Tense zonal meets
Suva Grammar and Marist Brothers dominated the girls and boys competition in the Suva Zone 2 which concluded at a blistering pace. Grammar’s Paula Vonolagi and Lomary’s Lusiana Lewasewa stamped their mark after winning the blue-ribbon event. The atmosphere at the HFC Bank Stadium was electrifying. I was impressed with Marist sprinter Kirikiti Biu who has gas to burn. Biu is an athlete in the making. Nuku Secondary’s Mereula Droadroa who won the senior girls 1500m was in top form. Another athlete to look out for is St Joseph’s Malekalita May who broke a 45-year-old inter-girls high jump record and dedicated the win to her late coach the late Rodan Junior. Elijah Vakacegu and Karalaini Koro of Grammar and who won the junior boys and senior girls 200m also stood out. I thank the athletes for sacrificing so much to be part of the meet. These zonal meets are adding the much-needed fuel and fire as we anticipate a tight and close finish to this year’s Coca-Cola Games. Suva Zone 1 started yesterday, and eyes were on MGM High who impressed many. Things are surely heating up! Thank you, Vereimi Wara and Jonacani Lalakobau, for the colourful pictures and stories. The story titled ‘A jump for JJ’ was heart-touching. The one on Suva Grammar’s Paula Vonolagi was inspiring. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Drugs and kava
In a newspaper article, the Vanua of Vuda has taken a strong stand against drugs, declaring a nine-month traditional tabu to protect young people from the rising threat of substance abuse. Government, MOH, medical personnel, NGOs, churches and various other do-gooders continuously sing the same song about the negatives of alcohol, drugs and kava consumption. The “crack” down on marijuana has been on-going as far back as the 1980s, and 2026 it is still an on-going struggle for police to manage, how do they hope to manage the current drug situation? They are struggling, especially as their own officers are involved and they don’t appear to be apprehending those at the top of the drug chain. As for kava, “Fiji doesn’t export much because the bulk of it is drunk locally — we can’t even satisfy the local market”, Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel is quoted at the FCEF State of the Economy breakfast at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva. That being said, it is obvious from the rise in consumption of alcohol, drugs and kava that the simple fact of the matter is, cannot stop it, the people want it! Sanya Catherine Gain Lami
Stop the war
The Economic Times report ‘Stop military operations immediately: China in response to Donald Trump’s call to protect Strait of Hormuz’ (March 16, 2026). China provides a simple, sensible and straightforward solution to the closure of the vital waterway which has been catastrophic for global energy and trade. But I believe the two psychopaths cum warmongers — Israeli PM Netanyahu and US president Trump —are unlikely to heed China’s call. The world community must, therefore, prepare for prolong pain and hardship. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Eid greetings
May you all be well blessed with peace, progress and prosperity, united in Fiji’s colourful country to celebrate Eid. Let’s pray for peace as we leave our differences aside with forgiveness and reconciliation. Eid mubarak. God bless Fiji. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Kava ban
So the “wise” people of Qoibau have decided that the key to “discipline and order” lies in forbidding women from drinking kava. Brilliant! This is some groundbreaking policy-making (clap clap). What’s next? Will women be politely advised to stay away from fishing and farming as well? Or perhaps a return to more “traditional” roles, where education and driving a motoka might be deemed unnecessarily progressive? While the rest of the world stumbles forward with gender equality and modern thinking, it’s reassuring to know that some in our country are working tirelessly to drag us back to a bygone era. Why stop at kava after all? There’s a whole catalogue of freedoms that could be trimmed for the women folk in the name of “discipline”, while men can still continue to enjoy their bowls of the traditional drink till the cows come home. Progress in Fiji seems to be well and alive — just heading in the opposite direction. With such regressive judgements, I can already envision people of Fiji draped in coconut leaves and appreciating a meal of boiled shoes in the not too distant future. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Tourism agreement
Fiji Airways should offer incentives for tourists to spend time in Fiji instead of just flying by. I believe the arrivals and transit line queues are almost parallel these days. Dan Urai Lautoka
Festival is here
Ram Navami stands as a significant Hindu festival celebrated annually to honour Lord Rama. This vibrant occasion not only unites devotees but also fosters renewed connections, deepens friendships, and strengthens family ties. I believe, it’s essential to involve the younger generation in these religious events. Through participation, they can observe, learn, and carry forward these traditions, ensuring their continuity for future generations. The role of elders in conveying the relevance of religious practices to children is pivotal, and it’s a collective responsibility for society to nurture this understanding across generations. Just as we inherited these values from our parents, it’s vital to pass them on to our children to ensure their spiritual growth and success in life. Moreover, guiding them away from harmful behaviour, such as substance abuse or involvement in illegal activities, holds equal importance. Securing their welfare and safety must remain a top priority for parents. Instilling religious principles and moral values provides children with a strong foundation, a compass to navigate life’s challenges and strive toward meaningful goals. This year’s Ram Navami celebrations start today and will wrap up the following Friday. As the festivities take place, I wish all devotees a joyous and spiritually fulfilling celebration. Suresh Chand Nadi
Staff shortage
I believe the former government had reduced staff within the Ministry of Employment and Industrial Relations during their term. Probably time for a review to ensure productive results. Dan Urai Lautoka
