Growing in confidence
Can our favourite Drua side repeat a magical performance, against the Chiefs? They defied all odds against the Brumbies and what’s stopping them from a solid performance against the Chiefs this weekend? Our Drua side is up against a Chiefs side containing many game breakers, who only need possession and a few inches of space to progress to the try line. With the Drua all the way and may they grow in confidence this week. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Baptism of fire!
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua created history after beating the Brumbies 33-28 at the GIO Stadium in Canberra. It was the first time since the 36-34 win over the Moana Pasifika in Auckland that the Drua recorded a win offshore. The Drua played their hearts out despite the cold as they recorded back-to-back wins over the Brumbies for the first time, having already beaten them 42-27 in Ba. The Drua were deserved winners, outmanoeuvring the hosts at their own game. They were clinical and composed, and brilliantly targeted the ruck, disrupting the momentum rallied by the hosts early into the game. The boys displayed excellent game management, taking opportunities and keeping the scoreboard ticking over. Even with pressure building on, the Drua patiently held on. Defence was top notch and the boys played for each other and the nation that was mourning the loss of a great Statesman. They were determined to end the losing hoodoo away from home against a star-studded Brumbies outfit and were ready to answer critics. Seeing the baptism of fire displayed by the Drua shows that the side can win away from home. The boys just need to fine tune their mindset and be prepared physically and mentally. I was emotional, seeing the emotions on the faces of the players. The win meant so much to them and their loved ones and the passionate and patriotic fans in Canberra whose cheers kept the side fighting. The passion, spirit and character displayed were admired! This week the boys face the Chiefs. Looking forward to a solid outing! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Pay teachers on time
Recent public reporting and official statements show that teacher pay delays remain a serious administrative problem. In April 2025, new graduate teachers were reported to have gone about eight weeks without pay. The minister later said more than 60 delayed cases had been processed, with some paid that week and others in the next pay because of a cut-off. Most recently, unpaid teachers were told to send signed contracts directly to the Office of the Permanent Secretary. Documentation checks, verification and payroll controls are necessary. But once teachers are appointed and the required papers are in, they should not have to chase wages while trying to teach. The government pay calendar exists for a reason, and education should meet that standard. A practical response would be to publish a clear workflow for new appointments and salary upgrades: the required documents, the responsible office, the cut-off date, and the pay cycle when payment should occur. If something is missing, teachers should be told immediately. That would reduce frustration and strengthen confidence in the system. Teachers deserve clarity, dignity and timely pay. Ash Dee Lautoka
End of war
Let’s face it, the whole war waged by Israel and USA is due to Iran financing, providing weapons and training to terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah etc. If peace is to come to the Middle East, Iran has to give up ‘weapons grade enriched uranium’. (Most commercial nuclear reactors use uranium enriched to between 3 per cent and 5 per cent). Also, Iranians have to stop chanting, “Death to America; Death to Israel”. Pakistan and Turkiye will also be taken care of later. Jan Nissar, the Indians and other victims of terrorism will stand by the side and witness the end of terrorism as well as weakening of the great bully, USA. President Trump has accelerated the decline of the US. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Common identity
I have no doubt and I agree most iTaukei have their hearts and homes open for others and are welcoming. However, during the time of sharing, the most important element which is shared identity as “Fijian”, they start segregating us. We remain whatever race we belong to. Nobody is snatching it away from anyone. We know what and who we are. Despite that “some” are throwing in their 2 cents or saqamoli which sounds like pennies from the colonial times about the fuss being created on that matter. Now there’s two ways of looking at it and with clear understanding it will be clear why the “fuss” is there. We believe in unity and segregation of common identity which is “Fijian” for us all takes us to the path of a dismantling process which weakens the structure of a combined united nation “Fiji the way the world should be”. Unity reflects big time when we all share a common identity, embracing each other and the process of sharing reflects the most in it. Segregation in those terms reflects the mindset of dividing people by race. Every race has their own particular process and rituals. Nobody is taking anything from anyone. I don’t have a problem being tagged as Indo-Fijian and not just being a Gujarati because we share that in common or we fall under that category of being identified but the nationality is “Fijian” no doubt. That cannot be taken away. So, while one wants to question “what’s the fuss about”? In what context they mean is what holds weight. Period. Proud Fijian. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Development crisis
Namosi has the mining crisis, Lautoka has the TNG development crisis and then the dredging crisis. They are the result of ordinary people showing dissatisfaction regarding developments that are forced onto them. Those in higher office need to understand that most people are educated enough to understand what is right from wrong. They should stop forcing people to have projects that only look good on paper. A good example is the botanical garden swimming pool project which has taken 11 years and still not completed. There are many uncompleted projects and just because of some people who have the ideas of their own and they force that idea to people. When will those in authority understand that they can no longer fool ordinary citizens of our beloved Fiji. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
FNPF pensioners
Kirti Patel on “Brush with death” (FT 10/4) keeps retired pensioners with high hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. This will bring peace and wellbeing to many of the 1400 to survive. Best wishes and speedy recovery master Dewan Chand who is struggling to live as he was robbed of his FNPF dues. That’s his basic human right. “To deny people their human right is to challenge their very humanity”… Nelson Mandella. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Energy project?
