A moment to cherish!
The 50 students of Lawaki Primary School will cherish the trip made to The Fiji Times newsroom where they were briefed by subeditor Waisale Koroiwasa on how stories were gathered, edited and published. These students gained a firsthand understanding of the fast-paced world of journalism. The Fiji Times, which was established on September 4, 1869, in the Old Capital by George Littleton Griffiths, is Fiji’s oldest newspaper, and has braved ordeals, coups, extreme turbulences, media decrees like MIDA, criticism and scolding, but continues to exist, providing Fijians a platform to raise their opinions and voices. Proudly, The Fiji Times remains the voice for ordinary Fijians. Life without a copy of The Fiji Times in hand daily is unimaginable. The Fiji Times has strived for more than 150 years to provide the most reliable, accurate and reliable news and information, and I salute the newspaper for maintaining its credibility, ethics, principles, and governance of journalism. The Fiji Times is embedded deep in the hearts of many. It was, it is, and it will always be the voice for ordinary Fijians. It was a matter of pride for the students of Lawaki Primary School to be part of a newsroom that has seen the good and ‘rainy days’. Their smiles said it all! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Fiji seniors and tourism
It is very interesting to note that there has been a steady increase in the number of older persons, particularly retirees, coming as tourists to Fiji. The tourism industry has every reason to celebrate the increase. Presumably, most are from Australia and New Zealand. However, it should also be noted that there is increase in the number of hotel industry workers and caregivers going to the two countries mentioned in droves, leaving our Fiji families with seniors in dire straits. Ninety-nine per cent of retirees, pensioners, elders, older persons, seniors, veterans or whatever names you call us, have very little to no opportunity to travel within Fiji, let alone the dream of going abroad to visit family and friends. The seniors who manage to travel abroad have to pay a very heavy price in the way of obtaining visas, medical costs, travel and health insurance and not forgetting the ever increasing airline ticket costs. All these very prohibiting and nerve racking exercise. Unlike the seniors and retirees travelling to Fiji, they just have to pack their bags and fly to Fiji, complete visa free entry, wide selection of hotel and airline travel packages and many more. The Fiji seniors face strict age-based discriminations in acquiring visas, travel and health insurances. And the icing on the cake is the exorbitant doctors fees, $500 plus, that is charged, just because we want to travel. The much glorified “social pension” which some rural elders get, is just good enough for them to travel from their villages to Suva, have a café meal and return, in their beloved “carriers”. There is more to be said about the plight of the Fiji seniors. Hassan Khan Nasese, Suva
Bad eggs abroad
Ms Qereqeretabua (FT 7/11) surprises me. She should worry more about odour in the poultry house back home. Christopher Griffin Perth, Australia
Rude things
A mid afternoon experience at the True Mart store in Navua left me stunned. They are selling this small rechargeable car vacuum cleaner for around $60 and I thought of having a proper look at the product. One of the packets looked opened already so I picked it up and reached the product inside. It looked alright for the price. Then comes in the frame a lady, introducing herself as the store manager. She spoke extremely rudely and growled at me for opening the box myself without asking for assistance. Then she pointed towards the sign displayed in the vicinity which said customers were to ask for assistance with products and not to open packets. I realised I was wrong, and I told her so. I also told her I had found the packet partly open and that’s why I opened it. I told her it was my fault and reminded her that she was not supposed to be talking rudely to me. To my astonishment, the diminutive looking manageress said: “Why can’t I? Because you are a customer?” I told her that in any case, she didn’t have to be rude to anyone. I didn’t buy the product because of her rudeness. Workers, however good their companies are doing in Fiji, need to behave. Brother Kim (not the one from North Korea) might need to run some etiquette classes with her lest she gets slapped by someone intolerant. Donald Singh Suva, sometimes Navua
Until the last minute
The Pacific Championship grand final between New Zealand and Toa Samoa is perhaps the most anticipated international rugby league match of 2025. New Zealand is beaming with confidence having defeated Samoa and Tonga earlier. Samoa enters as underdogs knowing too well that it was only due to simple mistakes, which allowed New Zealand to defeat them in an earlier encounter. Backed by a local and vocal fans, Samoa, will enter this match wanting to settle for nothing less than handing a defeat to their opponents from the Land of the Long White Clouds. This is certainly going to be an explosive encounter which will have Pacific fans on their toes until the last minute. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Oblivious you are!
