Karan stands out
Thank you Rohit Deo and The Fiji Times, for honouring one of our finest athletes, Yeshnil Karan, (FT: 29/12)! Karan has done Tavua and Fiji proud and he deserves the space in the trusted brand. After making a massive statement in the 2019 Fiji Finals — scooping gold in the senior boys 1500m and 3000m finals — after beating favourite, Marist Brothers High School’s Petero Veitaqomaki in the senior boys 3000m race. Karan wrote a new sports history, after winning track gold medals in the 10,000, 5000 and 3000m steeplechase at the Pacific Games in Honiara in 2023. Apart from winning two gold medals in the Pacific Games, Karan won a gold medal in the 1500m at the Pacific Mini Games in the Northern Marianas and gold medal in the 3000m at the Queensland Athletics Coast2Coast. Last year, Karan smashed a 31-year-old record in the Suva Marathon, which returned to the Capital City after a five-year break due to the pandemic and roadwork restrictions. Karan broke the national record for half marathon which stood for 31 years. In April this year, Karan made Fiji proud with yet another standout performance at the Chemist Warehouse Australian National Athletics Championships in Perth. He set two personal bests and climbed into Fiji’s all-time top two rankings in both the 1500m and 3000m steeplechase events. Karan clocked a remarkable 9 minute 2.08 seconds to finish eighth in a fiercely competitive final featuring two Australian Olympians. He braved the challenging start, navigating barriers, water jumps, and a congested field to surge through the race. Karan smashed a 54-year-old national record in the 10,000m, clocking 30 minutes 19.92 seconds at the UniSport Australia Nationals Athletics Championships at the Gold Coast Performance Centre. Karan broke Usaia Sotutu’s 1971 record by 72 seconds. His record-breaking performances are an epitome of his hard work, resilience, persistence and unwavering commitment. His hard work, passion, dedication, and determination have taken him through to the golden tape. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Rest in peace
While away in Australia for the Christmas holidays, I received the sad news relayed by my elder brother, Nikhil, that Dr Jemesa Tudravu had passed away. Truly heartbreaking. We all know that our healthcare system has been in shambles for donkey’s years. Yet, I deeply admired Dr Tudravu’s sheer dedication, perseverance, and determination to transform Fiji’s health fraternity into one of the best in the Pacific so that all Fijians and islanders could benefit. Sadly, time did not allow that dream to fully eventuate under his leadership. Nonetheless, let us hope for better days ahead. Let us continue to envision and build upon the platform that Dr Tudravu so firmly paved for us Fijians. Isa, gone too soon, Doc. Rest in peace. NISHANT SINGH Lautoka
Tudravu sets benchmark
After being appointed as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in February last year, Dr Jemesa Tudravu, departed for eternity on Saturday, December 27. Dr Tudravu had an industrious and a distinguished service having spent 30 plus long years in the health sector. It’s never easy to be at the helm of Fiji’s health sector, bearing in mind challenges and obstacles that have surfaced in recent years, but Dr Tudravu took the job head on and tried his level best to provide the best service to Fijians. A humble person, Dr Tudravu was down-to-earth, committed, passionate, dedicated, determined and compassionate. He served as an orthopaedic surgeon after completing specialist training at Newcastle Hospital in Australia. He held senior leadership roles including Medical Superintendent at the Lautoka Hospital and the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Chief Medical Advisor, and Acting Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services. His outstanding service and legacy must be honoured. He has set a benchmark as a loyal servant of Fiji’s health sector. Rest high, Doc! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
EFL tariffs
It was interesting to read the recent debate on the proposed EFL increases. The commentary from consumers and its reps, including politicians is understandable as no one wants a price hike and such propositions can be suicidal in an election year, Even Mahen Reddy has come out of hibernation to give his 2 cents worth. His criticisms, however, is a typical blurb from a politician. The facts are the electricity prices need to reflect the cost structures of the EFL and also be a tool to encourage conservations and meeting Fiji’s NDC targets. It is interesting that the Climate Change Department and its globe trotting minister and PS haven’t commented. As the EFL CEO says, 1 per cent of big consumers use 31 per cent of electricity and consumers who use less than a minimum level wouldn’t have to pay more. It makes sense for the business and big users to pay more and assist the country reduce GHG emissions. The issue should be further analysis of EFL costs. Its remunerations are excessive and the questions must be asked why it continues to depend on fossil fuels for power generation. Leaving aside Monasavu there has been no significant investment in renewable energy by EFL. ALTAUF CHAND Minto, NSW
New Year celebration
Dust on Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations has not yet fully settled. Lo and behold we are on the heels of New Year celebrations. Feverish preparations are already underway. Yes, celebrations play a vital role in shaping society by promoting unity, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity. People celebrate New Year because it marks the transition from one year to the next which humans across cultures have long seen as a powerful moment for renewal, reflection and hope. New Year symbolises a clean slate. People reflect on the past: what went well or what didn’t and feel motivated to improve, set goals and make resolutions (which crumble soon after). Many New Year celebrations are based on the Sun or the Moon. For example, the widely used Gregorian calendar marks January 1 as the New Year. Different cultures celebrate New Year at different times (e.g. Chinese New Year, Diwali for Hindus) based on traditions, harvest cycles, or religious beliefs. In many cases it is time to honour gods, ancestors or nature. New Year is a shared global moment. Celebrating together strengthens social bonds through parties, fireworks, feasts and rituals that bring families and communities together. New Year is a clear “time marker”. It helps people mentally separate the past from the future. It boosts optimism and motivation. People genuinely feel more capable of change at the start of the new year. Many school children get excited to do shopping for the next school year or go on to the next class! At the core, New Year celebrates continuity of life that time moves forward and brings new chances, even after difficult periods. In short, people celebrate New Year because it represents time, change, hope and togetherness, universal ideas that resonate with almost everyone. May the Lord’s mercy be upon our beloved country for peace, progress, prosperity and unity. May I wish everyone a prosperous New Year. Smile and be happy! DEWAN CHAND Namadi Heights, Suva.