Swipers or dopeys
Is there any difference between grog swipers and grog dopeys? Perhaps Jan Nissar could answer this. Sukha Singh Labasa
Police recruitment
An additional 3121 candidates confirmed for police recruitment (FT 17/3/26). For all the recruitments within the past five years, where have they been? Policing within the communities, shopping centres, towns and cities, seemed to be forgotten, in my view. Has there been a new policing strategy? How can the increasing crime rates within our communities be reduced or contained? I believe there has been so much discussion, workshops and public appeal, without practical applications. And where Fiji is at and heading, it is time for the police and military to appropriately share Fiji’s security responsibilities, in my opinion. In fact, the reality on the ground has to be taken seriously, for I am certain, people will soon protect themselves when necessary. A government that can’t protect its people, is not worth leading. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Salary reduction
Why is an Opposition Member of Parliament now calling for a 20 per cent reduction in MPs’ salaries? Is it because it’s an election year? Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Walk back
There is a perception by many Fijians that if things go wrong in the world, they all can always fall back to their villages and live off the land and sea. There is this real belief that Fijians are special and that they will not starve. When the petrol dries up soon with what is happening around the world, I would like to see which Fijians complain the most then, and if they will be walking back to their villages. Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
Dog nuisance
A humble plea to those living in Borron Rd, Lekutu St, and Naqasima Rd, Suva. If you own a dog, can you please ensure it remains in your property and not run around the streets as they are causing a lot of noise pollution during the night and early mornings. Maybe the authority responsible for this could also assist by taking appropriate action. Vijay P. Madhavan Borron Rd, Suva
Road condition, festival
Nasoso road
Residents of Nasoso are grateful that the many little potholes have just been repaired and cars don’t have to swerve to avoid them. Due to the weather and the incessant pounding by heavy trucks and equipment for the resort, the road now looks like a patchwork quilt! Despite this, there are two important areas that need urgent attention. The first is to the entrance to Nasoso Rd from the main road where the train tracks came off a few months ago. After several months, gravel was thrown in the area and part of the track actually removed. Thank goodness the trains are not running! Now the gravel foundation has potholes and there are many sharp stones that are damaging cars, made worse again by the heavy trucks going to the resort. The second is a fairly large area near the Grace supermarket (not of their creation) where I think a culvert was put in when the large drain was cleared about five months ago. Gravel has been thrown there and there are large holes which are difficult to navigate. The drainage is totally choked! There is another new digging near the road to Animals Fiji which is narrow but will fast develop into a dangerous trench. This area has also become a new danger point as during the recent flooding the road was almost inaccessible for several days. This is in addition to the flooding that again occurred in the dip on the road close to the main road. The road was completely inaccessible for over 24 hours and this has been going on for years. I wonder if the brochures for the new resort in their disclosure statement caution that Nasoso Rd may be inaccessible during occasional flooding? Actually, there are many elderly people in Nasoso, and no doubt later at the resort. One hates to imagine should someone suffer a heart attack and cannot even have an ambulance get to them! With so much development taking place in Nasoso, there is an urgent need for more planning and improvements to the infrastructure. As a matter of civic duty, the resort should play an active part in this effort. Bernard Chandra Nasoso, Nadi
Ram Navami
Ram Navami is an auspicious Hindu festival which will be celebrated from March 20, 2026, to March 27, 2026, (28th in some places) to mark the birth of Lord Rama. Lord Rama is the protagonist of the Hindu holy book Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas. Ram is born as the 7th reincarnation of Lord Vishnu to establish dharma (righteousness) and to eradicate adharma (sinfulness). He was born in the Iksvaku lineage of King Dasrath of Ayodhya. Because of his excellent character he is also known as maryada purushottam Ram, the eldest son of Dasrath and Kausilya. His life exemplifies the ideal son, ideal husband, ideal friend and an ideal ruler. Further, Lord Rama is known as a person of truth (ek satya vachana), carries one bow and arrow and is devoted to one wife (Sitaji). This exemplifies that he fulfills his promise, is decisive and committed to total fidelity. Ravana, the son of Pulatsya Rishi and the King of Lanka had terrorised the world because of his evil deeds. Thus, Ram reincarnated in Treta Yug to destroy Ravana and put an end to adharma. Apart from terrorising rishis and disturbing their pooja (prayer) Ravana kidnapped Ram’s wife Sita and imprisoned her in Ashok Vatika. To rescue her Ram had to wage war against Rawana and eventually killed him. Thus signifying victory of good over evil. Hindu devotees celebrate Ram Navami on a large scale. Fasting for the nine days, abstain from consuming meat, alcohol and sex, decorating temples or meeting places, singing extracts from Ramchariramanas or conducting Ramlila dramas. In some major centres devotees organise processions with rituals of singing and dancing and consuming large amounts of traditional foods and sweets. Many temples distribute free food for the needy and poor people. This becomes part of their social activity. Lord Rama was born at mid-day. Thus, the final celebrations will be held at mid-day on March 27, 2026. May I wish all Hindu devotees a very happy Ram Navami celebration. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