Most of us know who is the most oblivious here. When some keep stating that the “people of Fiji are blessed” but forget his blessings that his ridiculous letters continue to be published in this column. Be very grateful to Mr Wesley who gives this precious column some space for your nonsense. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Christmas celebrations
How many ministers would like to come over to Labasa for Christmas celebrations? Sukha Singh Labasa
Successful visits
The recent visits by the State head have been defined as highly successful by the PM. With a high degree of respect and politeness, I think it has so far been a failure on the PM’s part to define success. Or are we required to prove it? Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Live coverage
Thousands of Fiji rugby supporters will be denied the chance to watch and cheer our Flying Fijians team play England on Sunday morning FJT. Neither of the free to air channels will air the live coverage. Not even our government-owned television channel and only one word to describe it. Pathetic. The difference is clear my foot! Saddest! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Labour inspection
I believe labour inspection on rogue companies or bad management decision should be strengthened to improve workers rights. Dan Urai Lautoka
Self respect
Self-respect is a vital value It shapes the way we think and view Self-respect is the foundation of inner strength It guides our hearts to noble length Self-respect walks with gentle grace It shines within, a calm embrace It doesn’t crave the crowd’s acclaim For peace within is its true aim Self-respect is a sacred flame That cannot bow to wealth or fame It gives our actions moral might And keeps our hearts forever right When trials test what we pursue Self-respect will see us through It gleams within, not worn outside A torch that glows with steady pride When hearts are shaken, torn, or tried Self-respect stays by your side It guards your soul from being sold For fleeting praise or borrowed gold It tells you gently, “be your own,” Even when standing all alone It won’t let pride or ego rise But teaches worth through humble eyes For wealth will fade, and friends depart But self-respect will fill your heart And when you stand at journey’s end You’ll see it was your truest friend Self-respect infuses self-confidence in human beings It lifts the heart and gives the soul its wings A person without self-respect is like a ship adrift at sea Tossed by every wave, unsure of who to be But when self-respect awakens, courage stands tall And the heart remembers it was never small at all’. BHAGWANJI Bhindi Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
Losing its gloss
The comment attributed to FWCC director Shamima Ali that fewer women are participating at the higher echelons of leadership is caused by “women not voting for women” has some element of truth in it. Her reasoning that ” ….that historically, men held leadership positions and as result women were conditioned to believe that men were better leaders. So they (women) vote for men” (F/T-6th Nov.2025), is not the entire story and so I beg to differ. Fiji’s Parliament has had its share of great women leaders who were never subservient or thought themselves lesser mortals than their male compatriots. I recall seeing newspaper reports of Irene Jai Narayan, Adi Losalini Dovi standing toe to toe and fiercely debating against the likes of Ratu Kamisese Mara, Siddiq Koya, K.C Ramrahka, Militoni Leweniqila etc. Our great women leaders mentioned above, never militantly clamoured for their rights like some do today. In their own dignified manner as women, they were admired and respected as leaders by all male and female. We have ladies in business, doctors, teachers, farmers, sailors, drivers, pilots, engineers etc and practically in all fields in Fiji. There are no laws barring our women their opportunities. Our women today, like their past mentors know very well now that they are not discriminated against and know too that they are just as good as the menfolk. And because they know that they are on equal par with men; the continual bombardment that they must “fight” for their rights since they are “significantly underrepresented”, no longer has the sheen or gloss. Times of “burning the bra” prevalent in the late heydays of the ’60s and ’70s are long gone. Our modern women of today know full well their roles as women, their rights and opportunities as citizens are secure under the law. And they will vote for whom they will vote for. William Rosa Ba
Pedestrian crossing confusion
