Drua thriller
Drua play
Thanks boys and thank you coach for playing Kemu Valetini at 10. Maybe he will do better if he continues in that position in the rest of Drua’s games. Luke Kulanikoro Savusavu
Last-minute thriller lifts spirits!
The last-minute thriller at the HFC Bank Stadium yesterday lifted spirits as the Drua outpaced the visiting Reds 36-33. The Drua maintained their unbeaten run against the Reds at home, having previously won 41-17 in 2023 and 28-19 last year. The Drua has struggled this season away from home, losing all matches, but at home the boys have recorded wins against the Chiefs 28-24 and Waratahs 28-14, and lost against the Brumbies 36-32 and Crusaders 31-14. The Drua gave everything they had in the tank and played till the last whistle. The support from the brave supporters, who kept their faith in the team, lifted the boy’s intensity and energy levels, and we sneaked past the Reds in the dying moments. We had to be clinical, and I salute the team for the ‘never-say-die-attitude’ and for upsetting the second-ranked Australian side. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Minister of Sports
The way the investigation and the report that followed into the unfortunate loss of boxer Ubaid Haidar does not surprise me and the public at large. It was expected. Mr Minister, what happened with your so called major investigations in the affairs of Fiji Football? I guess it was swept under the same carpet. I sometimes wonder how big is this carpet and how many of the ministers have the luxury of these so called carpets. Your days are numbered guys. A. Shariff Shah Savusavu
Real man
Our Prime Minister said it right: “Real men don’t hit women” (FT 1/5/25). What is a man’s role? Biblically, a man is to provide, protect and cultivate his family. When a husband doesn’t know his responsibility, his home is in trouble. God first gave man work, before woman. If he is not happy with it, he won’t be happy and becomes disoriented and disillusioned, in my opinion. Work defines a man, not woman. However, if we get our rules and roles from society, then we are in big trouble, because cultural transition is rapidly progressing. The marriage rules and roles have shifted dramatically. Today’s women are well educated and independent, so men are intimidated. Husband’s security has been breached, because the wife has her own. And with all the cultural transitions against society’s traditional influences, over the years, men’s manhood seems to become obsolete. To that effect, the summation of suppressed anger within men, reinforced by their strengths, somehow erupted to domestic violence. And until men biblically put their priorities right, domestic violence will become more deadly (Ephesians 5 : 28 and 29 KJV). Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Invasive Fall
Armyworm
The whole of Fiji has now been declared a biosecurity emergency area for the Fall Armyworm. What does this really mean at the ground level? What are the operational procedures that we will see, or need to adhere to, so as to police, monitor and hopefully eradicate this worm? We should be very proactive right now with locate, eradicate and contain strategies, beginning in the Uciwai area, where it was apparently first seen. We don’t really want a repeat of the lackadaisical approach and late reaction, that we saw in dealing with the two other invasive species — the American iguana and the termite! Both of these seem now to be beyond control and eradication. We are so many steps behind controlling their exponential growth and encroachment into other areas. Painful lessons definitely needs to be learnt and acted upon asap to prevent going down the same road! Let’s act fast and effective on this one, with the full cooperation and participation at all levels of our society. Don’t let one little armyworm be another conqueror, like the other two invaders! The World Health Organization plans to officially back the use of weight loss drugs to treat obesity in adults for the first time marking a shift in its approach to treating the global health problem. The UN agency also called for strategies to improve access to the treatment in low and middle- income countries (Reuters 3/5/25). I am sure with her experience in fat busting strategies in the United States our own MP Lynda Tabuya could be a valuable part of the WHO plan. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Prohibited immigrants
The Immigration Department is search locating 20 illegal immigrants. Can they publish their photos and last known local address in the media for ease of reference. The public can also assist in tracking these illegal migrants. Just saying. Josefa Tuitubou Vuda By-pass, Lautoka
Teachers, media freedom, health
Health is a right for everyone!
I was deeply concerned by your recent article, “Fiji Could Face 20,000 HIV Cases by 2029: Ram”. Access to quality healthcare and protection from disease isn’t a luxury—it’s a basic human right and one of the core responsibilities of any government. Taiwan stands in full solidarity with the people of Fiji in tackling this serious public health challenge, and we fully support the right of every Fijian to live a healthy, dignified life. Taiwan has been a longstanding and reliable partner in strengthening healthcare in Fiji. Our medical teams from Mackay Memorial Hospital have regularly provided free consultations at Nadi Hospital, helping underserved communities access vital services. Beyond clinical support, Taiwan has also worked with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to strengthen Fiji’s health system infrastructure. Through a joint project with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) helped launch the Sova ni Bula digital health information system — a game-changer for managing and delivering healthcare efficiently across the country. It’s a great example of what meaningful international cooperation can achieve. That’s why it’s especially painful to point out an ongoing injustice: despite our contributions to global health, Taiwan’s 23 million people are still barred from participating in the World Health Organization (WHO) because of political pressure from China. This exclusion denies our people access to critical global health information and deprives the world of Taiwan’s experience and expertise. Health is a universal right — it shouldn’t be subject to politics. Taiwan has consistently stepped up during global health crises and has shared its knowledge in disease prevention, digital medicine, and healthcare innovation. Keeping Taiwan out of the WHO not only goes against the principles of fairness and inclusivity, it weakens global efforts to build stronger, more resilient health systems. As Fiji works to safeguard its population from the growing threat of HIV, I hope this moment also reminds us all why global health governance must be inclusive. Taiwan’s participation in the WHO isn’t just about fairness—it’s about strengthening the health and safety of communities everywhere. We ask our friends in Fiji and around the world to support Taiwan’s meaningful inclusion in the WHO. If we are serious about health for all, then we must mean all — without exception. Joseph Chow Representative Taiwan, Suva
World Press Freedom Day!
I salute our brave editor-in-chief for coining the powerful editorial on World Press Freedom Day, which was commemorated yesterday, May 3. I allude to the lines shared by the secretary general of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, “Freedom for people depends on freedom of the press. Free and independent journalism is an essential public good. It’s the backbone of accountability, justice, equality and human rights! Journalists everywhere must be able to report freely and without fear or favour. When journalists are unable to work, we all lose!” Food for thought! This year’s theme, ‘Reporting in the brave new world — the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on press freedom and the media’, is apt, considering the changing dynamics of things in society. Indeed Mr Wesley, the unprecedented use and development of AI systems are playing a transformative role in journalism and the media, and on press freedom, and while the principles of free, independent, and pluralistic media remain crucial, AI’s impact on information gathering, processing, and dissemination is profound, presenting both innovative opportunities and profound challenges. On the other hand, it is important to understand, acknowledge and appreciate the work of our journalists, who have passion, feelings and aspirations, and are faced with obstacles while at work. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Darks days of media freedom
When Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka talks about the “dark days of oppression and suppression” of the media in Fiji (FT 3/5) I can’t help recall his own role in that dark chapter in Fiji’s history after his military coup in 1987. It is good to know Rabuka now subscribes to media freedom and to its pivotal place in a vibrant democracy. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Teacher shortage
Arun Prasad on teacher’s deregistration (FT 25/4) gives high hopes for those graduates still waiting to get into this noble profession. I feel the teachers also have their rights to leave in good faith for better opportunities. For greener pastures is their choice. They should be allowed to leave on meeting all the regulations on job conditions they had undertaken. Migration at times is risky. The FTU and FTA have a role to play to continue educating their members to avoid teacher shortage at all costs. Parents and communities always look forward to getting the best from our dedicated teachers. A good education could change anyone. A good teacher can change everything. Go forth to serve. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
