Happy Fiji Day! – KIRTI PATEL MOHAN SINGH PL., LAUTOKA
FIJI has come a long way seeing the upsets, downfall, upgrades, achievements, both good and the bad. Fijian style has its own unique pattern to follow. Fiji has endured a lot specially from the ugly coups that engulfed our peaceful nation. People kept collecting the pieces and kept moving forward. That’s the Fijian spirit, the ability to keep moving on. Our people believe in unity although the “divide and rule” is apparent at some places. Politically most are not happy the way certain events are folding. That is understood. Decision-making always impacts in a coalition with different ideas and its share of frustration as well. There are lots of questions going on people’s mind with valid reasons. I must still say, let’s not forget the good that exists in our country and most of all the peaceful nation that we are. While we have many reasons to be unhappy, there are various reasons to smile and celebrate as well. Let’s just look past that closed window
that is making the vision blurry to focus on the blessings that we have This Fiji Day we hope for positive changes ahead with understanding and common sense. We cannot knock through individual brains but let’s focus on stuff that is in our control such as our mindset, reactions and strong sense of judgment. We are still in the same Fiji with same people having different mindsets. We are thankful to the indentured labourers who made Fiji a better place for us with their hard work and suffering. We are thankful to all the Fijians who sit with us and understand us even through our silence at times. To the friendly people of Fiji, hope is what makes us positive and will reflect in our nation through positive actions. Let’s celebrate the good that we have, the good that cannot be taken away. Happy Fiji Day to all. Stay safe and blessed.
Excellent piece – SACHIDA NATH NADI
NILESH Lal wrote an excellent piece on the realities of a declining Indo-Fijian population and its implications (F.T. 4/10) I wish to comment on an undercurrent theme in his write up; a low fertility rate in the same ethnic group. Many young couples even with stable income do not wish to have a child because they
want more time to enjoy life. So having a child is put on a long pause. In recent years we have seen a rise of individualism that idolizes personal freedom and choice. Couples who would like to enjoy their voluntary childlessness while they can. But there are trade-offs. As people age and retire, young people are needed to replace them in the workforce. It is true in any culture in the world. Furthermore, as the population of elderly rises in the future, there will be fewer young people to take care of the aged. There are also young singles who are variously secure but are letting their biological clock tick away. They probably think that their clock can be reset at 40. It is a matter of grief.
Fiji Day – RODNEY CLARENCE RAJ NALEBA, LABASA
THIS year marks Fiji’s 55th year of Independence. More than a hundred years ago, my forefathers stepped onto this land as indentured labourers. They lived humble lives, working hard each day just to meet their basic needs. Through years of hard work and dedication, this land has given us identity, education, security,
and a place we proudly call home, where our houses and families now stand strong. Many Fijians have sailed to foreign lands, yet they continue to raise the Fiji flag high in stadiums around the world. Why? Because nothing can ever beat the Fijian smile, the gentle island breeze, and the warmth of home that only Fiji can offer. Happy Fiji Day to all citizens in Fiji and abroad. God Bless Fiji!
Good leadership – FLORENCE KOMAL KUMAR CUNNINGHAM STAGE 1 SUVA
IN Fiji, good leaders and a fair government is crucial to protect human rights. Leaders should be honest, responsible and respect the different cultures in our country. Some key qualities of good leadership are being honest and having strong moral principles, taking account of their actions and decisions while motivating others to do their best. In respecting human rights, it brings people together and helps in the growth of our country. It is important for the Government to focus on these rights to ensure that Fijians are
treated in a fair manner and live in a society with peace and prosperity.
Issue of democracy – PATRICIA MATEIWAI BOCA LANE, NADERA, NASINU
I WISH to highlight ongoing issues in Fiji regarding governance, leadership and human rights. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the governance landscape of Fiji in 2023 has both opportunities and difficulties. Although the history of coups in the region has stifled democratic ambitions,
leadership changes in recent years seem to have revived them. However, serious human rights violations remain of particular concern to vulnerable and marginalised groups. The problem can be improved by the Government. This should be to make the necessary amendments to legislation governing the rights to free speech and assembly. Participation and enjoyment of human rights will be free from discrimination thanks
to the active participation of human rights bodies. Long-term stability and prosperity will be achieved by enhancing citizen participation in public life and establishing democratic governance. By implementing these recommendations, I believe Fiji might become a more democratic and just country.
