Letters to the editor!
As a English Language teacher, I always bought my copy of The Fiji Times. Every day, I would photocopy news items and post them on the class notice board for students. I would also take out two to three minutes to discuss important news items and issues so that my students are well informed about the world around us. Today, we have social media and yet our students are ill-informed. I hope this satisfies Samu Silatolu. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Plain English
Nishant Singh calls out (FT Letters 15/1) the RFMF Commander’s disingenuous use of the weasel words “false narratives” rather than opt for plain old “gossip” “rumour” and “lies”. Reporter Jake Wise (writing of the Miss Fiji Pageant brouhaha FT 15/1) coins “colourism” to avoid the universally understood (albeit frequently challenged) word “racism”. Incidentally, FT reporters should curb the irritating and inappropriate use of “lass” and “duo”. In English use of “lass” is generally condescending, as well as being a specifically North of England term of affection among friends. In the first sense it never applies to an adult woman. “duo” in English carries connotations of “performer(s)”or entertainer; it is not a synonym for “pair”, “two”, or “couple”. Too often we read of a “duo in court”. Christopher Griffin Perth, Australia
What is in plain sight
Thank you to Peni Kotabalavu (FT 17/01) for endorsing my views about Fiji being a beggar state. However, we do not need to transplant 50,000 Singaporeans in Fiji to bring about change. We already have many hundreds of thousands of “vulagi” in the country who have very good business sense and acumen, and they have already been here for 150 years. Just tell your chiefs and leaders to provide them with the same platform which you wish to give to the 50,000 imported Singaporeans. It is not rocket science. It is like when people do not realise that they have put in charge a person from 40 years ago who is responsible for destroying the country in the first place. What are people thinking? I find it amazing that the people of Fiji cannot see the bleeding obvious. They are totally oblivious. Or is it that prejudice, religion, tradition and culture have clouded their better judgement, and they cannot see what is in plain sight? Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
Pacific Polytech
Donald Singh’s letter ‘Pacific Polytech’ (ST18/1) is a good example of what is not objective analysis. It took him only a five minute talanoa with Pacific Polytech head honcho Dr Ganesh Chand at his “very simplistic office” to convince him that all is well at this educational institution. Apparently that’s all that’s required and not a forensic probe into the Pacific Polytech as Opposition MP Alvick Mahara has called for and former school principal and regular LTE writer Dewan Chand has fully supported. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Tradition and culture
There have been comments regarding the erosion of the iTaukei tradition and cultural aspects by the GCC and few advocates. Such a scenario has also been experienced within global indigenous communities. However, in my perspective, iTaukei traditional leaders and chiefs have to be put into perspective first. There are some newly recognised title holders which, in my view, don’t appear in older NLC records, no consistent chiefly genealogy recorded and not historically recognised by the “vanua”, yet, I believe, were formally endorsed by the NLC “Veitarogi Vanua”. This, I am certain, creates the impression that a title has been recognised without its foundation being verified and validated, accordingly. When the iTaukei ‘traditional structure’ is in disarray, those governed will be affected simultaneously and the seriousness of its effects, will be compounded, as prolonged. Although the NLC Veitarogi Vanua is a legal recognition, I believe that it is not a cultural resolution. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Surveillance cameras
In light of the recent temple break-in and act of sacrilege at a Hindu temple in Lomolomo, Lautoka, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs has urged temple committees to invest in surveillance cameras rather than spend extended hours drinking grog (FT, 17/01). While security cameras can capture photographic and video evidence, they are not without technical limitations, and offenders are often well aware of such loopholes when committing crimes. In this context, can the Police Force and relevant government authorities clarify what action was taken against individuals who were arrested in 2025 in connection with previous temple break-ins, acts of vandalism, and sacrilege? Ultimately, the protection of places of worship requires not only cameras and caution, but clear consequences that deter repetition and uphold public confidence in the rule of law. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Drug haul
The tonnage is slowly increasing. When will the heads be taken in? Dan Urai Lautoka
How safe?
