Ravusiro crowned Miss Fiji
Miss Labasa Dr Peggy Ravusiro, who was crowned 2025 Miss Fiji, made the Friendly North proud. Ravusiro impressed many leading up to the crowning. She was brave, bold and confident and her victory came because of her resilience, commitment, passion, perseverance and determination. To Ravusiro, the crown was more than a title as she used the Miss Fiji platform to strengthen family communication and unity and inspire positive change. Her message to young people was simple, fascinating, encouraging, exciting and real as she urged them to face challenges with courage and to avoid a victim mindset. She stressed the need to persevere as it led to growth and empowered others. She advised Fijians to pause and consider the impact of their words on others. Her message to the nation via The Fiji Times (15/12), “Without kindness, empathy and respectful conversation, Fiji cannot heal, progress or truly uplift its people,” was clear, to the point and uncompromising. Ravusiro carried a huge responsibility as she carried the aspirations of the Friendly North, and she did not let them down. She rose to fame and stardom. Once again, huge accolades and congratulations Ravusiro! Now that Ravusiro will represent Fiji at the Miss South Pacific Pageant next year, the nation must stand beside her and support her. Go, go Ravusiro! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Voices of inspiration
I would like to thank the Methodist church in Fiji for their TV program Na Domodra which bring insights and unheard stories from people across the nation to motivate and inspire the generation of today. I’ve learned so much from those guests who share their experiences through a life of service. At the rate in which they gathered and compiled their stories, I have no doubt that this program will reach new heights in terms of viewers and followers. PITA SOROAQALI, Tavua
No card, no ride
If you stretch the string too much it breaks. If you hold the sand too tight, it slips. The bus operators who have come up with the strict rule no card, no ride can feel the impact of this in coming times. I’m done with my thoughts on this, but such rules does not make the system smooth or successful. Always remember, Fiji is a developing country. Certain things will take time to gain momentum. Don’t flop it in haste. KIRTI PATEL, Lautoka
Skipper selection
While Vatukoula Rugby Union players are not considered to be worthy in the so-called Skipper XV Select team, however, congratulations to the lone Nadi Rugby Union representative in the Skipper XV Select team to face the Swire Shipping Drua team early next year. I guess Nadi Rugby Union players also seem unworthy of a spot, but I believe my brother Jeff will gain to further his knowledge or perhaps a suitable replacement of managers at national level when the call is made. AREKI DAWAI, Maharaj Place, Suva
Home for the poor
Every prisoner gets three meals a day after doing wrong, Robbery, rape, theft, assault and even murder, they all get fed daily by taxpayers of Fiji. Imagine how much it is costing taxpayers everyday just to feed those prisoners.
What about our poor street dwellers? Government doesn’t assist many of them. Some are assisted by religious organisations and generous ini\dividuals. Imagine if the Government of the day builds homes for poor street dwellers just like the famous Koroipita housing in Lautoka. Election is next year and I request political parties to put this in a wish to do list. NARAYAN REDDY, Lautoka
Vijay sets the tone
“Good Morning I am Vijay Narayan ” these are the famous words journalist Vijay Narayan from Communications Fiji Ltd starts his day. Such an accomplished journalist and Head of News. His presentation and execution of the weekly Fiji Village “Straight Talk” sets the tone straight on every topic discussed with indepth discussions, debates etc. Narayan continues to excel as our number one moderator and his extensive discussions in politics, climate, social problems, health and drugs all common issues facing our nation is widely reached with the greater audience on a weekly basis. Good work and keep it going. We wish you the very best. SHALWYN PRASAD, Mukta Ben Place, Nabua
Fake products
As reported on the TV news, there are fake items out there being sold. Good to see that even the local Consumer Council was on TV regarding this. It’s good to see this is being surfaced by Consumer Council, but the question remains: Why is the manufacture of fake products being allowed? Why are we making these businesses involved smile by supplying these fake products? Shouldn’t the law be stronger on fake products ? Can the authorities educate consumers the difference between genuine and fake products? I am sure consumers have a lot more questions. One might even say profits are coming by selling fake products. Wow. AMINISITAI TORA, Nadera, Nasinu
