or decorating one’s home. The problem arises when these things become the measure of how well someone celebrates the festival. Diwali should illuminate our homes and hearts, not burn holes in our pockets. Its true significance lies in faith, goodwill, generosity and togetherness, not in how much money we spend or how extravagantly we celebrate. Perhaps it is time we reminded ourselves that the festival of lights is not a competition. However, the only thing that hasn’t changed on Diwali night is the annual “Aunty, kere sweets” saga, where groups of people armed with plastic bags and ice-cream containers go door-to-door through entire neighbourhoods collecting goodies as though Diwali is a nationwide charity drive. At this rate, forget the festival of lights; it is fast becoming the festival of emptying your pantry to satisfy the neighbourhood’s self-appointed and brazen sweet collectors! They have been an integral part of the celebrations for many years. Nishant Singh Lautoka