Do they really want to boost our energy system or do they want to get rid of global waste to our shores? Pita Soroaqali Tavua
Spacious setting
The mother of all festivals returns to her homeland in 2026. One looks forward to the Hibiscus Festival returning to Albert Park because this offers more space for families and friends as they enjoy entertainment, music, a variety of dishes and various sales. Meanwhile, is there a particular reason for naming it the Hibisicus Festival? Whatever one’s views, members of our community can celebrate the Hibiscus Festival in a spacious setting. Wow, I will miss the serves of lovo with palusami and dalo. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Expect a fiery contest
An exhilarating confrontation is set to unfold for football enthusiasts this Sunday as Lautoka FC gears up to welcome league leaders Ba FC at Churchill Park. This match is expected to be an exciting Round Six event in the Extra Premier League. Anticipation is building for this eagerly awaited encounter, where third-placed Lautoka FC will challenge the soaring Ba FC. The kickoff is scheduled for 11am, which is a shift from the typical timing of league matches, introducing an additional element of novelty to the event. Lautoka approaches this match with renewed vigor, having recently achieved a decisive 5-1 victory over Nasinu FC, a win that has elevated them to third place in the league standings. The Blues showcased an aggressive offensive performance in their last game and will seek to capitalize on that momentum against the league leaders. Conversely, Ba FC remains steadfast at the top of the standings after their confident 2-0 victory against Navua FC. Consistency has been a defining feature of Ba’s season thus far, and they will strive to maintain their unbeaten record while further solidifying their position in the title race. Fiji FA and Lautoka City Council are anticipating a significant turnout on the day of the game. Both entities will receive a share of the gate proceeds from that day. Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to both teams. Suresh Chand Nadi
Road safety
Road safety in Fiji is becoming an urgent concern that we can no longer treat as background noise in daily life. As a driver, I am increasingly observing a troubling behaviour on our roads: children, teenagers, and young adults running or sprinting across busy streets as though survival depends on speed alone. Each time this happens, it creates a moment of intense pressure for drivers. Even when driving cautiously and within speed limits, we are forced into split-second reactions to avoid what could so easily become a tragedy. It is not just stressful — it is dangerous for everyone involved. This raises a serious question: where is this behaviour coming from? Is it a gap in road safety education in schools, where children may not be adequately taught how to cross roads safely and assess traffic risk? Or is it something deeper in our culture and everyday habits, where urgency and informality on the roads have become normalised from a young age? Whatever the cause, the outcome is undeniable. Fiji continues to face an unacceptably high rate of road accidents. In fact, it is often said that one may be more likely to be affected by a road accident than to live into old age. Whether or not this is statistically precise, it reflects a painful truth in public perception: our roads do not feel safe. This is not only a matter for drivers. It is a shared responsibility involving schools, parents, communities, and policymakers. Road safety education needs to be strengthened early and consistently reinforced. Pedestrian awareness, especially among school-aged children and young people, should be treated with the same seriousness as literacy and numeracy. At the same time, infrastructure and enforcement must support safer behaviour — clear crossings, visible signage, and consistent enforcement of road rules for both drivers and pedestrians. We cannot continue normalising near-misses and hoping luck prevents tragedy. Every close call is a warning, not a reassurance. If we are serious about protecting lives on Fiji’s roads, then we must treat road safety as a national priority, not an individual gamble. Ash Dee Lautoka
