What national disgrace?

I respectfully disagree with the view that having three Deputy Prime Ministers is a “national disgrace” (FT 24/10/25). The current arrangement reflects the coalition nature of government, where different political parties have joined forces under one leadership. Each DPM represents their party’s contribution and shared responsibility in this partnership. While recent resignations of some ministers, including DPMs, may raise concerns, such changes are part of governance and accountability, not necessarily a sign of disunity. Over the past couple of years, the Coalition Government has delivered positive outcomes — bus fares nationwide have been reduced, taxes nationwide on basic food items lowered, and roads and infrastructure improved. Water accessibility is prioritised and even the national debt-to-GDP ratio is showing signs of gradual improvement, to mention a few. Ask the GCC if one may. Coalition governments are common in many democracies, and sharing leadership roles can promote inclusiveness and stability. Unity does not mean uniformity — it means working together despite differences. Fiji’s progress depends on collective effort, not on how many deputies serve in government. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri

Traditional houses

Professor Paul Geraghty’s letter (FT 29/10) reminded me of a Dalit village I visited in Tamil Nadu 25 years ago where the houses all but one had tin roofs, sweltered inside, but were regarded with pride as ‘modern’. The one exception was made of mud with a double thatch roof reaching almost to the ground excepting space for a narrow earthen verandah and low door. It was blissfully cool inside and beautiful to my eyes and the owner, but looked down on by other villagers. Why people chose to replace the old with the new dysfunctional I can’t say. I also remember (as many of your readers will) equally beautiful houses and entirely or mostly traditional villages in the Bua/Nausori Highands 50 years ago. Christopher Griffin Perth, Australia

Vunato dump fire!

I agree with Narayan Reddy (FT 28/10), the Lautoka City Ratepayers and Residents Association president, that someone should be held responsible for the ongoing Vunato dump fire that continues to bellow thick smoke into nearby communities and businesses. The fire, which has become a health hazard for residents, needs to be controlled. It began over a week ago and smoke from the landfill has been hovering over nearby settlements, residences and businesses. While the Lautoka City Council is working round-the-clock to control the fire, relevant authorities must join hands to address the ongoing landfill fire and smoke emissions as these have negative consequences on people’s health. Fred Wesley’s editorial (FT 28/10) was to the point. Titled ‘We need action please’, the editorial supported Mr Reddy in calling for accountability and a full enquiry into the fire. The Vunato fire issue is real. It is ongoing, yet it has not been addressed. Indeed Mr Wesley, the Vunato fire is a public health crisis — it affects everyone and undermines Lautoka’s image as a clean city. Enough of the talk! The residents of Lautoka deserve answers and action! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu

Leadership challenge

The recent confrontation between the Sugar Minister and a veteran cane farmer was more than just an argument — it exposed a serious shortfall in leadership at the ministerial level. When a leader resorts to defensiveness and intimidation instead of dialogue, it signals not strength, but insecurity. In any leadership role — government or private sector — authority is not earned by title; it is earned by conduct. Leadership is an art, and right now, that art seems to be missing. If the minister is truly serious about representing the people who built the sugar industry with their hands, sweat and sacrifice, then he must learn to listen. Not talk over. Not belittle. Not dismiss. A good place to start would be reading Legacy by James Kerr — a book about how the All Blacks turned cultural humility and accountability into world-class leadership. Lessons like “Sweep the sheds” and “Leave the jersey in a better place” apply to ministers too. Because leadership is not about being seen — it’s about being worthy of being followed. Rahul Krishna Auckland, New Zealand

Employment Bill and impartiality

The current debate around the Employment Relations Bill doesn’t look representative enough in terms of input and contribution from stakeholders across the country. It would be borderline naivety to expect a 50-50 argument, the Bill getting defeated or a stalemate when Parliament eventually votes on the Bill. We have the employers side as one stakeholder, we have the unions as another stakeholder, and we have the Government or Employment Ministry which is supposed to be the neutral party tasked with maintaining an environment of compliance and fairness. I’ll be straight up honest here. All statements regarding the Bill so far from the Employment Minister look heavily in favour of the unions. I’m not sure if having an old union stalwart as the Employment Minister is a good thing. It almost looks like the minister is bidding and lobbying for the unions, or, the unions are lobbying through the minister. One would be mistaken to think that one particular unionist is in charge! When the bell sounds for voting, I hope for a stalemate so that the whole consultation process is done again, well, if there was multilateral consultation in the first place! The employers side does not seem to think they had a say. I have written from a neutral and apolitical point of view. Donald Singh Suva