As per the news, the recent heavy downpour led to Qauia Bridge in Lami submerged under floodwaters, unsafe for commuters. What safety precautionary measures were advised from parents and older siblings of those children playing on the submerged bridge which appeared in The Fiji Times of January 12? SARITA LAL Malolo St, Lautoka
Red Devils
Please allow me to pen my delight on the result of Manchester derby. It has been ages, when we, the red devil fans, enjoyed a win. Man United played up to its name, they played like demons possessed. Man City failed to break the devil’s rhythm. United was on song for the duration. City was lucky to have their keeper in form, otherwise the devils would have butchered City. Talo mada Arun Prasad Dilkusha, Nausori
Short code
It seems phone number short code 5720 is out for service in the office of street light maintenance. I wonder why! NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Miss Fiji
With all due respect to Ailava Samuels, I firmly support Dr Peggy Ravusiro as the most deserving Miss Pacific Islands Pageant candidate. Her righteous stand for justice, integrity, and dignity makes her a truly worthy representative of Fiji on the global stage. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Drug awareness
Let us not wait for the drugs awareness week but every town and city should commence campaigns. The local government departments and municipal councils should act now. Organise meetings at the civic centres with neighborhood organisations and relevant stakeholders. We need to act now. Asish Vinay Prasad Park Rd, Raiwasa, Suva
Weekend soccer
The Junior Bula boys and our only professional team, Bula FC played at the weekend with mixed results. The Juniors lost to Australia and the professional Bula team drew with Vanuatu. Good first game of the season for both teams and another good lesson learned by both teams. I am sure the boys will do better soon. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Marlow and Yaro Chiefs
Liebling Marlow
Some people leave footprints in the sand of time; others quietly shape the very shores upon which we stand. Mrs Liebling Marlow is one such remarkable woman. At 87 years of age, Mrs Marlow remains a living book of knowledge, grace and history. Spending time with her at Pierce Home for the Elderly is both humbling and inspiring. Her stories are not merely memories — they are chapters of Fiji’s social, cultural and tourism history. Many will remember that Mrs Marlow was Fiji’s very first Miss Hibiscus in 1956, a symbol of elegance and pride at a time when our nation was still finding its modern voice. Together with her husband, she later became a true pioneer of Fiji’s tourism industry in the 1960s, helping to lay the foundations for an industry that today sustains thousands of livelihoods and showcases Fiji to the world. Beyond her public milestones, Mrs Marlow is also a self-taught artist — a testament to her lifelong curiosity, creativity and determination. Her passion for learning and expression reminds us that age is never a barrier to growth. Mrs Marlow takes great pride in her love for the Letters to the Editor columns of our daily newspapers, always in search of fresh and forward-thinking writers. What touches me most is her continued engagement with the present. Her passion for national dialogue is so genuine that it almost makes me feel guilty for not writing more often — simply to brighten her day and make life at Pierce Home a little more adventurous. In honouring Mrs Liebling Marlow, we honour a generation that built, nurtured and believed in Fiji long before many of us found our own voices. May we take the time to acknowledge our elders while they are still with us, to listen to their stories, and to thank them for the legacy they leave behind. Mrs Marlow’s life reminds us that service, curiosity and love for country do not retire with age — they endure. Noleen Billings Savusavu
Bula FC
Firstly, congratulations to our Bula FC for displaying good soccer sense against Vanuatu FC in their first professional match. It was like a baptism by fire! For Roy Krishna, it will be another historical moment that he will forever cherish. Scoring the first goal in Fiji’s maiden professional league must have been a momentous occasion for him. It was unfortunate that Bula FC had to settle for a draw. A win would have been sweeter but in sports anything can happen. Most of the teams, for whatever reason, have goals scored against them in dying minutes, leaving the die-hard fans dead. The classic one for me to date is when Manchester United scored 2 goals in two minutes against Bayern Munich. I wish Bula FC all the best in the professional league and look forward to sweeter results. Arun Prasad Dilkusha, Nausori
Yaro Chiefs shine at Lawaqa Park!
The Yaro Chiefs had the last laugh as they walked away with the McDonalds Coral Coast 7s title for the first time in history. Their inspiration came in the form of former national 7s star half-back Emosi Vucago and coach Paula Karatu. The second half dominant display from the Yaro Chiefs tore apart the Ravuka Sharks defence and hearts as they claimed the biggest prizemoney of $50k in local 7s history. I loved the fighting character and spirit of the Yaro Chiefs as they came from 12-0 down to clinch the breathtaking final 28-12. Furthermore, the sublime performances of Amenoni Nasilasila, Vuluma Stark and player-of-the-tournament Wame Ratuva warrant a spot immediately in the national 7s team to Singapore. I have been screaming for fresh, young and energetic blood and the trio have everything that our national 7s side needs. No excuses, Osea Kolinisau! Ravuka Sharks captain Viliame Nakausa also impressed. The Yaro Chiefs made endless sacrifices during the festive season, and it paid off. I congratulate the boys from Nadroga, and I salute the organisers, particularly Jay Whyte, whose leadership and vision have made the McDonalds Coral Coast 7s tournament world class and continues to attract huge 7s names to our shores. I urge FRU to work closely with Whyte and bid for a 7s tournament here at home. We have the crowd, the passion and hospitality, and we will stand out! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