The recent new road management changes implemented at certain pedestrian crossings has created confusion both for the drivers and people on foot. Normally at the intersections the signal for the green man comes on as the red light stops all the vehicles either way that allows safe crossing to the other side. The path is identified by two continuous white lines that runs across the road. Now we have a zebra crossing painted and pedestrians may assume they have automatic right of way, even when the pedestrian signal is red. At the junction of Ratu Mara Rd and the Rewa Street travelling from the city side towards Nabua, the extreme left lane always displays a green signal and vehicles continue a great speed unaware that they will have to stop if someone is crossing, despite having a green indication. Having a zebra crossing at a pedestrian crossing light crossing is dangerous as it is not properly understood by road users. The mixed signal for drivers is that zebra crossings typically mean drivers must yield to pedestrians at all times, even without a red light. The traffic lights, on the other hand, control right of way based on signal phases. When both are present, drivers may be confused whether they should they stop for pedestrians even if the light is green. On the other hand pedestrians may assume they have automatic right of way at a zebra crossing, even when the pedestrian signal is red. This can lead to dangerous crossings against the light, especially if they believe the zebra stripes override the signal. This creates a false sense of security for pedestrians who step out expecting vehicles to stop. In poor visibility, drivers may miss the zebra markings and rely solely on traffic lights. If a pedestrian crosses during a green light thinking the zebra gives them priority, the risk of collision increases. This can complicate liability in the event of an accident. The safer alternative is to use pedestrian signals only, without zebra markings, at such intersections. If zebra markings are used, it is advisable to utilise clear signage and disseminate public education about right-of-way rules. Satish Nakched Suva
Corporal punishment
I agree with the view expressed by Indian mentor and author Mayur Kalbag that physical punishment has no place in raising or educating children today. The law rightly protects children from being physically harmed in the name of discipline. However, the absence of corporal punishment should not mean the absence of discipline altogether. There must still be effective and practical ways to guide and correct our young people. Parents and teachers can adopt measures such as restricting access to gadgets at home, setting clear consequences for misbehaviour, or using after-school detentions to teach responsibility. At the same time, I believe the law on child labour should be reviewed — or at least interpreted with flexibility — to allow schools to use constructive disciplinary tasks such as cleaning the school compound or tidying classrooms. These activities should not be seen as exploitation, but as part of teaching children respect for their environment, teamwork, and responsibility. Our children need structure and accountability as much as they need love and understanding. The methods may change, but the purpose of discipline — to shape character and instil respect — remains vital. One day, when the younger generation steps into leadership, they may look back and judge us by how well we prepared them for the responsibilities of life — just as we now reflect on how our parents and teachers raised us with the rod and the discipline of love in the old days. To be honest, I am proud of them. I do not live in fear now, except the fear of breaking the law and facing the consequences. It is up to us to ensure our children have both the freedom to express themselves and the guidance to make the right choices. The opposite — allowing them to do whatever they please without any sense of consequence — will only weaken the moral foundation of our future society. Children must be taught that this is life: you will reap what you sow. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
Gifts for kids!
I warmly thank eHub International for donating more than $3000 worth of school furniture to the Foundation for the Education of Needy Children (FENC). I gather that the timely donation will greatly assist FENC to establish community-based learning centres for students from Year 1 to Year 13 across Fiji centres with the hope of offering children a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for after-school learning. It feels delightful to read that eHub’s core philosophy, ‘creating value’, extends beyond its clients to the broader community, reflecting its commitment to empowering young minds through access to education and positive learning spaces. This collaboration between eHub and FENc will benefit students, ensuring that every child in our beloved Fiji can learn, grow, and build a brighter future. We are into the festive season, which is about giving, sharing and spreading unconditional love. Gifts bring smiles on the faces of kids, and I thank the corporate companies, organisations and individuals who are supporting NGOs and organisations, looking after needy kids, for the kind heart, generosity and contributions via cash and kind! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
A shot at the Grand Slam!