Top cop’s stand
Commissioner vows to “stand by ” his officers (FT11/12 ). I believe not too many people of Fiji would be impressed by the commissioner’s stand regarding officers implicated in the nefarious drug trade in the country. The integrity of the force and its operations are at stake and the public have the right to expect appropriate action to address the situation. RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Fists and guns
In Lautoka its a punch up fist to fist, in Australia shooting in Bondi. No place like home. DAN URAI, Lautoka
Hanukkah victims
Yes, “Free Palestine” from the enemies within, but will the loud voices of local NGOs also take on the streets to condemn the annihilation of victims that attended Hanukkah at Bondi? AREKI DAWAI, Maharaj Place, Suva
Hate crime
It is quite sad to hear about the demise of 11 people gunned down by two gunmen during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi beach, Australia. It is a hate crime, as only Jews were mainly the targets here. It is a tragedy and I hope those responsible are caught and brought to task. Condolences to the grieving families of those unfortunate souls. MANOA KALECA, Vishnu Deo Rd, Nakasi
Terror attack
My sincere condolences to the families of those who were killed in the terror attack in Sydney, Australia. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA, Adelaide, Australia
Cycle of violence
On December 12, 2025 we saw a PBS NewsHour report “Israeli settlers attack Palestinians with impunity”. The violence against the Palestinians was brutal, cruel and nasty. Then on December 14, 2025 we witnessed the horrifying shooting attack on the Jewish community in Bondi which left 12 dead and dozens injured. The violence against the Jews was brutal, inhumane and nasty. Violence begets violence often taking no cognisance of national geographical parameters. This vicious cycle of violence must stop. It is humanity’s shame that it has failed to do so for over seven decades. How many more decades will it take to find an enduring solution and end the abhorrent cycle of violence? RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Attack and surviving
Bondi terror
It is so heartbreaking and equally saddening, beautiful Bondi Beach, one of the safest places on Earth, is today the tragic scene of multiple killings — a ruthless, gutless terrorist attack. This world has become so toxic. Why so much evil? Why so much disrespect for human life? This is so cruel. Such wholesale killing must never be condoned. It is sad the Australian Jewish community succumbed to this slaughter while they celebrated their Jewish festival of Hanukkah in North Bondi Beach. Sadly, the once peaceful Southern Hemisphere is breached, yet again. God please rest the souls of the deceased. Please comfort their families who are in mourning. It is truly a moment of darkness so close to our Lord’s coming on Christmas Day 2025. RONNIE CHANG, Martintar, Nadi
Strong to the end
Fifty six-year-old grandmother Rosette Andrews Singh, who is a dialysis patient and whose story featured on the front page of The Sunday Times (14/12) and touched hearts, had a timely advice for readers, “If you love your family, remember to take care of your health. It is the best gift you can give them. Women play a crucial role in families, so we need to also prioritise our health and self-care because when we’re gone, our families feel the impact of that loss the most.” Thank you, award-winning journalist, Samantha Rina, for sharing Rosette’s inspiring fight. Rosette has only 2 per cent kidney function and is on dialysis, but continues to be a vendor. She is a familiar face at the Korovou Market, where she has been selling grog and fresh produce for the past 20 years. I could not contain tears as I read her heart-touching story as it brought memories of my wife Madhu Krishna who was also a dialysis patient from July 2022 until her departure for eternal life on September 24, this year. I recall the struggles my wife went through and the endless number of times we ended up at Suva’s Oceania Hospital. When she started her dialysis, she was fit enough to work, but with time and life fast catching up on her, she gave up and got rooted to her bed and Oceania Hospital’s dialysis centre. Rosette is a fighter. She refused to give up and has placed her fate on God. She struggles, but takes on life’s challenges. Indeed Samantha, Rosette’s story is one of hope as it inspires those around her with unwavering faith and that strength is not the absence of struggle, but the courage to keep pushing through even in the hardest of journeys. All the best Rosette! God bless you! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