Social media

Social media is presently the cause of eroding human values like empathy and benevolence among the iTaukei people. A somber time we are living in. Social media should be a tool, not an inherent evil. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka

Proven a point

Both the former Deputy Prime Minister have proven a point that everyone including all government officials are subject to and accountable under the law. AREKI DAWAI Suva

Drivers’ attitude

Day before yesterday I told a story of a friend regarding driving in Fiji. And yesterday I had the first hand experience on Fiji roads regarding the same incidents. Being born and raised here, I was shocked with the lack lustre attitude of drivers, with no care of safety. The common issue I faced was, tailgating by drivers. Driving to the speed limit, and being tailgated by drivers and mini vans behind you, with consistent flickering of headlights to move over … to where, on the curb? Fiji Police, kindly change your strategy as people know where you are based and then speed up after passing you. Again, I suggest start with unmarked vehicles and you will understand why the accidents happen in Fiji. Safety is always paramount. Rikash Deo Auckland, New Zealand

Real leaders

There’s so much hype and nonsense talks from people about the issue of our two deputy PMs being charged and taken to court. Well they are not the first and surely will not be the last. Everyone makes mistakes and it’s human to err. It’s often said if you want to see the real character of anyone it’s not in his happy days. Real leaders always stay calm during stormy weathers and are not shaken by any external forces. The same person you see in his heyday will remain the same in his dark days. No masks no fakes, no imitation. Just real. Pita Soroaqali Rakiraki

Portable camera

If the Land Transport Authority can warn drivers ahead of their fixed speed cameras on the highway, why wouldn’t they do the same to their newly brought in portable speed cameras, Hon Ro Filipe Tuisawau? AREKI DAWAI Suva

Politics, water and pension

Water carting

Commissioner Central stated that only four water carting trucks, readily available for the Central Division (FT 28/10/25). They are to service 334 villages and 40 per cent of Fiji’s population. What a task. In reality, excluding the Western and Northern divisions, in my opinion, about 600,000 residents totally depend on the water carting system. And if the number has risen, then it is crystal clear that there was zero improvement, in my view. All the government had been doing was just “improving duplications”. What an “excessive waste” of government’s funds and foreign financial aid, in my view. And it is not about water scarcity, but the very “poorly managed” abundant surface water resources. It is really unbelievable, in my opinion, that after 55 years of independence and living in the 20th century, 75 per cent of Fiji’s population is still being supplied by water carting. Just study Singapore, with no river or stream, servicing 6 million people and zero water carting. Israel, only 2.7 per cent of available service water resources, servicing 8 million people and no water carting. It is absolutely mind boggling. Why Fiji? Isa! Samu Silatolu Nakasi

FNPF pension

The article in The Fiji Times of Saturday, October 25, 2025 titled ‘Low pension uptake’ confirms that the FNPF is not serving the purpose it was intended for. It also confirms what many have been writing about as an inevitable outcome of earlier decisions. Has the board reflected on the reason for this? It’s very possible it is the result of a lack of trust in the organisation to protect the people’s money given its submission to the FF Government’s decrees. Trust once eroded in any relationship can rarely be regained. Workers no longer trust the FNPF Board to meet its fiduciary duties. It has instead become a pawn in a game of political chess. We all hope that one day, sooner rather than later and before all are dead and gone, that recompense for pensioners and those who forwent pensions and took lump sums for fear of further reductions, will be received. We hope someone in Government still has a conscience strong enough to bring justice into play. We live in hope! Elizabeth Reade Fong Suva

Bold, calm in the face of tribulation

Hon Biman Prasad said after he handed in his resignation: “This is just one more of those challenges to be dealt with calmly, patiently, and as swiftly as possible.” He added: “Politics is service. At times, service demands sacrifice and commitment.” Well said Hon Prasad. The good roads are usually long and winding. Work goes on, along with the occasional banter on Viber. Donald Singh Suva