After defeating a resilient and courageous Irish outfit 26-13 at the Soldier Field in Chicago, the mighty All Blacks are a step closer to their first Grand Slam in 15 years and their fifth Grand Slam, having previously won the Grand Slam in 1978, 2005 and 2008. The All Blacks, who last recorded the Grand Slam in 2010 when they beat England 26-16, Scotland 49-3, Ireland 38-18 and Wales 37-25, face a fired-up Scotland outfit tomorrow morning. The All Blacks last played Gregor Townsend’s Bravehearts in 2022, recording a 31-23 win at Murrayfield. Prior to that, the All Blacks beat the Bravehearts 22-17 in 2017, 24-16 in 2014 and 51-22 in 2012. Scotland has yet to taste victory against the All Blacks, having drawn twice in 1983 (25-all) and 1964 (nil-all). The Bravehearts thrashed the USA 85-0 victory, recording their largest winning margin in history. The second-ranked All Blacks must not take the eighth-ranked Scotland side lightly although they hold 120 years of dominance. In March, the iconic Murrayfield, which represents Scotland’s rise as a rugby powerhouse, celebrated 100 years of rugby, and if the hosts were to claim their first-ever win over the visitors during the centenary year, it would carry historic weight. Just like the previous battles between the sides, the atmosphere will be electric and will be in favour of the Bravehearts, who will have their 16th player in the form of their passionate and patriotic fans. The All Blacks have lost their captain Scott Barrett and vice-captain Jordie Barrett, but tireless forward Ardie Savea takes over and will be ably supported by an experienced and power-packed outfit, including Crusaders star Leicester Fainga’anuku. After defeating Ireland, the mood and morale in the All Blacks is high. The boys know that they are inches away from creating history, so they’ll give everything they have in the tank. Wishing the ABs all the best! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Government grants
It has come to light from a Parliament committee scrutiny that Pacific Polytech got government grants that it was not illegible for under the established process in place for the disbursement of government funding. So is this a case of official corruption? The Fijian public clearly has the right to know. An appropriate investigation is imperative to get to the bottom of how Pacific Polytech managed to secure the grants. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Rugby player
FOR the rugby fans that were whining and pointing fingers at the Fiji Rugby Union decisions to not allow a former national sevens rep to play in the Skipper Cup final, I hope that you are all aware of the Terms Of Participation. Some were saying, “it is uncalled for by the FRU to remove him from the ground and not informing him prior”. How many people in Fiji bear the name Amenoni Nasilasila and why would the coach and management of Malolo Rugby Union slot in a person who was just released from prison to play in the final without participation in the Malolo Rugby Union club competition? Is it fair for the other members of the Malolo rugby squad who had done the hard yards throughout the season not to be considered to be named in the final game, MRU management?Using the Yellow Ribbon Program to back the ex-convict’s participation, it would be better off for his supporters and the MRU to organise a team to plant his cassava etc than trying to make him an overnight superstar. While FRU stood their ground not to break the competition rules, I believe Malolo Rugby team coach and their management just shot their foot over the weekend to shame a player! AREKI DAWAI Suva
Climate funds
Fiji has secured $61m from the Climate Investment Fund to support its NPC climate investment plan ( FT 2/11/25 ). During FFP’s and now the Coalition’s reign, there have been so many COPs. Where are all the respective financial aids? Where were they used? The Green Climate Finance, EU, US, Australia and Japan to mention a few. There were millions of dollars provided and yet, in my opinion, nothing concrete ever materialised. Was the Nabavatu Village relocation an afterthought? I believe the $5.9m project should take eight months and it has been almost two years. Nearly all of these “international financial aids” seemed to evaporate into thin air. However, Fiji’s delegation to the COP30 has been deducted, as stated by the PS. How many are really needed? Does it really matter? Has it been cost-efficient? It is not about the funding, but its purpose. I think the so-called Political Champion for Climate Change is simply a joke. In fact, he has just been “improving duplication”, as the usual practice. What a national facade. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Quote of the day
The Fiji Times ‘Today’s Quote’ ‘It’s not what you pay a man, but what he costs you that counts’ by Will Rogers (FT4/11), got me wondering what it has cost the Fijian people to keep the Rabuka gang in government both in public fund and in public trust given how much it departed from its election promise? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Vice President
J. D Vance, the Vice President of the United States of America has exposed his hypocrisy by throwing his wife Usha Vance (a Hindu) under the bus. He claims that he and Usha were agnostic or atheists and were attracted to each other. Later he started going to church and Usha used to accompany him. Now he wants her to convert to Christianity to suit his political agenda. Further, he goes on to claim that their two children are being brought up with Christian values. Usha comes from a Brahmin Hindu family well versed in Sanskrit language and Vedas. Her two children wore Hindu dress and tikka while on a trip to India. Usha has claimed that she is a practising Hindu who provides her children with Hindu value system (Sanskaras). Is this not a case of conflict in the family? J.D Vance claims that the flood of immigrants into America has significantly altered the American way of life. Oh really? What has happened to the concept of globalisation? What has happened to the Christian love to share and care for all? Furthermore, J.D Vance claims that his responsibility is to ensure that America caters for Americans first and not others. Then why is America obsessed to behave like the policeman for the world. Why does it interfere in the affairs of other countries? It is mind boggling that a person who aspires to become the next President of the United States speaks such hateful language! Therefore, all those Indians who dream of going to America to chase their American dream must do some serious rethinking. Your talents and intelligence are simply not wanted there. This anti- Hindu rhetoric will make your life unbearable. You and your children will be discriminated against. In my view, J.D Vance is clearly unfit to become the next President of the United States of America. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Small boys, big job!
