What’s happening Drua?
What’s happening with the Drua? One very yawning disparity in the points table is our Drua warriors not scoring a single bonus point in the last eight rounds. The only other team yet to score a bonus point is Moana Pasifika? What is this telling us? Our finishing to 80 minutes lacks depth and our comeback is a real issue that is stopping us, narrowly losing five games. Just imagine if we had yielded at least five bonus points? We could be in the Top 6 by now elevated, motivated. This also brings me down to another important aspect of the game, kicking conversions and penalties spot on. Hopefully the Drua has a kicking specialist among its management rank to review this as in the modern game wins or close games are decided on conversions or penalty kicks. Can we revamp, review and start to look at these vital aspects of the game rather than concentrating too much on home games, crowd etc, which is no more the game changer. Against the Force was a cliff hanger and could have ended up a three-loss situation at what was once known as our fortress, where winning was just happening at Churchill Park. I am wondering whether the management team behind the Drua set up is effective? Or are we just relying on Glen Jackson to pull up the mana magic every week? SHALWYN PRASAD, Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva.
Dream comes true for Vaibhavi
Former CFL journalist, Dhanjay Deo, who always encouraged his daughter to dream big, was a proud father as he watched his daughter Vaibhavi Deo, a Year 9 student at the prestigious Adi Cakobau School, being part of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and Western Force battle. The Drua won the clash 24-22 and so did Vaibhavi who had the grand opportunity to serve as a water carrier alongside top 7s and 15s referees Damon Murphy and Jordan Way. Carrying her parents’ messages that nothing is impossible, girls can do anything, and that there should be no limits to a dream, Vaibhavi, who is enthusiastic about rugby, wants to become an international match official. Renowned referee Angus Gardner is her role model, and she is walking in his footsteps with the aim of officiating an All Blacks rugby match, being their ardent fan and that of the Wellington Hurricanes. I’m so proud of Vaibhavi as she is close to becoming the first female Fijian of Indian descent to step into the world of rugby union refereeing. There is no looking back now for Vaibhavi, for whom rugby has become an important life component. Her passion for rugby is bearing fruits. Saturday’s experience is a huge step towards fulfilling a dream. It is a huge motivation and inspiration for Vaibhavi as she aims to create history for Fiji on the world stage. All the best Vaibhavi! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Melodic legends
Lata Mangeshkar passed away in the year 2022 on a Sunday, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy. Exactly four years later, her younger sister, the iconic Asha Bhosle, also bid farewell to the world on a Sunday. Interestingly, Lata Mangeshkar was born four years prior to Asha and departed from this world four years before her as well, a poignant symmetry in their lives. Both of these legendary artists will forever remain etched in the hearts of countless generations to come, celebrated as two of India’s most versatile and highly decorated singers who shaped the landscape of Indian music. May their souls rest in eternal peace. Suresh Chand Nadi
Traffic concern
Ongoing issues with buses and minivans stopping at roundabouts and junctions instead of designated bus bays are causing unnecessary delays and increasing the risk of accidents. In many cases, vehicles are stopping just metres before proper bus bays or near road humps, while passengers — including children — are crossing behind larger vehicles, creating dangerous situations. This has become a daily occurrence, especially during peak hours. Yesterday’s scene at a roundabout showed traffic at a standstill as a bus stopped to drop off passengers where it shouldn’t. We are requesting the Land Transport Authority and police to closely monitor junctions in Nadi during peak hours to improve traffic flow and ensure public safety. Vineel Nand Nadi
Common identity
How can citizens of our nation claim unity if, through leadership, they are denied national identity. Despite all being referred to equally, one’s cultural identity can be maintained and utilised accordingly upon requirement. Sharing a national common identity is not a native’s loss of economic resources and chances. Just as holding onto idle land resources with improper usage causes waste, likewise differing identity causes negligence in peace and unity. What’s the harm in sharing common identity and nurturing your assets and ability, empowering cultural and national identity? What’s the point of holding onto an identity or resources unable to empower it with full acquired usage that benefits both you and the nation? This is neither peaceful nor national when identity itself is divisional. Choose resilience over negligence! Prameeta Chand Suva
Fijian name
Fijian was always referenced to the indigenous of the island nation of Fiji. And it dated back to the 18th century, I believe, from which it had been stated, written and documented. Why is it that indigenous identity has always been under a lot of scrutiny? How are we invoking racial emotions and fanning racial flames? What is racist about “Fijian” for the iTaukei? Is it because of inclusiveness? Interestingly, I believe that most countries that call for “inclusiveness” are governed by their colonisers. However, as Fiji’s indigenous people, we have to protect our “rights” at all costs, in my opinion. That is not to allow others to “covetously” tear away who we are, as a people. I believe it took the Aborigines 200+ years, I am certain, for their right and identity, to be recognised accordingly. The sad part was that they did it on their own land. The ball is in our court. Always choose life. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Netanyahu’s ire!
