2026 Nations championship
Exciting times await our Flying Fijians as they enter the 2026 Nations Championship. Our men will not only rub shoulders, but also compete against top teams such as Wales, Scotland and England. While this brings every reason for excitement among rugby fans, it is also sufficient opportunity and time to address the ghost which continues to haunt us. For example, the indiscipline and casual attitude inherited from our Drua side, appears to have infiltrated our national team. Also, we appear to rely heavily on few individual players like Tuisova and overlook the potential for a combined team effort. Are there performing and deserving players in our domestic rugby competition who are ready to join the squad for national duties? One wishes our rugby authorities the very best in facilitating preparations for the Nations Championship but hope concerned officials proactively confront issues which continue to haunt us. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Where is justice?
The FT (3/12/25) published two letters from former CJ Justice Daniel Fatiaki and Colin Deoki on the plight of the FNPF pensioners. The FNPF lawyer had informed a group of us that ‘it is the law’ that prevents the FNPF from actioning the justice we pensioners seek. From our perspective, the law and justice are clearly poles apart in this instance. The blame game continues between the FNPF Board and the Government with pensioners in the middle being pushed from pillar to post. As stated yet again, Justice Fatiaki reminded everyone that the Media Decree was repealed in the early days of the Government. I can only guess this was done because there was so much noise from a large number of voters and regional and international media. The question I ask is why are the Decrees that impact FNPF pensioners not treated with the same respect? Is it because we are ‘old’ and not a vital contributor to the economy? Or, is it because the Government’s piggy bank will have to pay out money that they believe is theirs? It is the disrespect component and lack of actionable care that bothers us because the FNPF annual reports and our researchers reports confirm that there are adequate funds to compensate us without any threat to the FNPF and its viability despite selective information being shared on holders accounts. The PM was ‘collecting bottles’ at one time in his life as reported in the dailies. Does he expect some of us to reach the same low or be lowered into a grave before the matter is justly resolved? He had the power in this last 2025 sitting of Parliament to remove the decrees and given the pensioners their just dues, under the guise of a ‘gift’, if necessary but given we are a small and dwindling component of the voting population, it appears that our justice is the least of his concerns as the law of Bai and Kai continues to rule. As they say ‘Karma is a ….’ Elizabeth Reade Fong Suva
Free and fair elections
Maharaj praises Saneem’s legacy: “three free and fair elections under his watch” (FT 3/12/25). That comes as no surprise. Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj was part of the authoritarian Bainimarama – Sayed-Khaiyum FijiFirst government which I believe had strategically installed pliant officials in pivotal state institutions to essentially do their bidding. Mr Maharaj conveniently ignores the media control and manipulation that government maintained along with all the arm twisting for donations for their election campaigns. He also forgets the oppressive climate of fear in the country under Bainimarama and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. I believe they lost the election because they had ruled repressively and there was an overwhelming desire to be rid of them. Mr Maharaj makes an attempt to gloss over the Bainimarama-Khaiyum regime’s long reign of misrule. He can’t pull wool over the eyes of the Fijian people. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Will he testify?
Just like countless matanigasau the country has been going through recently, the Truth and Reconciliation process has become nothing more than an exercise in futility, yielding no real progress or meaningful accountability. Waste indeed. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent appearance before the commission, which failed to uncover anything of substance about the 1987 coup, only exposes how ineffective and toothless this process has been. Yet, since the TRC is still dragging on, the public deserves to know whether the 2000 coup frontman George Speight will be compelled to testify and finally expose the powerful business elites who bankrolled the violent overthrow of a democratically elected government. George, you game? Nishant Singh Lautoka
Processed food
In my memory The Fiji Times for over 35 years has been printing articles, encouraging readers to eat from their gardens. Dr Sivakumar’s article (FT 29/11/25) details eloquently ‘The hidden costs of convenience Ultra processed foods.’ No amount of education will deter people from eating poisonous Ultra processed foods. The food manufacturers know full well how to addict you and your children to sugar, artificial flavourings, excessive salt etc. The statistics indicate clearly our Health Authorities cannot control our ever increasing poor health outcomes. To protect the lives of all in Fiji we have seatbelt legislation in motor vehicles, legislation to prevent dangerous chemicals sprayed on food crops, Work Place Health And Safety legislation to protect workers and the public. Our government has also a Duty Of Care to protect us from poisonous foods being sold in our shops. It’s the same principle. Until these food poisons are legislatively removed from our market place non communicable diseases (NCDs) plus most diseases will not be eliminated. Of course adequate exercise is also important. ‘You are what you eat.’ Peter Rae Korotogo