THE motto, “Small boys, big job”, will be talked about in years to come. This is because a team that was promoted won the Skipper Cup for the first time, etching their name into the rich, proud and powerful history of provincial rugby. The bold, courageous, determined, passionate and resilient Malolo outfit, disrupted Naitasiri’s flair and hopes of breaking a 15-year-old drought. Malolo’s win was not predicted by rugby pundits. The 41-26 sweet victory was crisp and brought tears and joys of emotion. Rupeni Nasiga and the Malolo team officials are commended for this historic victory. Malolo’s win has taken provincial rugby to another level and has motivated other teams to do the daunting task and win the Skipper Cup! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Bird strikes
THE recent bird strike incident and damage to a Fiji Airways aircraft in New Zealand has prompted the Minister of Civil Aviation into gear by various statements on the subject including grand plans to mitigate the risk of bird strikes. The Minister has failed, however, to provide any local data of bird strikes and the severity of the risks which may exist at local airports. For starters, the Minister should know that all three major aviation stakeholders (AFL, Fiji Airways, ATS & CAAF) presently have adequate mechanisms to mitigate bird strike risks which is regularly reviewed and updated. There are other major risks and challenges that the Minister needs to focus on such as the absence of a consolidated and sustainable airport master plan cutting across all aviation stakeholders. The emphasis so far and looking forward is to treat the industry as a cash cow and highly subject to political influence which has focused on making quick bucks rather than approaching the industry holistically. First and foremost, aviation laws need to be modernized and harmonized with international best practices, planned infrastructure upgrades need to be undertaken and shortage of human resources addressed. In one statement the Minister said that they planned to push back farms, cut trees and monitor developments to keep the birds away which for his information will never happen. Nadi airport has been losing land all around it to commercial developments and successive governments had neither the vision nor political will power to acquire or reserve any space around it for airport expansion. So where or who will he push back? Even if he could demolish all structures and cut all tress, what would he do to the sea which is also a habitat for birds. The Minister needs to calm down and address all risks to flights at the airport of which bird strikes is also one but a lesser one. Ajai Kumar Nadi
Overshooting the limit
Overshooting, the 1.5 degree limit? We can’t prevent it from happening, despite all those COP summits. Other factors are really at play, to the global warming increase. Humans have very little say, that’s just the way it is. We just need to accept, the inevitable and adjust and adapt, where we can and are able ! Outside the box thinking, is clearly needed, Our priorities need changing, that should really be heeded. Not waste valuable time, on the wrong path we have taken, there’s now not much time, to save this and future generations! Edward Blakelock Admirals Circle, Pacific Harbour
Rubbish dump
On a very recent day trip to the Capital City, Suva, to visit sick and elderly relatives, in their 80s, we came across the huge pile of rubbish at the Sigatoka rubbish dump, located beside the Queens Highway. Apart it from being a definite “eye-sore”, there is the serious health concern for the infestation of flies, rodents and the like. We hope the Sigatoka Town Council senior health inspector has this health hazard firmly under control. Such “mountainous” open rubbish dumps, if not kept in check, can eventually pose serious health issues. I raise my concerns for the benefit of all travellers and the residents living nearby, with total respect. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Thank you
Jan Nissar reckons apart from Dan Urai who appreciates what Australia and Australians contribute to Fiji there are not many others who have that appreciation (FT 7/22). Jan forgot Lynda Tabuya. The minister for information has a profound appreciation of that. That is why she made a special upgraded trip authorised by PM Rabuka to South Australia for Fiji Day celebrations to personally acknowledge the Australian contribution to the Fiji economy. I believe more such trips should be made by Lynda and others in the Rabuka gang in government to make hay while the sun shines. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Next man up!
