Savuto’s next chapter!
Fiji’s “Vude Prince” Rusiate “Savuto” Vakadewavosa has offered and continues to offer so much to the music industry. The award-winning artist shared his vision and aspirations. Thank you, John Kamea, for the well-articulated piece (ST 25/01) on a legend whose success has been driven by great values and hard work. Savuto is entering the new year with confidence, maturity and faith in God. He has won hearts for his efforts in blending traditional Fijian sounds with modern pop and commitment in mentoring young artists. Our musician is embracing growth, while staying grounded through family, friends and faith. A patient, loving and kind gentleman, Savuto is an inspiration to budding musicians! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM
Nadawa, Nasinu
Beef saga
The recent removal of beef products from DMC outlets because of concerns about shared cooking oil has exposed a far bigger problem than one company’s menu choices. It raises serious questions about food safety oversight across Fiji’s entire food service industry. Many fast-food chains and restaurants routinely serve beef, pork, and non-meat items side by side. For thousands of consumers who avoid certain foods for religious, medical, or ethical reasons, the practice of frying multiple products in the same oil is not a minor issue; it directly undermines informed choice and consumer trust. This scenario prompts urgent questions. Are restaurants in Fiji actively monitored for cross-contamination in their cooking methods, particularly the reuse of oil across different food categories? Which authority is responsible for enforcing these standards, and how often are such checks carried out? More importantly, what practical mechanisms exist to verify claims by eateries that they use separate oils for different products? The reality is that many food outlets operate under cost pressures, and without strict, visible enforcement, it is unrealistic to expect voluntary compliance across the board. Consumers currently have no reliable way of knowing whether assurances given by restaurants reflect actual daily practices in the kitchen. Food safety regulations must extend beyond surface cleanliness to include meaningful scrutiny of preparation methods that affect consumer rights. Clear public standards, regular inspections, and transparent communication are essential if confidence in Fiji’s food system is to be restored. On a different note, why does McDonalds Fiji continue to serve beef in their burgers but refuses to include pork in their menu? Nishant Singh Lautoka
Head of government
A PM is responsible for any government of the day’s governance. Mr Rabuka, I believe, is the most experienced MP and PM, who has been part of and on the driving seat of Fiji’s governance since 1987. With all of his hands-on practical experiences, he should have by now, in my view, the flexibility to switch between leadership styles, as the circumstances dictate. From “party-politics” based, to “people-oriented” based governance. From coping with the current “hard infrastructures” status, to upgrading them above third world status. Even “soft and critical infrastructures” improvements are of the essence, in my opinion. Good governance is one of the most important factors in economic growth and social wellbeing. In fact, I think, the Government has been placing the people at the expense of its service. Even five months into its reign, the Coalition was “bluntly” informed by the Fiscal Committee, to “pull up its socks”, to no avail. And from thereafter, we have been witnessing public funds abuse, that speaks for itself. Most of the “changes” made were not progressive, but “duplications”. When politics is no longer a “service mission”, but a profession, politicians become more self-serving. However, it is in our moments of decision, that our destiny is shaped. The Bible stated that in any of our life’s building, wisdom to be the blueprint, understanding as the foundation and knowledge to furnish it. Even building a “nation”, for that matter. The great Lee Kuan Yew, former Singapore PM, has ultimately proved it. Samu Silatolu Nakasi, Nausori
WAF billing
I write this open letter to the CEO of Water Authority of Fiji to draw his/her attention to the serious errors in their current billing system. Reference is made to my water meter account no: 000108182215 at 11 Donu Rd, Lower Ragg Avenue, Namadi Heights. I am staggered with the huge variations in the bills issued in October ($1.50) and now in January the bill has jumped to $67.80. How on Earth is this possible? A single person lives in this flat! There is no commercial activity or car washing etc. I suspect that the new automatic meter reading system which WAF has introduced is the culprit! There can be no other explanation for such erratic readings in WAF bills. Could the Consumer Council of Fiji carry out an investigation as I see this as a serious fraud on domestic water consumers. I need an urgent explanation and can be contacted on 9996767. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Service and people
