Food safety INDAR DEO BISUN SAKOCA HEIGHTS, TAMAVUA
THE recent discovery of expired and substandard food items during the festive season inspections is deeply concerning and should serve as a serious wake-up call to all responsible stakeholders While the Suva City Council’s intensified inspections are commendable, food safety cannot be treated as a seasonal exercise. Public health risks do not take holidays. Consumers, especially families and children, are placed in danger when expired products find their way onto supermarket shelves. Supermarket operators, suppliers, and regulatory authorities must be more proactive and vigilant throughout the year, not only when festive crackdowns are announced. Regular internal checks, strict stock rotation, staff accountability, and transparent reporting should be standard practice, not reactive measures prompted by inspections. At the same time, enforcement must be firm and consistent. Repeated offenders should face meaningful penalties to deter negligence and reinforce that food safety is non-negotiable. Consumers too have a role to play by checking expiry dates and reporting irregularities, but the primary responsibility lies with those who profit from selling food to the public. Protecting public health requires shared responsibility, constant vigilance, and zero tolerance for complacency.
PS publicly reprimanded SAILOSI NAEWE DILKUSHA RD, NAUSORI
THE Public Service Commission’s decision to reinstate Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry after “serious misconduct” is deeply concerning. The tribunal found she ignored legal advice and bypassed procurement protocols for a $122million agreement — actions that, in any corporate environment, would warrant immediate termination. By settling for a reprimand and salary forfeiture, the commission has set a dangerous precedent. It suggests that senior officials can disregard the law and public interest without losing their positions. If “integrity and accountability” are the expected standards, this outcome falls well short of them. How can the public have confidence in a system where such a massive breach of trust results in a return to the same high office?
Safety during flooding AJAI KUMAR WAQADRA COOP RD, NADI
SINCE we are in the rainy season, we can expect occasional flooding in many parts of the country. We also had some casualties in prior years through drowning and being swept away due to laxity of people not heeding advise from relevant authorities to stay away from floods and not to cross swollen rivers, streams and flooded surfaces. People and drivers also tend to misjudge the depth of water and strength of currents on the roads and often get caught unaware. So for the sake of safety, is it too much to ask the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) to install water or flood height markers in areas which get flooded often? You need not invest lots of money for this safety initiative as existing EFL, milestones or other posts can be used for displaying water levels. New posts will be required only where there are no existing structures. I hope FRA will give serous thoughts to my proposal.
Inspiring talk TAHIR ALI HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND
THE Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka inspires students to pursue their goals despite the many challenges (FT 30/11). At times we have to struggle to succeed, as the PM revealed in his personal testimony in this newspaper. It touches the hearts of many of us at this time of reconciliation in Fiji’s multiracial and religious society. We can build Fiji with education in human values. To succeed in life, work towards your destiny and reach your goals. God bless us all.
Words matter RATU MANOA ROKOTAVAGA MCFARLANE RD, RAIWAI
THE recent comments made by the Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services to nurses in the Northern Division are concerning, as they appear superficial and, regrettably, dismissive of the realities faced by frontline health workers. As reported in the media, the Assistant Minister “addressed staff on the critical role nurses play in the health system and the need for their commitment beyond financial considerations,” remarks that were made in response to nurses’ concerns regarding overtime pay. While acknowledging the essential role of nurses is important, such statements risk minimising legitimate grievances. This is particularly troubling when they come from a sitting Cabinet member who receives a substantial salary and benefits. From that position of privilege, it is difficult to reconcile calls for sacrifice with the lived experiences of nurses who work extended hours, often under significant strain, and who are seeking fair compensation for their labour. What makes these remarks even more ironic is that the Assistant Minister is himself a former health professional. As such, he would be well aware of the longstanding challenges within the health sector — long and unpredictable hours, physical and emotional exhaustion, the demands of patient care, and the added burden of working in facilities that are frequently under-resourced. These are not abstract concerns; they are daily realities for many nurses and doctors across the country. It is, therefore, imperative that the Assistant Minister reflects carefully on the language he uses and the impact it may have on staff morale. It is entirely possible to remind health professionals that their work is a calling, while at the same time, acknowledging and respecting their concerns. These two positions are not mutually exclusive. At a time when Fiji is witnessing the continued migration of nurses and doctors in search of better working conditions and opportunities abroad, words from those in leadership should seek to encourage, reassure, and affirm the value of our health workforce. Unfortunately, statements that appear to downplay genuine concerns risk further eroding morale and may only accelerate the loss of skilled health professionals from our already strained health system.
Call to rejoin SOWANI VITO NAILUVA, RA
THE article in The Fiji Times in which former All Blacks Sonny Bill Williams labelled the World Champions Springboks as “playing hard to get” and is asking for them to rejoin Super Rugby is a call to bring back the caliber of rugby the Southern Hemisphere is known for. Lately, the Wallabies, the All Blacks and also the Flying Fijians have been struggling against Northern Hemisphere teams and the level of Super Rugby games played nowadays is one of the reasons among many, identified as a factor to the decline. Should the South African teams rejoin the Super franchise again, it will be a huge gain for Fiji as we prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The determining factor now is the financial gain, for I believe they earn more when they are playing up North. But what they will bring to the table if they rejoin will be a gain for every team in the competition. So please SA Rugby, stop “playing hard to get” and come back.
Forceful takers NAVNEET RAM (TD) LAUTOKA
ROBBERY with violence, how can this be put to an end? What can be done to unemployed youths now being deployed. Certain people teach their children that welfare is the answer. Politicians promise election after election that they are there to help. Nothing improves. People turn to robbery to have the things they want in life. Instead of being taught to work hard, youths forcefully take what they want. Is it that robbery is a productive way to fulfil all needs?
Unexplained wealth RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA
RABUKU : Question unexplained wealth ( FT 18/12 ). That must happen to ensure democratic accountability and transparency. Many have questioned the source of PM Rabuka’s Rolex watch. That conspicuous display of wealth remains unexplained. Why?
Look in the mirror JAN NISSAR SYDNEY NSW
THE Bondi Beach attack was because of long festering religious bigotry and hate. Instead of comparing Fiji and what happened in Sydney, one should reflect on these characteristics which exist within Fiji. Look in the mirror before pontificating for others. While I am at it, look in the mirror again, before blaming others as seems to be the accepted culture and tradition in Fiji.
Out of depth AREKI DAWAI MAHARAJ PLACE, SUVA
A VOLLEYBALL enthusiast and lawyer by profession will soon be leading the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, I believe is a figurehead simply out of depth. While the person does not have the right credentials, lacks deep technical knowledge, qualifications and necessary skills on environment and climate change, I just can’t imagine who is ball-greasing who in this three-wheeler Coalition Government!
Trump’s rating RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA
TRUMP’S approval rating slips (Reuters / FT18/12) “to nearly the lowest level of his current term”. More and more Americans realise Trump is that vain emperor with imaginary new clothes.
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