HIV spike
The spike in HIV cases in Fiji has everyone panicking, just like the time the price of lamb chops skyrocketed. While health officials are rolling out campaigns faster than a kava circle empties a bilo, one golden rule continues to stand undefeated — as the late, legendary Unkol Allen used to preach – “no rubber, no kaba”. I believe this would be the most effective measure to prevent the spread of HIV related diseases. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Union bashing
Despite our constitution giving workers the right to join a trade union of their choice, some employers continue to harass workers to resign from the union after workers join a union. These types of employers need to be taken to task for not respecting the constitution, the rights of workers and the laws of Fiji. Dan Urai Lautoka
Lack of wisdom
I do not have a very high regard for people who constantly quote from the holy books to suit their purpose. I believe such people have very narrow minds and lack wisdom and we all can see that almost daily in this column. Jan Nissar Khajuraho, India
New notes
While the new notes look good, will they give us more on the table? Will the cost of living go any lower? Just asking aye? Kirti Patel Lautoka
Dodging potholes
Having travelled via the Kings Highway recently, I had a rather unusual experience as the number of potholes between the Rakiraki to Nausori stretch is definitely something else. For a while it was likened to a game of sevens rugby as we tried to side-step and goose step the potholes. Some were large while others were small and deep. Others were like innocent looking traps waiting to trap tyres and give the bodies of vehicles a massive shock. There were a few almost the size of lovo pits. All in all, drive safely on the Kings Highway and take care when dodging the potholes as road safety is paramount. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Men’s department
For the male, why not?
Most women are physically weak and are given the most care and support through various women’s organisations which is highly appreciated, not forgetting many women not reporting their cases for strong reasons. Believe me I know but males are also humans like us who have feelings and emotions. They do go through their share of trauma and pain. We cannot neglect their sufferings only because they are physically stronger. Mental torture and depression do not spare any gender, religion or ethnicity. They should have a space to turn to. I support the idea to have a male crisis centre. All males are not the same who misuse their powers and strength for wrong reasons. There are some gentlemen around as well. Kirti Patel Mohan Singh Pl, Lautoka
A concern for men
Shamima Ali of FWCC continues to do a commendable job advocating for the welfare and protection of women. Her work has saved lives and reshaped attitudes across the nation. And I sincerely admire her dedication for that. However, her recent view that there’s “no need” for a department or institution specifically for men is deeply concerning, not because her commitment to women is in question, but because the statement overlooks the broader human truth: men, too, are in crisis. And ignoring this reality worsens the very problems we’re desperately trying to solve. Let’s ask a confronting question: Why are so many men — the ones committing the tragic acts of domestic abuse and violence? The answer is not as simple as “bad men”. If we want national healing, we must be courageous enough to look beneath the surface. Many men lack even the most basic tools for handling conflict, expressing emotion, or communicating in healthy ways. They’ve never been taught the skills that form the foundation of a respectful, loving relationship. When pressure rises, they simply do not know how to respond. So they react because they’re feeling fearful, overwhelmed and out of their depth in a sometimes heated discussion. Many also grew up with absent fathers or poor male role models leaving boys to become men without ever seeing what strength with compassion actually looks like. These aren’t excuses; they’re realities affecting communities worldwide and even in Australia. Add to this the influence of violent media, movies that normalise aggression and pornography that distorts intimacy and turns women into mere objects. When young men are shaped by these images, how can we expect them to understand what tenderness, empathy or emotional responsibility truly mean? The truth is that relationship breakdown rarely stems from a single cause. It comes from layers of unaddressed wounds, social pressures, generational trauma and emotional illiteracy. Men urgently need support, guidance and education, not to replace the vital work done for women, but to complement it and strengthen families from both sides of the aisle. As a man who’s been married for more than 52 years, I say this with humility: I still have my “L” plates on. Every day I’m learning how to better understand the complex, beautiful and extraordinary woman who shares her life with me. And every time I think I’ve figured it out, I’m reminded how little I truly know. That’s the mystery and miracle of marriage. It’s a lifelong journey of listening, learning and growing together. Fiji cannot afford to address only one side of the equation. If we genuinely want to reduce violence against women, then we must also help men heal, learn, grow and understand what it means to be a real man. Not the stereotypical male version that’s portrayed in movies and even communities. Because when men thrive with emotional intelligence, families thrive and so does the nation. Colin Deoki Australia