On the eve of our first game of the Northern Hemisphere tour, our Flying Fijians have not presented their full ideal team. And although not ideal, it is the best coach Mick Byrne and Fiji Rugby can do under the circumstances. Fijian Rugby has moved up in recent years and thanks to the Drua initiative and lucrative European rugby contracts, our Fijian rugby players have transcended their individual games to elite levels. With innate rugby talent, proper exclusive coaching, selected physical and mental preparations have elevated the ‘small island boy’ into a powerhouse rugby player. With the stock of Fijian rugby players increasing in every position in the 15s game, we continue to grow as a team and the future looks very bright for Fijian Rugby. This is the acid test so to speak, for our Flying Fijians team for the step up into Tier One rugby in 2026. It has taken Fiji Rugby 7 decades to arrive on this particular doorstep. So, to the Flying Fijian 23, on Sunday morning (Fiji time), you all are the “next men up” to represent our tiny nation to rugby glory. It has been done before and it can be done again. We dare, we win. Vuka Viti vuka! Epeli Rabua Ragg Avenue, Suva
England will be tough!
After watching, Steve Borthwick’s England beat Joe Schmidt Wallabies side 25-7 at Twickenham, I reckon the Fiji Water Flying Fijians have a mammoth task tomorrow morning. The Roses played with passion and baptism of fire. Rising star Henry Pollock came off the bench to score a key try, while tries from Alex Mitchell and Luke Cowan-Dickie gave the hosts a well-deserved victory. England was good at the set piece and breakdown, and George Ford’s kicking game was decisive. The Flying Fijians will need to be clinical. In 2023, Fiji beat England in front of 56,854 spectators for the first time with a 30-22 victory at Twickenham as the hosts completed a woeful RWC warm-up campaign. Fiji was down 8-3 at the break. England’s tries were scored by Jonny May, Marcus Smith and Joe Marchant, while Waisea Nayacalevu, Vinaya Habosi and Simione Kuruvoli crossed over for Fiji. Ironically, with a man down (Eroni Mawi was sent to the sinbin), Fiji lead England 10-8 at one stage and recorded an imperious and historic victory. However, the boys failed to repeat the heroics of that night as we lost to England 30-24 in the RWC quarter-final. What a painful loss it was – one full of controversy as the Roses survived a late fightback from Fiji at the Stade de Marseille. Owen Farrell’s boot was the difference. England led comfortably by 14 points with 15 minutes remaining, however, Peni Ravai and Vilimoni Botitu crossed in a frantic four minutes to level the score at 24-24. Farrell kicked over twice to gift England a place in the semi-final against the reigning champions, South Africa, which they lost by a point 16-15. That vibrant and valiant battle was one of the best quarters, alongside the All Blacks versus Ireland and France versus Springboks quarters which thrilled as the All Blacks beat Ireland 28-24 and South Africa’s green machine knocked out the hosts by a point (29-28). They created history by winning their three elimination matches all by a single point, including that 12-11 final win! On paper, Fiji has a robust line-up- one which can take England head on. We just need to get the basics right! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
An explosive encounter expected
Fireworks and explosions are anticipated at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham when the mighty England team go out to crush the Flying Fijians. The English are loaded with a powerful and mobile forward pack while their backline is boosted with speed. They have an excellent kicker who is only to convert penalties and free kicks into valuable points. On the Flying Fijians corner, they have an unpredictability and off loads, which will certainly send shivers down the spines of their English opponents. All in all, this is going to turn out into an explosive encounter and our Flying Fijians must enter the rugby paddocks with nothing short of motivation and self-belief. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Respect road rules
It’s heart breaking to read in the Fiji Times with pictures of crashed vehicles and victim Iziyan Ali (FT 31/10). As we pray for the departed soul, we all have a responsibility to avoid accidents on roads. Negligence and not following road rules are the major causes. Many times we blame road conditions or others faults. Let’s discipline ourselves first to control road accidents to save ourselves and save others. Safety first to save lives. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Lynda defends trip
Lynda defends trip to Australia for Fiji Day celebrations (FT 7/11). Let’s be clear her trip was a junket which she tries to pass off as a demonstration of leadership. It was no such thing. She must think the Fijian people are stupid to believe her nonsense justification for her junket. Fiji has a full time ambassador based in Australia to meet with workers, hear their concerns and to advocate for them. There is no need for a fly by night minister for information to do that. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Junior Bula boys go down fighting!
