Malolo to test the Highlanders
I marveled as Naitasiri came from behind to beat Standard Concrete Tailevu 31-26. Earlier in round two, the green machine had defeated Naitasiri 27-22. This means that Naitasiri, which has the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy, has a chance to add the Skipper Cup to their trophy cabinet if the Highlanders can conquer Tide Tribe Malolo in the Skipper Cup 2025 grand final this Saturday. Just when fans thought that Tailevu had done enough to sneak past Naitasiri, the Hillmen put on a gutsy performance and blew apart their opponents, coming from behind to cover the 23-10 deficit at the break. Tailevu’s inexperience and game management proved to be their downfall as they buckled under pressure and the opposition onslaught and fiery attack. For Naitasiri, skipper Jone Naqiri, Marika Natau, Sakaraia Soqonakalou, Aisea Tuisese, Etonia Rokotuisawa, Peceli Rokotuivatu and Iliesa Bete stood out with their sublime performances. The favourites played with baptism of fire. They played their hearts out. The final is going to be a cracker as newcomer Malolo will aim to win their first Skipper Cup and spoil Naitasiri’s party. It’s like a Nadroga vs Naitasiri final! The West will aim to topple the giants from the South! Wouldn’t it be nice if Malolo was to win! They deserve a title for their great efforts and motto, ‘Small Boys, Big Job’. Tovolea mada, Malolo! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Did you pause to think?
Whenever I read letters from senior citizens like Ronnie Chang, Dewan Chand and Daniel Fatiaki, something in me stirs, and not in a good way. Then I see the faces of Voreqe Bainimarama or Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum splashed across the news and that feeling turns to anger. Why? Because men like Ronnie and Dewan have spoken the truth. Our pensioners were robbed of their savings through a piece of paper called a Decree. So I ask both former leaders: How could you do this to your elder citizens, the very people who built this nation? Did you not pause to consider the hardship, the humiliation and the heartbreak you would cause? How do you sleep at night knowing you stripped them of what they earned with honesty and dignity? Are you remorseful? Would you have the courage to look these pensioners in the eye and apologise publicly, sincerely and without excuses? And to the current administration — this is your chance to restore justice. Remove the stain left behind by those before you. Do what’s right. Honour these deserving men and women and their families. History remembers both — the ones who wound and the ones who heal. Colin Deoki Australia
Second chance
After reading a letter in yesterday’s Sunday Times (26/10), by Vijay P Madhavan of Suva, I had to go to the previous issue of this popular newspaper to read that letter mentioned. At the first sight I thought a big welcome with garland was extended to someone coming home with super honours from a top university or a soldier returning from a war zone with a medal for bravery. But this particular hero came from a totally different planet. Well we all have different views on such matters. I sincerely hope this will not encourage others to commit an offence of similar nature and expect to be given a hero’s welcome after completing the term in a prison. VIJAY MAHARAJ Sydney, Australia
Truth, sincerity, reconciliation
Reading the news about the ongoing work of the TRC, it occurred to me that the whole enactment is rather pointless. We have seen people, including a few former politicians, sufferers of atrocities of past coups come forward with their stories. Indeed, previously untold sufferings must be narrated. I’d rather all the sufferings be put in a series of books. Genuine sincerity, however, will be displayed when the perpetrators come forward and narrate everything without fear. In fact questions linger unanswered on all three coups. The books already written on our coups don’t tell everything. It is mind-boggling to think who is trying reconciling with who! Since the truth is that we will never get to find out the truths, it is better to just disband the TRC bandwagon and save everyone a lot of hassle and money. It’s all going nowhere, apparently. However, if someone can actually see the A-Z being uncovered by the TRC, I’m ready to rethink my opinion. Donald Singh Suva
Doctor receipt
Allow me to recommend all private doctors must compulsorily issue receipts to patients visiting them. There are some who may be doing it but very often it’s not the case. Up recently a fee of more than $100 had to be paid cash instead of using EFTPOS because it wasn’t available. Was it a remote incident for that particular day or permanently the EFTPOS service is not being provided. For the convenience of receipt keeping, patients visiting must be issued one. For other retail businesses it’s compulsory and any non compliance irrespective of the value may warrant fines. I am hopeful the needful will be considered. Sanjay Kumar Tamavua, Suva
FNPF pay
The Fiji Times news on “Court ruling justified payment’ (FT 26/10) gives some hope to retired FNPF members to be paid dues they justifiable deserve, that was taken from them by decree. Justice prevails as FNPF secures our future. God bless us all. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Truly blessed
