Donald Singh, a long-time contributor to Fiji Times, has been honored with the Letter of the Year award for the second consecutive year, reaffirming his significant impact on public discourse. With over 25 years of experience writing letters to the editor, Mr. Singh was presented with an SRS-ULT1000 ULT Tower 10 Party Speaker and other prizes during a ceremony held in Suva on Monday, where he was joined by his daughter and son.
In his acceptance speech, Singh shared his perspective on the award, emphasizing that every letter writer is deserving of recognition. “You know, everyone there is a winner. The mere act of writing a letter that makes it to print signifies its worth,” he remarked. He expressed surprise at winning, believing that his letter was among many deserving candidates, demonstrating his humility and respect for his fellow writers.
Singh stressed that his motivation for writing goes beyond accolades. “This will encourage me to continue writing, but not for a prize. It’s not a competition,” he stated. His unwavering dedication to writing continues to inspire aspiring authors throughout Fiji, urging them to express their views and participate in civic dialogue.
Fred Wesley, the Fiji Times editor-in-chief, commended all letter writers for their contributions, highlighting the role of such writings in holding power accountable. He noted that the letters provide insight into the nation’s pulse, revealing what citizens value and the issues that resonate with them. Wesley recounted the selection process, which involved narrowing it down from hundreds of submissions.
Among the finalists this year were “Medical challenges” by Nishant Singh, which scrutinized the health system’s effectiveness, and “New babysitter: Tik Tok” by Ashwini Basant, a humorous take on the challenges posed by digital influences on family life. Singh’s own letter, titled “I can now!”, celebrated democracy and the importance of participation in governance, providing a compelling reminder of the collective responsibility in shaping the nation.
Wesley concluded by reiterating the significance of offering a platform for citizens to voice their opinions on pressing issues, encouraging readers to engage with this vital section of the newspaper. The event not only celebrated achievement but also fostered a continued commitment to vibrant community dialogue, as expressed by Singh’s inspiring words.