Turkiye President should be wary of an irate Netanyahu because Israel has already said that Turkiye and Pakistan will be targeted next because both have been promoting terrorism. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Out after 16
Hungary’s PM has been removed after 16 years in power. His removal follows claims of corruption. The beauty of democracy is no one rules forever. Dan Urai Lautoka
Not complicated
If Daniel Fatiaki does not want to be referred to as Fijian, it is not complicated – he should simply go back to where he came from. May I add, others who think like Daniel should do the same. And I am sure there are many thousands who think like him and there is nothing wrong with thinking like that. Jan Nissar Athens, Greece
Proposed plant
The proposed Waste-to-Energy facility in Vuda raises fundamental questions that must be answered before Fiji takes a step that could have irreversible environmental and reputational consequences. At present, there is insufficient clarity, insufficient transparency, and, most concerning, insufficient public engagement on a project of national significance. This is not a routine infrastructure decision—it is one that could redefine how Fiji is perceived globally. Who exactly is behind this project? Is the proponent an arm of the Australian Government or a private entity? If it is private, what is its track record? Has independent due diligence been conducted and made public? Fijians deserve to know who they are being asked to trust. Where will the waste come from? If this facility depends on imported waste, then this must be stated plainly. From which countries? In what volumes? Under what agreements? Fiji must never drift into becoming a convenient destination for waste generated elsewhere. What exactly will be burned? The composition of the waste stream must be fully disclosed. Will it include hazardous or toxic materials? The public cannot be expected to accept assurances without evidence. What are the real risks? Incineration does not eliminate waste—it converts it into emissions and residual by-products, some of which may be hazardous. What exactly will be released into the air? What remains afterward? Where will it go? And who will be accountable over the long term? Are our systems strong enough? Do we have the regulatory capacity, technical capability, and enforcement discipline to monitor such a facility to international standards—consistently, not occasionally? If standards are breached, what are the consequences, and who bears them? Why Fiji? This is perhaps the most important question. Fiji is globally recognised for its pristine environment and tourism appeal. Why, then, position a waste-processing facility—potentially reliant on imported waste—within such a context? What strategic advantage does Fiji offer that others do not? Global experience offers cautionary lessons. Countries such as the Philippines and Malaysia have had to return or reject imported waste after discovering misrepresentation and contamination. These are not isolated incidents—they are warnings. If the proponent is a private entity, the risks become even more pronounced. What binding guarantees are in place to ensure accountability? What prevents a scenario where commitments are diluted, or operations cease, leaving Fiji to manage the consequences? Let us be clear: raising these questions is not opposition to development. It is a call for responsible decision-making. There is also a broader concern. Around the world, complex projects with attractive promises have, at times, concealed disproportionate risks beneath the surface. This is not to suggest wrongdoing in this case—but it is precisely why rigorous scrutiny is essential before commitments are made. Fiji is not without options. Strengthening existing renewable energy assets—such as optimising the Monasavu hydro system, expanding solar and wind capacity, and investing further in biomass solutions like the Nabou facility—offers pathways that align with our environmental identity and long-term national interest. The issue at hand is not simply energy generation. It is about safeguarding Fiji’s environmental integrity, protecting public health, and preserving the very brand that underpins our economy. We must not allow short-term gains to compromise long-term security. The Basel Convention exists to regulate the movement of hazardous waste between nations, precisely because of the risks involved. Fiji must ensure that it is not placed on the wrong side of that equation. When the stakes are this high, uncertainty is itself a warning sign. And when something is not clearly and convincingly in the national interest, caution must prevail. Raj Deo Votualevu, Nadi
