United Nations or Divided Nations?
After carefully listening to Trump’s UNGA speech (where no one walked out), I came to the conclusion that the United Nations is in fact the Divided Nations. Trump’s escalator was stopped when he stepped onto it and the teleprompter was switched off when he took the mic. When Netanyahu spoke, many walked out. I’m not taking sides here, just observing. United they stand, divided they still stand. Donald Singh Suva
The rod, to hit or not to hit?
Corporal punishment is a hot topic these days. Stakeholders of the education sector are expressing their beliefs and opinions on the subject. Dialogue Fiji executive director Nilesh Lal (FT 3/10) has labelled the notion of reintroducing corporal punishment as “preposterous and a betrayal of a child’s rights”. I am not sure if Lal has seen firsthand how most primary and secondary school students have absolutely zero respect for teachers and for virtually anyone in the public space. They have rights. They can behave the way they like and counselling them would be the answer, right? Wrong. I am not sure if Lal has visited a large primary school during recess and lunch time. He will see firsthand how some students run through teachers and have no fear nor respect. The lewd lyrics of their conversations will send most teachers and adults scratching their heads and wondering why they have been let this loose. I say, bring back the rod. Let only the heads and assistant heads of schools administer corporal punishment. Belt is the best. Guava branches will send them wincing for weeks. There should be approved items that can be used for punishment. But we must not spare the rod. Fortunately for some of us parents, we don’t subscribe to many of the world’s new norms. We dish it out well and truly brutal, so that the next cycle comes after many moons, if it has to repeat. The current young generation needs a bit of rattling to remind them how civilised humans should behave. No preaching and counselling will work. That’s for the books and fancy speeches. Those good old days when we used to fear doing wrong, saying wrong and behaving wrong, the fear was the kuita! It’s not there any more. Donald Singh Suva
Lal rejects corporal punishment talk
Lal rejects corporal punishment talk (FT 3/10). I endorse fully the views of civil society organisation Dialogue Fiji executive director Nilesh Lal on this issue. Bringing back corporal punishment is backward thinking on the part of those who advocate it. Corporal punishment goes against the grain of national and international law regarding child rights, child welfare and child protection. When I was a child protection welfare officer in Fiji, I recall High Court judge Jayant Prakash making a seminal order against corporal punishment in a case judgment. Perhaps Lal could help track that judgment in the public interest and to educate the public on the issue. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Needle program
Will a needle exchange program counter the skyrocketing HIV cases in our beautiful Viti due to high injectable drug use? Needle exchange programs are designed to stem the spread of HIV. But the big debate on this issue will be if the needle exchange program promotes drug usage instead of supporting the individual to stop using drugs and utilise the needle exchange program to reduce blood-borne pathogen infection rate such as HIV. Isa! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Saluting our seniors!
On October 1, the United Nations International Day of Older Persons was observed. This year’s theme advocated for healthy and inclusive aging, and the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, shared that the theme reminded us that older persons are powerful agents of change, and that their voices must be heard in shaping policies, ending age discrimination, and building inclusive societies. The UN’s theme ‘Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Out Aspirations, Our Well Being and Our Rights’ was well-articulated and will assist in raising awareness about the challenges and opportunities of ageing. It is important that we honour the contribution of older persons to society and highlight the importance of their dignity, independence, and inclusion. Older persons have a lot to contribute to society and nation building. They are the strength to building peace and healthy race relations, and their input must be valued and appreciated. Ageing is a natural process in life that every human goes through, and we need to accept that one day we will have ailing health, will become weak, and will be financially dependent on someone. We will need care and respect, so let’s turn our focus to the elderly who need unconditional love, care and support. Thus, there is a need to ensure their dignity, well-being and welfare. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Include books
Mr Aseri Radrodro’s list of Government help for school libraries and reading omitted to mention books. Shelves, carts, tables, and rugs (?) but not books. Incidentally, it would be fascinating to know what books government ministers themselves are currently reading, and what titles they would recommend young people? Christopher Griffin Australia
One last chance
The 2027 Rugby World Cup would not be the same without Manu Samoa. They have one last chance to claim the last spot at the World Cup. May Samoa rise to the occasion so that fans enjoy Fijian, Tongan and Samoan rugby at the 2027 World Cup. Go Samoa go! Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Being respectful
Being humble is what some people need to be reminded of. It is important because the act of humility conveys that we are aware that we are human, fallible, often weak and no better than other people in society. Being humble reminds us that we are human. Isa! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Contrasting appearances
Court appearances produce contrasting approaches. While some tend to hide their faces, others opt for an engagement party approach. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Ratu Joni
If any reader missed Azeem Sahu Kahn’s tribute last Saturday “Remembering Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi” (FT 27/9), I would urge them to look it up online. That was about the finest Opinion piece I have seen in The Fiji Times. Willard Miller Ellis Place, Suva
Helping the needy
Fiji’s High Commissioner in Brisbane supporting Fijians on feeding underprivileged shows how accommodating and concerned we are to help those struggling to put food on the table. There are many homeless who desperately need help to survive in the global food crisis. “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.”- Lord Jesus. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Missing person unit?