There appears to be a growing trend among some service providers in Fiji to focus on managing people instead of improving the services they are meant to deliver. This misplaced focus creates frustration, confusion, and unnecessary barriers for ordinary citizens. Service delivery should be simple: identify the risk, fix the service, and allow people to get on with their lives. Yet too often, the response is to impose rules on customers rather than address shortcomings within the system. Good service design removes friction. It anticipates problems and resolves them at the service level, not by policing customers. When services are efficient, transparent, and well maintained, people cooperate willingly. When services are restrictive and unclear, frustration follows. Service providers must remember a simple truth: if the service is good, the people are happy. That trust leads to smoother operations, higher compliance, and better outcomes for everyone. It is a win-win situation. Progress is not achieved by controlling people. It is achieved by delivering better services. It’s a freedom thing! Noleen Billings Savusavu
‘I was can’t believe it’
Luke Kulanikoro of Savusavu says “where the ball is, you must be is!” (FT24/1). Well said, Luke. Reading your letter, “I was can’t believe it”. Donald Singh Nausori
Corrupt officers
I can agree with the COMPOL when he assured the nation that the Fiji Police Force as an institution is not corrupt but, it begs a question as how many more officers are using their position and badge, working craftily within undetected. However, Mr Tudravu, I do believe that there are more people wearing the uniform who are corrupt. AREKI DAWAI Suva
New party
If the new political party, People First, comes into power after the next elections, it may reward Mr Voreqe Bainimarama with the post of president and Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum with the post of either attorney-general or speaker of parliament. BHARAT MORRIS Vatuwaqa, Suva
Krishna’s belief
Despite a 2–2 draw against Vanuatu United FC and a narrow one-goal defeat to Auckland FC, Extra Bula FC captain Roy Krishna remains unwaveringly confident in his side. He believes that the team is firmly on the right trajectory after the opening round of the competition. The coach, meanwhile, suggests that Bula FC is “close to becoming a dangerous team”, a description that presently promises more than it delivers. For now, optimism leads the table, while results are expected to follow in due course. In the meantime, fans must patiently wait and watch! DINESH KUMAR Ba
RFMF assistance
If the COMPOL had sought the assistance of the RFMF, then the Fiji Police Force as a disciplinary institution is in the state of emergency regardless of Mr Tudravu saying “Fiji is safe”. Soldiers are only called in the public domain if the nation is in threat or in a state that the people need help with. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Soccer thrashing
Ba Women FC gave Suva Women FC a resounding 12-0 thrashing (ST 25/1). So will the Suva coach get the sack? Or, will the coach be retained just like our non-performing State officials who are in their cushy positions by the Rabuka gang in government? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Soccer and complex
Bula FC criticism
A little earlier I had expressed support for Bula FC, and I still believe the professional club is the springboard for overall soccer players’ development in the country. However, the club chair can’t be telling the fans that the club’s internal business has got nothing to do with the fans simply because the club is a private company. I did say earlier that during these early days mistakes were inevitable. I seriously didn’t know what the criticism of the club was about at the time. I know now. Looks like Bula FC chair, their captain, his brand and his spouse slipped on the banana skins that were lying around. In fact there are banana skins everywhere. Early days still, so there’s probably still time to fix the problem rather than the chair kind of telling the fans to bug off. The team looks promising; however, management doesn’t. Roy is probably Fiji’s biggest star in the sport, but I’m sure he doesn’t want the curtains to fall on his illustrious career in this way. What does Fiji Football Association think of the alleged saga? They will likely pretend not seeing this question. A private soccer club is still answerable to the fans. You can’t draw parallels with commercial private companies. Fortunately for the club chair, we are not hosting matches at home, but we sure will in the near future. Banners can be printed these days at about $30 a square metre. Vanguard sheets are a dollar and permanent markers a couple of dollars. Donald Singh Nausori
Fiji soccer
It is very uplifting both for the players and the fans to know that despite their 1-0 loss to Auckland FC, people felt Bula FC played very well (Street talk ST 25/1). They can hold their heads high with their performance. This is something we can’t say of the performance of our political leaders despite their election win. I believe they let the people down. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Status symbols and medals
The recently rebuilt GCC complex is most likely a white elephant which stays unused and empty for 99 per cent of the time, I believe. It is an example of many such structures throughout the world to satisfy the unnecessary needs and ambitions of despots. Fiji has its share of despots. I suggest that if the GCC complex is not put to good use throughout the year that it be used to house the drug addicts and the homeless which are prevalent and increasing in numbers. The most useful thing the chiefs can do is to give the complex for such use to assist their people and the youth. It is of no use as a status symbol. Status symbols and medals will not fix any of Fiji’s problems. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
