I can now!
A brother couldn’t resist asking the other day over coffee, “bro, how can you write some things so directly and without fear?” I told him “it’s because I can now”. Everyone has his or her voice back. It’s a matter of not abusing that voice. We are building the nation together. Donald Singh, Suva.
War on drugs
Looking at the atmosphere full of drug-related issues, celebrations for many of us in the festive season, it will be better to declare war on drugs. I believe this will help us towards progress of our beloved Fiji today and for future generations. Fiji seems to be an easy target to push drugs for some to get rich at the expense of the poor and needy. They easily fall victims of drug and substance abuse, being addicted. Awareness with education and rehabilitation seems to be a long-term solution but I strongly believe “nip it in the bud” to destroy the root. This will be the quick solution. Declare war on drugs for good. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Survivor series
The TRC putting everyone in the “survivor” basket is mindbogglingly confusing. Forget the hundreds of film crews who have descended recently on our shores for the Survivor series. We have our own warped survivor series directed and produced by the TRC. The more mindbogglingly unfathomable thing is that despite the millions spent on the series, it doesn’t have to be a hit in the end. Donald Singh Suva
Drug crisis
In this era of drug addiction, mental illness and homelessness, and society’s apparent inability to respond properly, perhaps it would behoove us to tackle one of the main roots of the problem; drug dealers and suppliers. Why not create the legislation necessary to come down exceedingly hard on them? If convicted, maybe they could do hard time and participate in a restitution process such that they pay a debt on the heart-break, costs, societal aggravation and sheer deep trouble they have helped cause. Life imprisonment can also be an option. This could be one constructive and direct way we can deal with one of the defining dilemmas of our time. Cease thy slumber at thy job government and relevant stakeholders. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Commenting fearlessly
Richard Naidu is a Suva lawyer. He’s hoping 2026 will be a bit less chaotic (FT 20/12). Many Fijians hope for the same. But that’s unlikely to happen with the Rabuka gang in government which has shown themselves to be chaos prone. The good thing as Richard noted is the people of Fiji can now comment fearlessly on the chaos under the Rabuka mob and even poke fun about it. That’s something that they couldn’t do under the repressive FijiFirst regime. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Serevi in politics
I read a letter bearing the above title on page 33 of your Saturday edition (FT 20/12). I strongly believe that our world-renowned sevens legend, Waisale Serevi, should preserve his reputation and distinguished legacy by remaining away from the realm of politics. He is best remembered for his extraordinary contributions to rugby 7s, and it is in this capacity that his legacy should endure. His name will forever command respect and admiration in the sporting world, where it rightfully belongs. DINESH KUMAR Ba.
Well deserved
WHILE he was appointed to two central roles in regional and national governance last month, if I may, I’d like to congratulate Dr Isoa Korovulavula for the dedication and commitment that has paved a way for this achievement. I believe your team at IAS will be proud of you, as are your family and friends. Well-deserved yanu and vinaka vakalevu The Fiji Times – Movers & Shakers (20/12). AREKI DAWAI Suva
Taking care of our loved ones!
Students are in the holiday season, and they must be taken extreme care of. Students success demonstrates that with balance, and support, success is achievable. We must encourage young people to sacrifice and struggle to strive for their goals. They must be encouraged to set their priorities right and manage their time wisely. Parental support plays a vital role in the child’s success. With the changing tide and impact of drugs, technology and social media, parents and guardians need to step up and spend quality time with their children. The Fiji Times (19/12) had a clear cup and apt message – be safe this festive season. Thank you, Meli Nagusudrau, for the well-articulated message that focused on being safe and for providing safety and security tips. The Year 13 external examination results were released yesterday. I congratulate those who passed, and I encourage those who couldn’t make it not to get disappointed and discouraged and give up but to choose courses offered by Pacific Polytech and pursue studies. Thank you so much Kata Koli and The Fiji Times (19/12) for the wonderful wrap-up and the colourful pictures! The colourful picture of the residents of Pearce Home brightened yesterday’s front page and alluded to humanity and the need to love and take care of our loved ones. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Celebrating success
Firstly, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Year 13 students for their commendable performance in the recent external examinations, achieving an impressive national pass rate of 95 per cent. Special congratulations are also due to the 50 secondary schools that attained a 100 per cent pass rate, an outstanding milestone for our education system. These results clearly reflect improved teaching, stronger student commitment, and better system-wide support. A higher pass rate naturally translates into increased demand for places in higher education and tertiary institutions. With more universities, technical colleges, and private training providers now established than ever before, Year 13 graduands are presented with wider choices and pathways, academic, technical, and vocational, than previous generations enjoyed. This diversity supports national human resource development and helps meet labour market needs. However, there are also challenges that must be acknowledged. Increased intake pressure can strain tertiary institutions, affecting quality if infrastructure, staffing, and student support services do not keep pace. Not all students are adequately guided in making informed choices, leading some into courses misaligned with their aptitude or job-market demand. Furthermore, rapid expansion of institutions must be matched with strong quality assurance to avoid producing graduates with qualifications but limited employability. As we celebrate this success, stakeholders, government, educators, parents, and institutions, must now focus on strengthening career guidance, safeguarding quality, and aligning education with national development priorities. Success at Year 13 should be the beginning of a well-supported journey, not the end of our responsibility. Indar Deo Bisun Sakoca Heights, Tamavua, Suva
FNPF: Disdain for pensioners
A telephone call to FNPF Office automatically connects you to a prerecorded message online which runs as follows:
