Ba ready to host Super Rugby battle!
For decades, Four R Stadium (formerly known as Govind Park) has been a battle ground where blood, tears and sweat have been shed by Fiji’s traditional football giants, the Men in Black. Govind Park has been the Fortress for Ba. The Men in Black won titles in emphatic fashion. It has been a breeding ground for footballers from goalkeepers to defenders, midfielders and strikers. Some of Fiji’s best footballers have donned the Ba jumper. The footballing character and spirit and ‘never say die’ attitude of the Men in Black have been etched in the annals of Fiji’s football history. This Saturday, fans will gather in Ba to celebrate another sporting success as the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua is set to unleash a bit of magic in a bid to beat the ACT Brumbies who were on a winning run until they were beaten by the Queensland Reds. Govind Park is set to host a thriller. The first rugby match Ba hosted was the Skipper Cup battle between Ba and Suva which attracted a bumper crowd. Suva kicked off their Skipper Cup campaign in dominant fashion with a 35-13 bonus-point win over Vinod Patel Ba at the newly redeveloped Four R Stadium. It was a historic and emotional day for the Ba rugby faithful, as fans returned to the iconic venue after nearly nine years. Thousands queued up at the gates and packed the stadium to witness the much-anticipated clash between two of Fiji’s rugby giants. I can imagine the crowd and high levels of excitement on Saturday. Joji Nasova will play in front of his home fans. I’m banking on a solid performance from the rugged Toge, Ba, native. All the best Fijian Drua! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Our police force
Reports across various media platforms highlight misconduct and indiscipline within the police force continues to be pressing issues that require urgent and focused attention. Recently, numerous incidents have come to light involving police officers being connected to drug-related activities. An institution struggling with staff shortage is bound to encounter significant challenges in its progress. It is, therefore, crucial to make the right and difficult decision from the outset. Those who damage the force’s reputation should face appropriate consequences. It is important to deal with these issues consistently to stop them from getting worse. While wrongdoers are usually held accountable, repeated cases of misconduct create big challenges, especially with staffing. Finding replacements is hard and costly. To fix this, we need to change the hiring process to make sure only the best and most dedicated candidates can join the force. It is crucial to avoid any favouritism during hiring. Thorough background checks should be done on all new hires to keep the force trustworthy. Those who are accepted and take the oath are expected to work with loyalty and seriousness. Therefore, it is fair to expect a disciplined and professional team that effectively maintains law and order. Suresh Chand Nadi
Protect economy
Opposition Member of Parliament, Faiyaz Koya’s call on the Government’s contingency plan to protect Fiji’s economy amid growing global geopolitical tensions is meaningless. Faiyaz Koya was a minister in the FijiFirst government and they did little to develop agriculture, look into food security and renewable energy. Our external debt also increased beyond $9 billion or close to $10 billion. COVID-19 had also badly exposed the FijiFirst government and our people had to use their FNPF contributions to sustain themselves. Will this Coalition Government also fall back on FNPF for people to sustain themselves if the need arises while they and the Opposition enjoys the increased salary and allowances. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Price of grog
I understand that good quality grog now costs somewhere between $160 to $180. How can all the grog dopeys of Fiji afford this habit? Has the price led to any change in their grog doping behaviour or are they consuming and selling adulterated grog in desperation? There is a misconception in Fiji especially by the politicians that kava is a huge industry. They forget the cost of health issues, family violence, lost productivity, and the like emanating from this product and bad habit. I challenge the health department to test a sample of grog drinkers. I believe they will find them suffering from a number of NCDs, especially hepatitis. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Ruling appeal
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka now wishes to appeal the High Court ruling that the dismissal of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption was unlawful. Interesting development, especially since “Rambo” had earlier assured the public that his government would not appeal Malimali’s termination. It seems positions can change rather quickly these days. Perhaps, for the sake of clarity and the nation’s sanity, Rambo, the “father of coups”, might consider sitting out the 2026 Fijian general election and opt for a quiet retirement instead. At this stage, the PM appears unsure whether he is coming or going. It’s time for you to rest, “Stee”. Do the nation a favour. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Bravery questions
Seven Iranian women soccer players are now Aussies after Albo and them granted them asylum. I read that they didn’t sing their anthem before one game. Oh, yes, I believe they were called “brave”. Sometimes I see that our various national team players too don’t sing the Noble Banner Blue before games. Understandable, since they may not know the lyrics too well. Anyway, what I was loudly wondering was, who is supposed to be called “brave”: the group that sought asylum or the larger continent that returned home to face whatever music they play there? Seems like we don’t really know whom to call what these days. Donald Singh Nausori
Ulterior motives
WHEN our so-called politicians and leaders are not ambitious and focused, I believe ulterior motives of collective heads take their course, unsurprisingly. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Forgiveness