With the amount of youngsters and elderly reported missing every now and then, I suggest our police force to create a special unit to look into the matter. It’s a serious concern now and yet we still taking it lightly. To be missing in a country where nearly everyone are related is not a trivial matter anymore. Come on Fiji police, if we are very serious about drugs, how about our people who are reported missing on a daily basis? Aren’t we more important than drugs? Missing persons unit is a must now. Pita Soroaqali Rakiraki
Status update
Seeing youngsters post on social media stuff like, “I want to forget everything and move on” made me chuckle. Forget what? Their multiplication table? Oso! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Mental health, sugar mill
Mental health matters most
Mental health is a serious concern in Fiji
It touches the young, the old, and each family
Mental health is also a global challenge
Its impact on lives goes beyond our range
From cities to villages, the stories exchange
Breaking the silence can help lives rearrange
With care and compassion, we can manage
To turn this struggle into a hopeful passage
Behind many smiles there’s hidden pain
Silent battles fought again and again
The burden is heavy, the struggle is real
But hope can grow when wounds start to heal
Teachers, parents, and friends must unite
Guiding each soul to seek the light
Professional help is a strength, not shame
Every life matters, each heart has a name
Physically one may look healthy, but mentally disturbed
Inside their thoughts remain tightly curbed
Let’s not judge by what eyes only see
For within the mind lies life’s true plea
The art of listening can heal mental health
It nurtures the spirit, restoring inner wealth
Through gentle ears, one feels understood
Transforming the silence into something good
Counselling, guidance, and words of support
Can offer the mind a healing resort
When family, faith, and culture unite
They guide lost souls back into light
Sharing burdens with a trusted friend
Can help a broken spirit to mend
Teachers guiding with patience each day
Help children find a brighter way
The bula spirit that Fiji holds dear
Can wipe away the silent tear
A nation uplifted, both body and soul
With mental health as a vital goal
For mental health matters most , let healing begin
United as one, our islands will win. BHAGWANJI Bhindi Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
Accountability, not militarisation
The recent call by the Sugar Minister, Charan Jeath Singh and the Opposition MP Viam Pillay for the deployment of military personnel to guard the Lautoka Sugar Mill raises serious questions about the state of trust and governance in our sugar industry. Both, the Sugar Minister and Mr Pillay are right in expressing concern about the recent fire at the Rarawai mill and the frequent breakdowns at the Lautoka mill. These incidents not only undermine productivity but also weaken confidence in an industry that has been the backbone of Fiji’s economy for generations. The fear of sabotage, if true, must not be taken lightly. However, the suggestion to involve the military, though genuine in intent, raises deeper issues. The sugar mills already have highly qualified engineers and management teams. They must take proactive measures to curb any planned sabotage and strengthen internal security systems. Calling in the military may restore temporary order, but it undermines the credibility of mill management, the trust of workers, and the integrity of leadership within the sector. If the current security arrangements are inadequate, then the solution lies not in militarisation, but in accountability. This calls for a full audit and independent investigation into the state of security across all our sugar mills. Such an approach will not only identify weaknesses but also strengthen public confidence. The sugar industry is indeed a national asset. Protecting it requires not just security at the gates, but transparency, responsibility, and effective leadership inside the mills. Let us focus on building trust, ensuring accountability, and upholding the standards of governance that our farmers, workers, and the people of Fiji deserve. Indar Deo Bisun Sakoca Heights, Tamavua