Worry about your own – NISHANT SINGH LAUTOKA
OPPOSITION Leader Inia Seruiratu’s recent remarks on the mass decline and migration of the Indo- Fijian population are neither shocking nor incorrect. The “Kai-India” have been leaving coup riddled Fiji in droves for decades, and with valid reasons. After enduring multiple political anarchies, vile discrimination, and
dwindling opportunities, many have simply chosen to build a future elsewhere. Who can blame them? But if Mr Seruiratu is suddenly concerned about the welfare of IndoFijians, I believe he is focusing on the wrong crisis. He would do better to turn his attention inward, specifically to the 75 percent of indigenous Fijians living in adverse poverty, despite being the majority and despite Fiji being rich in natural resources. That’s a national disgrace! Perhaps the outspoken Opposition leader should query the so-called Great Council of
Chiefs, which I believe is an outdated colonial-era institution, on what it has actually done to improve the lives of the iTaukei populace. For decades, they have held influence and supremacy, yet, I believe, the outcomes speak for themselves. Entrenched poverty, dependency, and a lack of true economic progress for the very people they claim to represent. Meanwhile, the decline of the Indo-Fijian population will continue, and no politician or commoner can change that. The fact of the matter is, people leave when they feel
they no longer belong, when opportunities are blocked, and when hope is bleak and in short supply. If Mr Seruiratu is serious about national progress, he should start by cleaning up his own backyard. Don’t worry about the resilient “kai-India” – they can successfully thrive in every corner of the globe, regardless of the circumstances.
Happy Fiji Day – RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU
SMILES and laughter will be the epitome of the Fiji Day celebrations that will be held around the country.
Memories of October 10, 1970, will come alive as Fiji celebrates its 55th anniversary. From that notable day on October 10, 1970, to 2025, our beloved Fiji has seen its fair shares of accomplishments and challenges- events that have shaped the nation. Today’s Fiji Day celebration will be an opportunity to strengthen our national solidarity and reaffirm our commitment to the development and prosperity of our beloved nation.
Therefore, every Fijian must take pride in celebrating Fiji’s national achievements and reassert our commitment towards a prosperous, strong and resilient nation. The exemplary leadership of the People’s Coalition Government and the restoration of freedom and equality, public confidence, economic sustainability, cultural diversity and inclusivity at every level of development highlights the priorities and the way forward to rebuilding Fiji together through unity, peace and harmony. The Noble Banner Blue must remain deep within our hearts. I wish all the families in Fiji and abroad a happy Fiji Day. I’m a proud, passionate and patriotic Fijian, and I dream of a united and tolerant Fiji for every Fijian!
Spare the rod – TAHIR ALI HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND
THE Education Minister Aseri Radrodro reaffirms ban on corporal punishment (FT16/10). I feel now we should forget “spare the rod, spoil the child”, that has been traditionally practised, whether in schools or homes. Parents should face the music if they use that at home. Discipline parents first to disciple children in school.
LTA checkpoint – NARAYAN REDDY LAUTOKA
I MUST thank LTA for the checkpoint near Namosau in Ba, just opposite Dayals when people leave after the games in Ba. I was overtaken by a car on that double line right before the checkpoint last night in full view of those LTA officers. I had to stop to give way to avoid an accident but to my surprise the LTA officers never
stopped that vehicle. I politely stopped and asked the LTA officer why he didn’t stop that vehicle, to my
surprise he was on the phone doing what many young people do these days, there was no reply from that LTA officer. I am now wondering if those LTA checkpoints are just another waste of time thing.
Rise of Nasova – FARAAZ BAITUL KHAN TOKO, TAVUA
JOJI Nasova is a farmer from Toge Village in Ba who has represented the Ba team and Fiji 7s team before. Only one week before the PNC final he made his debut for the Flying Fijians and received the man of the match award during the final. Nasova was not even in the extended Fiji squad for the PNC and only came in as a replacement for Semi Radradra. Surely a man to watch out for the Drua next season where he is set to make his debut.
Sincere condolences – COLIN DEOKI AUSTRALIA
IT was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Mrs Lingam. To Master Rajnesh Lingam and family, our sincere condolences.
Women power – RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
RISE of women power (FT 9/10). This is myth making at best. Real power rests elsewhere. Look at the still entrenched patriarchal order and the political set up to see where real power is embedded in Fiji society 55 years after Independence.
Business house soccer? – DONALD SINGH SUVA
THE Inter-District Championship currently on sounds more like a business house tournament. Extra Supermarket Labasa, 4R Electric Lautoka, Power Volt Suva, AAAK & Esy Kool Air Conditioning Nadi, Stratum Construction Rewa, Vantex Solutions Navua; however, the cake’s taken by PartlinkAutomotive/Star Pools/ Manasa Export/Equipment Express Nadroga. After seeing the above, I couldn’t muster enough energy to look for Tavua and Nasinu’s shops. But, seriously? Anyway, I believe brother Lingam will provide the delayed commentary.
