Love knows no barrier!
As I read the story titled ‘Love knows no barrier’ (ST: 30/11), I allude to this Bible verse, “Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen.” Two worlds came together when Nubu farmer, Navneel Sen, went the great length and walked for 3km in torrential rain and swam across floodwaters three times to get to his lovely bride, Filomena Diyasa, who is a policewoman by profession. The beautiful couple got officially engaged in true iTaukei tradition called vusu or ilakovi. Navneel’s story, which was shared via FB, touched hearts and proved that love is not about ethnicity but about two hearts that understand and love each other. Navneel and Filomena’s blissful union has epitomised what it means to truly love and hold and carries the hope that our beloved Fiji is still a place where racial harmony abounds. Though they come from different ethnic backgrounds, the couple’s undying love for each other stood out and received accolades from thousands of people. Navneel and Filomena spent seven long years just getting to know each other, and while there were ups and downs, their relationship survived and stood the test of time. Navneel’s gesture demonstrated to Filomena’s family that she was precious to him and that he valued her and her family. I salute this brave man for bearing nature’s wrath to proceed with what his heart desired. I wish the love birds a beautiful journey ahead. Indeed, their love has united two different ethnic groups. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Rollback of Sovereignty
We gained independence in 1970 to escape colonial rule, yet today, I believe, Pacific regionalism – led by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) – quietly drags us back under foreign influence, this time disguised as “regional cooperation”. Australia and New Zealand dominate the PIF with their money and votes. They suspend Fiji at will (2006–2014), impose trade deals like PACER Plus that slash our tariffs while protecting their markets, causing millions in lost revenue, and push security pacts that align us with their geopolitical games against China. The 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy sounds noble, but it binds us to collective decisions where two rich nations outweigh 16 island voices. This is not partnership – it is neo-colonialism wearing a friendly smile. Look around the world: Britain fled the European Union through Brexit precisely because Brussels eroded national sovereignty over borders, laws and trade. African Union integration stalls as bigger states bully smaller ones. Even ASEAN succeeds only because it fiercely guards sovereignty with consensus rules, refusing supranational overreach. Yet in our PIF, Canberra and Wellington dictate climate funding terms, labour mobility quotas, and even who can lead the Forum – remember the Micronesian walkout? Every concession chips away at our right to chart Fiji’s own future. Fijians already struggle with high living costs and youth exodus. Do we want more policies written in Canberra boardrooms? It is time to ask: whose Pacific is this? Melanesian solidarity through the MSG protects our voice better than PIF’s rigged table ever will. Wake up, Fiji – before regionalism leaves us sovereign in name only. Meli Matanatoto Nadi
No easy games!
The completion of pool games in Dubai showed that there are no easy games on the circuit. France upset Fiji 24-19, but before that they handed Argentina a heavy defeat 59-7. South Africa, Argentina, Spain and Great Britain failed to make it to the semi-finals. On the other hand, teams like the USA, Kenya, Ireland, Samoa and Canada failed to make the top eight. This shows that the standard of 7s is getting competitive. The Fijiana 7s impressed, beating the USA and France 19-7 and 28-19 but lost to the Black Ferns 31-12. The men’s team beat Argentina and South Africa 26-19 and 28-10, respectively. The All Blacks 7s, France and Australia were dominant and impressed rugby pundits. Osea Kolinisau must be commended for the work done during the off-season, but he must work on mental preparations. Our boys falter when under pressure and decision making becomes questionable. The offloads were incredible but missed tackles continued to highlight our weak spot. Some players looked fatigue against France. Tired legs were evident as Andy Timo and Jordan Sepho dictated play and demonstrated their strength. The duo was hard to bring down. Our discipline came under the spotlight as players were sent to the ‘naughty chair’. Finally, there is a need to get in young blood- fresh legs that can carry the pressure. I pity some players who have gone past their peak but continue to wear the 7s jumper. We have an abundance of talent at home, and it is vital that Fiji’s best 13 7s players are selected to represent the nation in an international 7s tournament! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Rabuka and truth commission
Warts and all!
Sometimes we all need a reality check to remind us about some sobering truths, especially if we profess following the One who gave us the most important life lessons: Ephesians 4:25 says: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body”. This verse links honesty to community and the idea that being truthful is a way to maintain unity within the community. Proverbs 12:22: “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who are truthful”. This passage provides a strong, clear statement on God’s view of dishonesty and truthfulness. Colossians 3:9-10: “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator”. This verse connects truthfulness with the new identity and transformation that comes with faith. Psalm 34:13: “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies”. This is a direct command to refrain from harmful and dishonest speech. Proverbs 12:17: “Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit”. This verse contrasts the nature of truth-tellers with that of deceivers. So perhaps it’s prudent to tell it like it is, warts and all. Colin Deoki Australia
Waste of time
Areki Dawai summed it succinctly when he said PM Rabuka’s appearance before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was “just another waste of time and beating around the bush”. (ST 30/11). I had predicted in a letter published in The Fiji Times when the FTRC was being set up that truth telling by the perpetrators of the coups was unlikely and truth hiding more likely. I believe I predicted correctly. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Women in leadership
I am writing in regards to iTaukei village leadership roles. Mostly it is ‘turaga-ni-koro’, and not ‘marama-ni-koro’. Can we have a few ‘marama ni-koro’? Females to be given the chance to lead the village and some may also be appointed as head of yavusa. Shailesh Kumar Kavita St, Tavua
Was God behind it?
Nishant Singh wants to know from the 1987 coup leader “Was God behind it?” (FT 29/11). That’s what Rabuka had claimed when he carried out the coup. But we know who really was behind the coup. God had nothing to do with it. Mr Rabuka needs to be reminded of the third of the Ten Commandments: “thou shall not take the Lord’s name in vain”. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