1. Operating hours……
2. Message may be recorded for quality assurance or training purposes.
3. If you know the extension number please dial now.
4. The message goes on: member enquiries, employer enquiries, My FNPF App etc, Complaints…
Or stay on the line to speak to a customer service representative! Lo and behold no mention of FNPF pensioners in the recorded message: interesting indeed. This is the further evidence of the disdain in which FNPF holds the pensioners. I was led to believe that the core business of the FNPF was to provide protection to workers in old age as part of their fiduciary responsibility. But no. I was wrong. Fiji citizens have suffered under gross abuse of law and justice system and FNPF Board is guilty of conniving in this process. The attitude is repugnant. I believe the Government should consider changing the board at regular intervals to retain a user-friendly atmosphere. The Government can win a huge accolade by this move. In the meantime, FNPF pensioners cheer up and smile for Christmas may bring good tidings! Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Who goofed the Referendum Bill
Who goofed the Referendum Bill? It can’t really mean what it says (Richard Naidu, FT 20/12). It really can’t. But who does the buck stop with in the dysfunctional and shambolic Rabuka Coalition Government? Therein lies the answer to Richard’s question. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
FNU elephant
I have heard and read how under the former regime a sum of $12m was expended on building an FNU campus in Labasa. However, it was abandoned incomplete and left to fall into disrepair. There has been much finger pointing but no-one has been fired or held accountable or sued. Nature and the weather have now reclaimed the site and buildings. The derelict buildings are considered unsafe and will apparently cost taxpayers a tidy $3m to demolish them! I can’t help the obvious comparisons with the LCC Elephant which continues to be a festering boil with no clear end in sight. Maybe it too, needs to be demolished but no-one is saying? What appalls me, however, is the way people speak so blithely about the loss of such sums. It’s as if: “…the larger the sum, the less the accountability…”. May l humbly suggest that all persons involved with both Elephants be FICACED if there is such a word. Daniel Fatiaki Suva
Christmas tree
Christmas fever has gripped the nation and people are determined to celebrate it in a grand way. The centre of all celebrations is the Christmas tree! Therefore, we need to understand the symbolisms surrounding the Christmas Tree. The green branches symbolize eternal life and renewal, drawing from ancient traditions and Christian meaning. Its evergreen nature represents resilience through harsh winter, while decorations carry spiritual and cultural significance: life triumphs over death and the promise of Spring’s return. Candles symbolise Christ as the Light of the World (Germany 16th Century). The Star on top is the star of Bethlehem which guides faithful to Christ. Ornaments represent virtues or personal prayers; each decoration can carry a personal meaning. Gifts beneath the tree symbolizes generosity and love: God’s gift of Jesus to humanity! It represents hope and renewal: life continues even in the darkest hour. The triangular shape of the tree points to heaven and symbolises aspiration to divine. Decorating the tree brings joy and unity in the family or the community. It is a metaphor for Christ’s eternal gift. Christmas is a global celebration and there are variations from place to place. The Christmas tree is the living emblem of hope, eternal life which connects the communities. It is impossible to beat the Christmas joy which helps to usher in the new year! Merry Christmas to all. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Koli Sewabu takes charge!
Congratulations to Koli Sewabu on his appointment as FRU CEO. Sewabu is no stranger to rugby, having played for the Flying Fijians and acted as the CEO for the past six months. During that period, he demonstrated strong leadership qualities and showed that he has the capability to steer rugby into the right direction. I agree with FRU chairman John Sanday that Sewabu demonstrated sound judgment, and a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Fiji Rugby and that his appointment reflects the board’s confidence in his ability to lead the organisation forward. I’m grateful that Sewabu’s priorities include governance reform, financial stability and rugby development nationwide and that he will focus on strengthening governance, ensuring financial sustainability, supporting our national teams, and driving the development of rugby at all levels throughout our country. Sewabu has a lot on his plate, with the Nations Championship starting next year and the RWC 15s tournament in Australia. He must focus on securing sponsors who can back the players with lucrative contracts. Rugby is on the rise and Sewabu must aim for the skies. All the best to Sewabu! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Spreading the Christmas cheer!
It’s always a joyous time for Christmas, while it will be lonely for some in isolation. This can be some older people who are left to live on their own. In the spirit of Christmas, how lovely it would be for people to spread a little kindness by sending some treats or food, wishes, gifts of love and prayers in the traditional way of celebrating. Yes! This may be seen as old fashion but thoughtfulness, kindness and blessings never go out of fashion. The Fijian way of respect “mai dua na bilo” or “mai kana” speaks a lot or even a cup of tea with an old lonely person is worth one thousand dinners with blessings. God bless us all, Merry Christmas. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