Repeat policy
The repeat policy will definitely improve the educational goals of hopes for students who fail exams (FT 10/12). I feel our dedicated teachers always do their best to ensure results of the schools they teach at are on par with the other schools. Teachers, I believe, are always committed to do what they say and do for students to progress in life. Education is not preparation for life, education is life itself. TAHIR ALI Hamilton, New Zealand
Solar park
Further to my LTE (27/12), I request EFL to send a team to study the “Greening of the Thar Desert” in Rajasthan, India. The Thar Desert hosts the world’s largest solar park named Bhadla Solar Park. With intense summer monsoon rains and ground water irrigation using solar powered pumps, the Thar Desert has been transformed into a prosperous region. (Google for more information on Solar Farms) RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
Cheap electricity
Fiji can have the cheapest electricity if the Government asks Fiji Sugar Corporation to upgrade their steam generators and steam turbines. During the crushing season the Labasa Sugar mill supplies the Northern Division with electricity on its own and the diesel generators at the EFL are off . This can be done through out the year if only EFL, FSC and the Government have the will. For years they have talked about co-generation, but it only happens during the crushing season. Why is such a cheap method of electricity generation being overlooked? SUKHA SINGH Labasa
National healing
NGO Coalition for Human Rights chairperson Shamima Ali’s valued comments on national healing (FT13/12) is every Fijian’s concern. Those of us who have gone through the historical coup days of 1987, 2000 and 2006 and survived will pray and hope there will be no more coup for our future generation. Forgive and forget is the only way forward. The assurance of security is always promised by PM Sitiveni Rabuka with unity to benefit all for the development of Fiji. This will lessen mass migration to stop the “brain drain”. United we stand in Fiji’s diverse society. TAHIR ALI Hamilton, New Zealand
Pilots, rugby, free press
Safety and responsibility
Our airline, Fiji Airways, served many flights between Nadi airport and other international destinations in 2025, but the one from Christchurch on October 9 stands out. After taking a direct hit by a flock of birds, the pilots on board prioritised safely in circling the Canterbury skies for two hours to burn fuel before making an emergency landing. This was perhaps an act of calmness and maturity as our pilots managed to land the Boeing 737-800 safely. All in all, our pilots avoided what may have become our biggest aviation disaster. Appreciation also to authorities in Canterbury who provided guidance. All in all, we may have our opinions about them, but may we not forget that the safety of passengers and crew is always a huge responsibility on the shoulders of our pilots. All the best to our Fiji Airways staff as they embark on another year of service. FLOYD ROBINSON Micronesia
Rugby pathway
From a rugby fan’s perspective, 2025 will go down as a year of more questions. Where and what direction is our Flying Fijians heading towards? When we had the opportunity to defeat Australia and England, the same old stories of lack of discipline and mental toughness came back to haunt us. Somehow, for some reason, we overlooked selection of several big powerful forwards who play in Europe. Why is that some of our players in the Fijian Drua still inherit attitude issues when playing in the national jersey? On the sevens rugby paddocks, our men showed promise with excellent performances, but fell short in the two recent tournaments. Are we selecting players who have gone past their prime playing days and does this cloud opportunities for upcoming players? Does a former nation sevens player make a good coach? The domestic Skipper Cup has produced some players with talent, but is there a pathway to the Fijian Drua and Flying Fijians. For now, the pathway to success belongs to the Malolo Rugby Union as they defied all odds to create history in 2025. I look forward to our rugby commitments in the new year and trust that fans continue to engage in constructive debates aimed at brining out the best of our rugby teams, especially, given that 2026 is a crucial pathway to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. FLOYD ROBINSON Micronesia
Freedom of the press
Every Fijian democrat desires freedom of the press. It is a democratic right in a democratic society. That right was indeed denied to the Fijian people under the repressive Bainimarama-Sayed-Khaiyum regime. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Coalition Government for restoring that right. Now the journalists are free to question, investigate and report without fear of reprisal. So, how well is that happening with our reinstated media freedom? As the public watchdog the free press is there to ensure public scrutiny, accountability and transparency to uphold democratic good governance. Has the free press got to the bottom of how PM Rabuka acquired his Rolex watch? Have appointments made by the Rabuka gang in government on the basis of nepotism, favouritism and political patronage been subjected to public scrutiny? Same for government contracts? Why is there a tendency to gloss over the wrongdoings of the current mob in power? RAJEND NAIDU Sundarban, Kolkata
