Bula FC delights fans RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU FANS walked away smiling as the Extra Supermarket Bula FC beat the Pro League competition’s favourites Auckland City 2-1 and confirmed their place in the Leaders Group. Sterling Vasconcellos and Roy Krishna brought fans to their feet with two golden goals. Bula FC goalie Didier Desprez was hailed as he pulled a couple of super saves that kept the Bula FC into the game. The visitors dominance paid off as veteran striker Emiliano Tade pulled one back, but they could not get the equaliser as the Bula FC defended with all their might. The final whistle was greeted with cheers of joy and delight from the players and fans as the Bula FC pulled the curtain down with a memorable result that silenced critics. Congrats Bula FC!
Welcome development SURESH CHAND NADI The municipal election is scheduled to make its return later this year, as confirmed by the election office. It will be fascinating to witness which individuals and political parties step forward to participate in these long-awaited elections, which have been left in limbo since 2006. For many residents, the restoration of an elected council comes as a welcome development, providing them with the opportunity to have their voices heard and to influence the decisions that shape their communities. For too long, they have been without adequate representation and the ability to participate meaningfully in local governance. This prolonged absence of elected councils highlights the importance of maintaining democratic mechanisms. Such a disruption should never happen again, as it undermines public trust and damages both institutions and ratepayers alike. Decisions that unjustly strip away representation can have far-reaching consequences, stalling progress and disempowering communities. Across the globe, including in Fiji, local governments serve as vital pillars in nation-building. They play a central role in delivering essential services, maintaining infrastructure, fostering community development, and responding quickly to the needs of citizens. Ratepayers contribute not only through taxes but also by ensuring active civic participation, which strengthens the democratic fabric of society. When local governance structures function effectively, they empower people at the grassroots level, laying a strong foundation for economic growth, social equity, and sustainable development. In countries like Fiji, where people value cultural diversity and communal harmony, a well-functioning local government is instrumental in uniting communities and driving forward national progress. The reactivation of municipal elections is not just about restoring a system—it’s about reaffirming the commitment to democracy and empowering local populations to be architects of their own future.
Inspiration for me WAISALE MOCE NADARIVATU WE need inspirations along the way. I joined my wife and her sister yesterday, visiting Uncle Vinod, formerly of Waiyavi, Lautoka. He now resides in the heart of Lautoka City. This great gentleman married my wife’s aunt and is now sickly. Tu Vino (the name we call him by) was alone in his apartment when we entered, was having a cup of tea and reading The Fiji Times. He was overwhelmed seeing the ladies but a moment later, he asked me: ‘what happened to my letters to the editor?’. That shook me. I sincerely tried to process that statement. He said: ‘I’m doing a lot of reading nowadays and I miss your letters.’ That was inspiring enough for me to get into business again and here I am with my first letter after many moons. Vinaka Uncle Tu Vino!
Open letter to Trump! DONALD SINGH NAUSORI BULA vinaka yaca President Trump. Fiji is a country with the majority of the population Christians. We know what we believe in and we get peace through our belief. Yes, we do have our politics and governance all messed up at the moment as we are still trying to figure out how a democratic Republic works. However, I have observed that my Fijian Christian brethren are suffering in silence because of your Iran project with Israel. OK, let me be honest here, most of our people are suffering in silence because Israel is involved, and our faith is directly related to Jerusalem. Now, yaca (turaga President Trump, please ask my taxpaid diplomats in the USA the meaning of yaca, or Google it), my people and I can no longer suffer in silence due to the ungodly increase in fuel prices in Fiji. Our groceries and pretty much everything else is going to rip the roof soon if you don’t sort that Hornuz Strait. I no longer care about what you do to Iran as they have pretended they forgot where exactly they planted those Hormuz mines. They did a liumuri (betrayal) on you. Kerekere (please), send us a few fuel tankers at zero cost to bring down our fuel prices to pre-war prices at least. I read you have Venezuelan oil in abundance now. Israel and the USA cannot wage war in the name of religion and some biblical real estate promises and make us third world countries suffer the consequences through unbearable costs of living. I personally believed you were an upgrade from the past few Presidents. That bullet that got a part of your ear showed the world the fighter, the warrior in you. Your apparently aimless Iran war and the fuel price disaster is now affecting my people. I don’t enjoy watching the late night comedians making fun of you yaca, and neither do I believe that you were entirely wrong in executing your Iran project. Please don’t push me to the brink. Oh, Mr Trump, you can contact me directly. My family at The Fiji Times will facilitate. Here in Fiji, they believe that I only say the Iran matters. At the moment, you are letting us down big time. It’s your misfortune that I am not an American advising you on important things. Fortunately, for my government, I provide that critique from the sidelines while supporting the Government. Come on, yaca, play ball. I have never tried to sneak into your country and have never even filled that Green Card lottery application. So please don’t see me as an opportunist. Call me. This newspaper has my honest, brutal and uncensored contact information. truth. You will find that out in one phone call. Please make sure that you fully support the nations that vote with, yes, with you, on both Hamas and (The USA diplomats in Fiji, it will be your fault if yaca doesn’t read my letter).
