The pen is mightier than the sword
Alifereti Sakiasi penned a story on West Papuan journalist and editor, Victor Mambor, which was based on resilience, courage and determination. I salute Mambor for standing up for media and journalism ethics and principles. His efforts have proved that the pen is mightier than the sword. Mambor withstood so much but it did not deter him from doing what he loves to do. An explosive device was detonated outside his home in Jayapura two years ago. Mambor’s life was threatened. He endured bombings, vandalism, cyberattacks, and relentless harassment, all in one pursuit to give his people a voice, and Mambor continues to use his pen, his voice, and his media platform to share stories that many would prefer to remain untold. Mambor’s background has made him strong and receptive to threats and attacks. His father died as a political prisoner in 2003, and this motivated him to use the pen as a shield to make a society better. I’m proud of Mambor and that we have a journalist who continues to report on human rights abuse and military violence. Journalists like Mambor are an inspiration to those in the media field! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Filthy arena
There is no doubt that portions of the social media environment are covered in deep filth. Just like the presence of dirt attracts flies and other disease spreading pests, there are specific arenas where like-minded individuals converge to present evidence that societal values are indeed going down the sewer system. Given the vast ocean that social media has become today, a morally educated mind would immediately steer clear of filthy substance but giving prominence and relevance to low grade content has become a challenge. I guess, they are passengers in the same boat. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Big sponsorship
Man City is sponsored by Etihad Airlines. Fiji Rugby national team by Fiji Airways. Jaw dropping. No joke. Can someone from Fiji FA reveal the nations Bula Boys’ sponsor. While at it, can some one also reveal why and who chose that name, the Bula Boys. In our playing days there was no Bula Boys, only the Fiji national soccer team. A Shariff Shah Savusavu
Keep Suva beautiful!
I quote honourable Maciu Nalumisa, the Minister for Housing and Local Government, (ST: 21/09), “A clean Suva is a proud Suva. We urge every vendor, visitor, and citizen to help keep our city beautiful not just during the festival, but beyond. It (Hibiscus Festival) is a celebration of who we are, our diversity, our creativity, and our resilience. It is where families come together, where businesses thrive, and where Suva shines as the beating heart of Fiji.” Hon Nalumisa reminded the nation about the rich and colourful history of the Hibiscus Festival and that the festival empowers young people, providing them with opportunities to showcase their skills, and engages them in meaningful dialogue about the challenges we face as a society. Hon Nalumisa’s address was touching, a great reminder of basic human values — cleanliness, unity, safety and the need to take care of Suva City, with the aim of keeping the city litter and drug-free. I also salute the reigning Miss Hibiscus, Melania Tora, who highlighted the importance of showing respect, especially toward the Queen contestants and the need to be mindful of our environment and behaviour. In short, it’s important that we hold ourselves with dignity and pride and enjoy the Mother of all Festivals! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Sugar mills
What will happen to the sugar industry if another unforeseen circumstances halted the operation of the Lautoka mill before the end of crushing season? Hmmm … very interesting aye! Pita Soroaqali Rakiraki
With dignity!
Let’s hold ourselves with dignity, says Tora (ST 21/9). Reigning Miss Hibiscus 2024 Melanie Tora couldn’t have said anything more profound. She exemplifies beauty and brains. Did we as a nation hold ourselves with dignity when our leaders were photographed smiling alongside Israeli PM Netanyahu who has been deemed a war criminal by the highest UN criminal court? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Kava addiction
Vinaka Ronnie Chang for educating grog drinkers for moderate drinking (FT10/9) for our wellbeing. “Mai dua na bilo” with respect unfortunately continues throughout the night in talanoa sessions on the experience of the family in this high cost of living crisis. This leads to addiction with “kanikani” visible. Drink moderately, but don’t get drunk and drive. Health and safety remains priority. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Criticism of the Times
PM criticises Times. Editor defends reporting of NGO comments (ST 21/9). I agree with the editor’s dignified defence. The reporting was professional and truthful even if PM Rabuka found it unpalatable. The NGO comment was honest and many others share the view it expressed. I am reminded here of the second century unknown sage who wrote if an offence should come out of truth it is better that the offence comes out then that the truth be suppressed. The Fiji Times did the right thing with its reporting. (See the RNZ reporting on former NZ PM Jacinda Ardern’s comment in the report Gaza ‘genocide’ must end — Ardern for further illumination in (ST 21/9 p.11). “I wonder incidentally what the Rabuka Coalition Government partner NFP and its leader DPM Professor Biman Prasad make of that photo of a smiling Rabuka and Lynda Tabuya on either side of Israeli PM Netanyahu being splashed around the world? What is that doing to Fiji’s good reputation and international standing? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Middle East and rugby
My take!
I recently had an online exchange with someone who grew up in the Middle East. His father was a respected diplomat, and he himself has travelled extensively, with firsthand knowledge of the region. Today, he lives on the garden island of Fiji, where he’s making a positive impact on the community he calls home. And I applaud him for that. However, during our online conversation, he told me I should understand that Israel is the perpetrator of genocide. So, I asked him a simple question: “Do you support Hamas and Hezbollah?” He didn’t answer with a simple “yes” or a “no”. Instead, he pivoted, lecturing me about how I lacked real understanding of the region. And maybe he’s right. I’ve never lived there, nor have I travelled the world as widely as he has. But here’s what I do know. I’m a lifelong student of history and theology. I read widely, including books like the Bible and the Quran. Because I want to understand faith, humanity and the threads that unite us, as well as the issues that divide us. I’ll never claim to be an expert. But I will always be a seeker of truth, even when it’s unpleasant, unpopular, or uncomfortable. And if I’m wrong, I won’t hesitate to admit it and apologise. Because the truth often hurts. And it’s a bitter pill to swallow. So here’s the truth I stand on: We may hold different beliefs, perspectives and lived experiences. But there’s one line I will never cross. I will never condone, excuse, or justify hatred and terrorism. Israel’s response has been to the massacre of innocent civilians — including men, women and children from many nations who were in the region during the siege. And since October 7, Hamas and the Houthis have fired over 3700 rockets into Israel. Did you hear about that in the news? It depends who you’re listening to and why. The reality is, truth often gets buried beneath layers of lies and propaganda, carefully woven by Hamas, Hezbollah, and the regimes that sponsor them — specifically Qatar and Iran. Their stated goal is nothing less than the complete destruction and annihilation of Israel and her people. That, my friends, is an agenda that reeks of genocide. So let’s cut to the chase and call a spade a spade and stop deflecting and defending real terrorism. Colin Deoki Australia
Good job!
Congratulations to our Flying Fijians team for defeating Japan 33-27 in the finals of Pacific Nations Cup, winning the PNC Championship for the seventh time. Fiji Rugby fans love the skills displayed by our Flying Fijians and we all know that they need to work on their discipline because the close scoreline is the result of playing with only 13 players during the second half. The men’s Rugby World Cup is coming up in 2027 and right now Fiji is 9th in the Men’s Rugby standings while Japan sits in 13th place. We all want the Flying Fijians to be playing the top eight teams in the Men’s Rugby World standing as it continues to build up to the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup. Toso Flying Fijians toso. Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa Tacirua