In their debut tournament at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the Junior Bula Boys marked a proud moment in history, although they were hammered by Tunisia and Belgium 6-0 and 7-0, respectively. Both teams mounted a wave of attack, but our backline stood firm and absorbed the pressure. The Maikah Dau-captained side showed bit of composure and defended well against oppositions which have been playing with confidence and structure. I salute goalkeeper Melvin Prakash and our defenders for standing like a wall against Tunisia and Belgium’s waves of pressure. The boys regrouped and showed some glimpses of brilliance, which were not enough as they bid the tournament goodbye. The boys were determined to score goals, but our opponents were a class above them, being superior, fitter and more experienced. Despite the thrashings, the Junior Bula Boys showed fighting spirit, character, promise and resilience. The Junior Bula Boys face Argentina next. They require a solid defensive pattern and a bit of lady luck to keep the score-line respectable. After all, not many fans had expected the side to progress through to the next round. It is important that we treat competitions seriously and prepare accordingly. I feel for our boys who got hammered and have been continuously hammered on social media for the back-to-back losses! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Flushing money away
Sotherby’s action house is selling the solid gold toilet with a starting bid of probably $10million. As it is named “America” this could be a great Christmas present to buy for President Trump. From pictures of his Mar-a-Lago ‘bathroom/secure secret documents storeroom’, it looks like the current toilet lacks the glamour we would expect and it isn’t even gilded gold. There were plenty of people willing to buy massive amounts of his meme coin or whatever they were in order to get to his fancy dinner and bask in his golden glory. You will however need to have the money to hire some movers as it weighs about 100kg (220 lb) and also a plumber to install it. OK now, put your hand up quickly as this one will sell fast. Dennis Fitzgerald Melbourne, Australia
Public funds
The $64k spent by PM and his ministers on overseas trips for Fiji Day (the actual figure is closer to $65k) would have been put to more beneficial use if it was contributed to the Pinktober, Movember fund raising for cancer. That way the poor frogs in Fiji would not need to race to raise funds for Pinktober! Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Fiji soccer
We were celebrating Fiji Day with my cousins, Norman and Vineeta Deoki, in Melbourne when, as it often does, the conversation swung to Fiji soccer. It’s a subject close to our hearts and deeply woven into our family’s history. My cousin’s father, Dr Samson Deoki, formed Fiji’s first-ever soccer club, The Sunshine Club, way back in 1922. That humble beginning helped lay the foundation for what would become a national passion. And my own late father, Andrew Deoki, was one of the true visionaries who helped transform the game from the Fiji Indian Football Association to Fiji Football Association, opening the doors for all ethnic groups to play together under one banner. It was a bold and unifying step and one that mirrored Fiji’s broader dream of inclusion and equality. By the 1970s and ’80s, my cousin Norman, my wife Glenda, and I were all deeply involved in Suva Soccer and later, in the early days of Suva Women’s Soccer. You could say football quite literally runs in our blood. So as the IDC drew to a close over the Fiji Day weekend, our conversation inevitably turned somber. We couldn’t help but reflect on how far the sport has fallen and become trapped in the same cesspool of personal agendas, politics and corruption that have plagued it for decades. We all agreed: Fiji soccer has lost its way because it’s lost its soul. And with every passing year, the dream of seeing Fiji soccer rise to the world stage, as proudly as Fijian rugby has, grows dimmer and slimmer. So why has rugby soared while soccer has stagnated? After much discussion, we reached a simple but painful truth. It all comes down to people and personalities. The early pioneers of Fijian football were powerful visionaries. They built the foundations not for themselves, but for the game and for the future. But when they passed on or migrated, that vision wasn’t carried forward. A great vacuum emerged. And into that vacuum, I believe, stepped some individuals driven, not by passion or purpose. And that’s where the rot began. How do you cleanse a system that’s lost its soul? There aren’t any easy answers. Real change can only come from within – from the people inside the sport who still care enough to reclaim it and who’re brave enough to shake the foundations loose of the manipulators, plotters and drifters. But until that happens, the sad truth remains: Fiji soccer will continue to drift – not for lack of talent, but for lack of integrity and visionary leadership. And unless visionary leadership and management come into focus, football will remain languishing at the bottom of the world rankings and never see the sport at the same level as Fijian rugby. And that’s the real tragedy of the beautiful game we once loved. Colin Deoki Australia