The celebrations on the release of a convicted rapist after he served his time must be a traditional and cultural thing which the vulagi will never understand. I noticed that the big cake was missing this time. All the men in the picture seem really proud and thrilled. As for the victim, I guess she is just a woman. Like I have always said, the people of Fiji are truly blessed. The people of Namatakula and Malevu are especially blessed. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Political mileage
It’s interesting to see how certain individuals, once dominant during the SDL days but largely absent throughout the FijiFirst era, have suddenly reappeared under the Coalition Government. They seem eager to create visibility again, even using so-called reconciliation efforts as a platform to regain relevance. It raises the question — is this about genuine service to the nation, or simply an attempt to position themselves for a ministerial role? Rahul Krishna Auckland, New Zealand
Righteous men
Hundreds of prominent Jewish figures call to hold Israel accountable ‘for Gaza atrocities’ (Haraatz Daily Brief 23/10/25). These prominent Jewish figures are not terrorists or left leaning radicals, are they? Or are they the kind of people who see it as their moral duty to call out the wrong doings of their own people, particularly their own political leadership? The latter would be my guess. We had a similar thing when the first military coup and the accompanying atrocities happened in 1987 and the third one in 2000. Many prominent Fijians condemned the atrocities committed against one particular segment of Fiji society. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Leadership and teachers
Leadership issue
After Independence in 1970, the British oriented legislation was still entirely intact. And up until 20 years later, in my opinion, there was never any attempt whatsoever, to review the “post-colonial” aspects of the legislation. No one had the eagerness and vision to steer Fiji’s direction, away from the “values” of what had already been adapted. Even after the first coup, by Mr Rabuka, in my opinion. And that led to what we describe today, as “coup culture”. It would have been very interesting, if the Bavadra-led Labour government, had been allowed to reign. However, I believe, if only a PM, similar as of the late Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s pioneer, Fiji’s history would have been totally different. Colonised by the British and invaded by the Japanese, very few governments have been able to turn around their “population policy” successfully, as he did. I am certain, he had “iron will”, unmatched intellect and relentless vision. The outside world labelled him nationalist, dictator and authoritarianism, but he did not buckle. In my view, he knew what was “best” for Singapore. Not about the west or anyone else’s values, but Singaporeans. His leadership, I believe, not only led Singapore, it forged it, idea by idea, law by law, brick by brick and in doing so, he changed the course of history.
And today, Singapore, is one of the richest third world countries and has one of the lowest corruption rates in the world. In just a single generation, I believe, he architecturally shaped a nation that rose from adversity to prosperity. In fact, it simply was, for the “common good” of the country he loved. What a legacy to be remembered by. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Dedicated teachers
Master Rajnesh Lingam writing on “Teachers shape minds and hearts” (FT: 12/10) echoes the message that teachers should be respected, honoured, and loved. They deserve as they give their services from the heart with many challenges they face. They are regarded as “Guru”, God who blesses the students. It is sad to note that many qualified and experienced teachers migrate due to various reasons. Better pay and conditions top the list as revealed in The Fiji Times by concerned teachers and authorities. I feel in this competitive job market race our Fijian teachers are well considered with others. To retain the teachers, their pay and job conditions should be considered on par with their counterparts abroad. Teachers are people who educate the future generation in nation building. They should be respected, honoured and paid the salary they deserve. Quality teachers, quality education, justified pay. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Early preparation!
Fiji Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne named an experienced and power-packed squad for the November Autumn Test Series, where the Flying Fijians face Six Nations giants — England (Twickenham) and France (Marseille) and a spirited and resilient Spanish outfit (Malaga) on the morning of November 9, 16 and 23, respectively. We have incredible talents at our disposal, capable of repeating the heroics of 2018 and 2023, where Fiji beat both France 21-14 and England 30-22 (prior to the 2023 RWC 15s) on their home turf. The Flying Fijians, however, after delivering a rock-solid performance, lost to England 30-24 in the 2023 RWC 15s quarterfinal. Fiji has played France four times apart from the 1999 RWC 15s final pool match, which we lost 28-19 under controversial circumstances. Fiji lost to France in 2010 (34-12), 2014 (40-15) and 2023 (34-17). With less than three weeks to go before our first battle, fans are ready for a thrilling, fascinating and unmissable campaign. We have everything it takes to challenge France and England head on and beat Spain. It’s just a matter of fine tuning our combination! I’m glad that FRU considered All Blacks 15s and Chiefs star player, Pita Gus Sowaikula, who only played two Tests for the men in black and completed his three-year stand-down period with the All Blacks 15s. Toso Viti toso! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