With Fiji’s culture and tradition of forgiveness and giving second chances, does that turn a donkey into a horse? I understand many in Fiji pretend that it does. But the reality is different as we all can see and is in plain sight. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
PALM workers
When a butcher finds jobs under this scheme, through the help of the Ministry of Labour, they are paid $27 an hour. After four years under the scheme, the same worker is eligible to apply directly to the employer. This time he will receive $57 an hour (no agent involved). I believe under the scheme the agent pockets the hourly, difference in rates. That’s a lot of money over a four-year period when you put pen to paper. Dan Urai Lautoka
Fuel price
Who would be surprised if the horse power returned? Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Land lease
I want to raise my calling to the Ministry of Health of both the minister and the assistant minister about a government lease in Navetau Village, tikina o Tunuloa. It was supposedly to be a nursing station or any other government institution as service provider. Natewa Health Centre and Tukavesi Health Centre are quite a distance from us, driven away from us through some dirty politics by some unknown powers. Please think of our people. Jioji O Toronibau Navetau, Tunuloa
Airbases
Perhaps Donald Singh is not aware that Pakistan has allowed the USA to use a few of its airbases to bomb Iran. Pakistan has no oil. PM Shahbaz Sharif has announced a four-day working week, no government conferences to be held in hotels, schools closed for two weeks and many more restrictions. Only the Pakistan army is operating because they are being hammered by Afghan Taliban, TTP, Baluchistan army etc. Indian oil tankers and food delivery ships are moving in and out of the Persian Gulf. Strategic autonomy helps in the long run. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Legislation
I believe there is a need to review legislation to enable various institutions carry out their roles. Dan Urai Lautoka
Urgent attention for road junction
Narewa Junction in Nadi has increasingly become a major traffic concern, particularly during the morning and evening peak hours. The situation there is not only frustrating for motorists but is also becoming a serious safety risk for pedestrians and commuters. Every day, buses and mini vans are seen stopping before the footpath instead of using the designated bus stop, which is only about 20 metres away. Passengers then cross the busy road at will, weaving through moving traffic. This creates confusion for drivers and places pedestrians in dangerous situations. A simple solution would be for drivers to strictly use the designated bus stop. However, enforcement is equally important. The presence of officers from the Fiji Police Force and the Land Transport Authority during peak hours could greatly help regulate traffic and ensure that drivers follow the rules. Another growing concern is the behaviour of some drivers, particularly those who may be new to Fiji’s road environment. It is important that all drivers, especially public service vehicle drivers, undergo proper defensive driving training and become familiar with Fiji’s road rules. Driving requires patience, discipline and a strong sense of responsibility because every decision made behind the wheel can affect many lives. Company vehicle drivers and new drivers must also be reminded that road rules are not optional. Too often we see careless driving that puts innocent people at risk. Every person on the road is someone’s parent, child, spouse, or friend. Families wait for their loved ones to return home safely each day. We have seen improvements in traffic management along the Suva–Nausori corridor due to stronger monitoring and enforcement. Similar measures in Nadi, particularly at Narewa Junction, the Nadi Town end, and the Nadi Back Road, could help ease congestion and improve safety. This is not just about traffic flow; it is about protecting lives. I sincerely hope the relevant authorities take this matter seriously and act before a preventable tragedy occurs. Vineel Nand Nadi
World peace
The 88 assembly of experts have appointed 56-year-old Mostafa Khamenei, the second son of late Ayatollah Khomenei, as the supreme leader of Iran. In his opening speech he has vowed to carry on the fight against Israel and the USA. This has come as a shock to Donald Trump as he wanted a say in the appointment of the Iranian Supreme Leader. His threat has flopped. Israel has openly threatened to eliminate the newly-appointed leader. But the Iranians have vowed to keep fighting for the next six months. This is direct escalation and a challenge to the United States and Israel. The Islamic Republic of Iran (Shia) will block the passage of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz. Thus weaponising oil with catastrophic results for the world economy Iran continues to bombard oil refineries in all the Middle East countries who have American military bases. No one is being spared. American rhetoric to crush Iran is just that: rhetoric! Iranian ballistic missiles and drones are continuing to bombard Israel and American military bases at will. Therefore, American hegemony should stop at any cost. This will be in the interest of world peace. Just wait and watch the impact of the appointment of the new Supreme Leader in Iran! Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Sweeping reforms
Mr Narube has stated that mining laws need reviewing (FT 9/3). Why has it been ignored for so long? Most mineral resources landowners, I am certain, have echoed their concerns 20 years ago, to no avail. Just recently, Mt Kasi in Vanua Levu was in the limelight, with almost the same issue. Not forgetting the Namosi and the Bua bauxite mining saga. Who has been controlling the machinery of Fiji’s mining aspects? Even “prospecting licences”, have nothing to do with the landowners, in my view. Above all, the landowner’s financial returns have been very minimal, the prosperity record defines itself. On whose “watches” were these happening? When the head of government is sleeping on his job, I believe, the “administrative machinery” will function otherwise. The buck stops with the PM. In fact, a great leader focuses on what is right, rather than who is right. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