Rugby coaches MICK is out. Glen will be out. If Kolinisau doesn’t want to follow the same route, I suggest he partners with the maestro. I believe the team lacks direction both on and off the field. A SHARIFF SHAH Savusavu
Drua beats Brumbies WELL done Drua, a well deserved win. DAN URAI Lautoka
Lots of questions WHILE it’s extremely upsetting and sad that an alleged drug distributor tragically dies in custody, was it because he “fingered” certain high-profile figures who’re involved in the trade? There seems to be lots of unanswered questions surrounding this tragic incident and hopefully the authorities will get to the bottom of it so that justice can be served for the grieving family. COLIN DEOKI Australia
Elected Pope WHEN I Googled, I found that a Pope is elected by the college of cardinals in a secret, locked gathering called a conclave. Cardinals under age 80 vote until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority. Among the many churches, the Catholic Church is also engaged in conversion activities in India using education and service as an excuse. Usually, the churches target tribal communities. Constantine 1 (the Great) was the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity and how the Romans propagated Christianity is well documented. Therefore, Rajend Naidu should understand that anyone elected is subject to criticism. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
Servant leadership OUR island nation has experienced various forms and shapes of leaders, prior and after 1970. In my opinion, only few possessed the necessary “integrity” that matters. Almost all who held highly executive public offices, I believe, were opportunists, without principles and guided by neutrality. Always “on the fence” for self-gain and adapting their actions accordingly, without making a commitment. Unfortunately, in my view, such leaders are publicly viewed as unique, great and grounded. As a matter of fact, I believe, “true greatness”, is measured by disciplinary service, not authority. And it is not just the duties, but a radical change of “character”, in my opinion. It is honestly prioritising the “nation’s burdens”, over personal “right of comfort”. The “inverted version”, I believe, of how the world approves of leadership. The servant leadership kind, which is a very “rare character”. The Bible advised that whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant. SAMU SILATOLU Nakasi
Fiji’s last executioner SUE CAUTY PACIFIC HARBOUR WILLIAM ‘Bill’ Reeves was born in Stockport. England, in 1908. He was a piano tuner who came to Fiji to pan for gold in 1985, when he was 27 years old. Near the end of 1936, Reeves was accused of murdering a man named John Smith who happened to be one of Fiji’s executioners there were always several. The circumstances surrounding the death of John Smith are mired in rumour and conjecture. The Colonial powers accused Bill Reeves of murdering John Smith, who had simply disappeared. When Smith failed to reappear, and without any evidence of his guilt, Reeves was thrown into jail and given a choice accept the job of executioner or be hanged for Smith’s murder. Reeves was framed. Reeves accepted the job — a decision he regretted for the rest of his life. Reeves was 29 years old when he became executioner, an occupation he held for 26 years, until the death penalty was abolished in the early ’60s — possibly 1963, but unfortunately many Korovou Prison records were destroyed during the 1979/80 prison riots. Reeves lived some 30 years in Fiji; for a number of those years in the hills of Wailekutu. He was a loner who loved books and to play classical music on his beloved piano, especially following an execution; and residents of the area would hear his impromptu concert. Reeves died at the Father Law Home in Wailekutu, on Sunday 5th December 1999, aged 91. He had lived there for the last 8 years of his life. The editor of The Fiji Times, Fred Wesley wrote about William Reeves, when he was a young reporter for Fri’s Daily Post, on December 7, 1999, and 9th, and again on December 12. What he wrote is particularly significant today when there are calls for the return of the death penalty. I quote from Wesley’s “How the Hangman Got His Job”, dated Sunday, December 12, 1999. Reeves once admitted that despite the many executions he’d performed, one face haunted him over the years. It made him a human wreck with a broken soul. It was the desperate call for help of a beautiful young woman, seconds before he killed her. Ranjini Madhavan stabbed her fiance to death and the girl he’d been having an affair with. To give Ranjini as much time as possible for a pardon, Reeves had purposely reported in late for the execution He later admitted that he thought it was a crime of passion, and he’d hoped she’d get a reprieve. There wasn’t one. He was forced to place the noose and hood over her neck and head. “She began to cry softly, then she called for her mother. Louder and louder the screams came from inside the hood: Mother, please help me”. Wesley interviewed a former prison officer (anonymous) who relates the incredible story of deception perpetrated upon the public prior to an execution. He stated that relatives of the condemned usually saw them for the last time, 24 hours before they were killed. In its efforts to keep the identity of the executioner secret, a warrant was usually issued for the arrest of Reeves, under a pseudonym, 24 hours before an execution. Police would be given the warrant for his arrest. He’d be escorted down to the Korovou prison, where he’d sign in as a normal prisoner. He’d be escorted to his cell. But while all this is happening, every prisoner would be locked up in their respective cells. No one was to see him, hear his name, hear his voice or even get near him. On the day of the execution, he’d be marched up to the chamber, where the visiting magistrate, a doctor, preacher, and commissioner of (sic) waiting (sic). He’d do his job of executing the condemned, then he’d be signed out, just The prison officer concludes: I re- member seeing him shake his head a couple of times after executions. I guess it did get to him. It sort of affected him. Even the money he got for the job was considered dirty money. He was the only person who knew where to pick it up from. It was never paid directly to him. Reeves was paid 75 pounds per execution I have written a play about William Reeves, though who knows if it will ever be staged. I remember him walking along the road in the area of Uduya Point, wearing his little pork pie hat, a small, skinny man who looked as if he could not hurt a fly. To me his story is horrific — a ghastly example of man’s inhumanity to man. It is a story of deceit and deception perpetrated upon an innocent man by an unjust and inhumane administration. What sort of charade would our government impose were it to re-instate the death penalty? Who would wish to go along with it in this day of smart phones and social media when it would be practically impossible to keep an executioner’s identity secret? And more importantly we have to ask: Who would want the job, knowing the mental anguish it causes to both condemned and executioner?
