Fred Wesley

Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar made an important point on Wednesday evening about priorities when discussing the needs of the Old Capital, Levuka. Repeated cyclones, she argued, together with the COVID-19 pandemic, forced the previous government to focus on Levuka’s recovery rather than on longer-term infrastructure projects and essential services. Speaking during the Fiji […]

If there was one thing that stood out during the Fiji Media Association Town Hall forums in Levuka and Korovou last week, it was the willingness of people to speak up. It was good to see them question government representatives. They challenged decisions. They highlighted issues affecting their communities. And just as importantly, those in […]

It is encouraging to know that the Government’s newly established Sugar Industry Committee is meeting sugarcane farmers in Rakiraki and Ba today. We look forward to these consultations providing growers and industry stakeholders with an opportunity to raise concerns, exchange ideas and discuss practical solutions to improve the long-term viability and sustainability of our sugar […]

Permanent Secretary for Finance Shri Gounder has reignited a debate that we have avoided for far too long. His warning that reviving the sugar industry could require billions of taxpayer dollars presents a harsh reality. Those funds, he argues, could be directed towards hospitals, roads and other essential public services. He also raises another uncomfortable […]

What a first half that was yesterday! After the loss to Wales and embarrassing 8-73 thrashing we got from England last weekend, it was exciting to watch yesterday’s first spell against Scotland at Murrayfield in Edinburgh. We were on fire! It was great to see the backrow in action and the confidence in our attacks. […]

So, we can expect fuel prices to rise again from August 1! Now that isn’t something a lot of people will be keen to hear or read about. In fact, it will stir frustration, anger and anxiety in many people, and there will no doubt be a sense of insecurity and uncertainty. This isn’t great […]

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Peter Roberts made an important point the other day when he spoke on The Lens@177, the special Fiji Times Online program hosted by Anish Chand. The recent rescue of six health workers from Lau waters, he said, has highlighted the importance of supporting not only health infrastructure but also the […]

We have a major crisis on our hands. This HIV challenge isn’t going away any time soon. In fact, it appears to be getting out of hand. And that is a major concern. We can continue to talk about it, feel scared, feel frustrated, angry, and uncertain. Yet if we do nothing about it now, […]

So, the Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua has backed the implementation of a needle and syringe exchange program as a measure to help reduce the spread of HIV. This is connected to people who inject drugs. Now, this is certainly not a topic that is easy to talk about. And there are reasons why. There […]

Twenty-one-year-old Kali Shaw is a young woman who knows quite a bit about health issues. In fact, it is a topic of great interest. In a world that feeds off the handout mentality, and with the growing challenges posed by processed food, talking about health issues makes sense. It impacts us all. And one way […]