Raina’s historic golf achievement
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and praise Raina Saanvi for her remarkable achievement in golf. Raina has made history by becoming the first female golfer from Fiji to earn an official world ranking, a milestone that deserves national recognition. This achievement is not only a personal success for Raina, but also a proud moment for Fiji. It reflects years of discipline, hard work, and determination, and it sends a powerful message to young girls across the country that with commitment and belief, international standards can be reached. Raina’s success brings positive attention to women’s sports in Fiji and highlights the growing potential of local athletes on the global stage. Her journey will surely inspire the next generation of golfers and sportswomen to dream bigger and work harder. I commend Raina Saanvi for her dedication and resilience, and I hope her achievement receives the recognition it truly deserves. Fiji is proud of her, and we look forward to seeing her continue to excel in her golfing career. ABDUL JANIF Suva
Victims and perpetrators
I have been following the proceedings of the TRC since its inception and after its so-called “public/private” hearings. I also listened to our PM’s recent statements before the commission and the clarification questions asked by Netani Rika. I have read the several LTEs written about the TRC and unfortunately almost all, are negative, some even calling for the scrapping of the toothless commission as a waste of time and public money. Then I read recently that the chair had resigned and returned home to Europe to be closer to his family. Apparently his replacement will be announced soon by H.E. the President. But what has prompted me to write are the statements of the commission members that appear to suggest an exclusive interest in so-called coup “victims/survivors” not perpetrators. I had to do a “double-take” when I read that remark and I couldn’t resist the question: Doesn’t every “victim” have a corresponding “perpetrator”? Is it possible to have one without the other? And , if the answer is “no, you can’t”, then why only concentrate on half the equation? What’s the benefit of that? Furthermore, given the voluntary nature of the TRC’s proceedings thus far, when, if ever, are we going to hear from any self-confessed “perpetrator”? And, if never, then how do we know that what the victims say about any incident or their treatment by unnamed perpetrators, represents an objective truth? Or, is the TRC only interested in hearing about victim’s truths — whatever that might be? How does reconciliation occur in such a one-sided process ? For instance, we were all subjected to the PM and his family’s truths after the 2006 coup where he was a “victim” but, will we hear from the “perpetrators” who stopped his pension and other entitlements? They know who they are and have their own truths and reason(s) for doing so? Will they ever come forward? If those “perpetrators” don’t volunteer or can’t be forced to speak their own truths and maybe, apologise for their actions and the hurt and embarrassment it caused, then how and with whom does the PM and his family reconcile? Is it enough merely to be given a space to speak one’s truth freely? Then we heard the PM spoke about his role as a “perpetrator” of the first military coup in 1987 and his regret. He named no names of persons who were involved, and no-one asked him for their names or the names of persons who he considered were or might have been “victims” of the coup. So that unidentified “elephant” remains in the room and people continue to suffer in silence. DANIEL FATIAKI Suva
Cycle of violence
Brigadier S K Malik (Ret) in his book Frontline Pakistan says, “victory is not equal to battle success. Victory is equal to persistence of will (jazba).” Until they have jazba ( will) they will continue the struggle. He further says, “the Islamic concept of war is ‘even if a war is lost, your will (jazba) to succeed continues’.” The Brigadier has written many things which cannot be put here.
Now Rajend Naidu has to understand why Pakistan is the epicentre of terrorism and why terrorism will not end. Mahatma Gandhi had said, “an eye for an eye will make the world blind”. Indians believed in this until Modi came on the scene. The rest is history. The leftists, anti Semitic and Palestinian’s given permit to march in Sydney had built this anti Semitic atmosphere. Naveed Akram and his father Sajid Akram of were inspired by Islamic State to do what they did RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Adelaide, Australia
Blame shifting
Israel accuses Australia of fuelling antisemitism with recognition of Palestinian statehood (The Southeast Asian Times, December 16, 2025 ). This is a classic case of blame transference. Israeli PM Netanyahu and his far right political cronies should look at their own persecution and dispossession of the Palestinians even after a ceasefire has been put in place to see what is fuelling the reaction against the Jewish community around the world (see PBS NewsHour documentary Israeli settlers attack Palestinians with impunity Dec 12, 2025) to get an insight into the atrocities perpetrated against Palestinians. Blame shifting might give Netanyahu and his ultra right mob a feel good feeling, but it will not end the vicious cycle of violence we witnessed in the horrendous terror attack in Bondi, Australia. Even the Israeli State is aware of this as the Haaretz Daily Brief report “after the deadly attack at Bondi Beach, Israel warns: Sydney won’t be the last target ( 16/12/25 )” indicates. The solution does not lie in blaming others for “fuelling antisemitism”, but in the Israeli State looking at its own conduct in relation to the repression and oppression of the Palestinian people for over seven decades. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Holiday events
School holidays have begun and children are at home. Many children are busy helping their parents while some are just idle at homes. It’s so important to encourage children at home to learn useful skills that can help them make a living in their future, as well as to build networks and bring different generations together. Learning how to bake and cook, and reading books can lead to so many exciting opportunities in future. NAVNEET RAM (TD), Lautoka
Bondi terror
I’m deeply saddened and concerned about the recent shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia. Situations as such makes us realise how blessed Fiji really is. It’s unfortunate that some use the word “blessing” for our peaceful nation in a sarcastic and negative way. Our prayers and condolences are with the grieving families and hoping for those injured to be healed soon. There will be trauma in the community for a long time. Everything takes time to heal. This will pass. May God give strength to ease the loss and pain of those suffering. KIRTI PATEL, Lautoka
Fists and guns
Dan Urai says “no place like home” because at home its “punch up fist to fist” unlike Australia and the “shooting in Bondi” ( FT 16/12 ). The military mutiny in Fiji involving the CRW soldiers, was that without shooting? Were the serial coups in Fiji carried out without guns and the reign of terror in the country? I believe veteran trade unionist Dan Urai forgot to put on his thinking cap when he rushed in his letter. RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, Australia
Coup cost
The cost of the coups in Fiji has been astronomical in terms of economic development, health, social and all other facets of Fiji’s existence. Financially the cost has been huge and has continued through other means like the cost of the current Truth and Reconciliation Commission which intends to travel overseas to hear the stories of victims. The cost of the TRC would be borne by the people and I hope that the exercise would achieve its intended result. At the moment, I am doubting that this expensive exercise, which Fiji could hardly afford, would positively and economically benefit the people of Fiji. I could be wrong, but that is my view. EMOSI BALEI, Suva
Terror attack
Hero of Bondi
On a day that began like any other at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, terror shattered the sunlit calm. Amidst the chaos of a mass shooting, with innocent lives under threat, an ordinary man performed an extraordinary act of courage. Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner from Sutherland and a father of two, found himself in the heart of the nightmare. With no training in firearms or combat, instinct and profound bravery took over. He saw the source of the violence: two attackers, a father and son, armed and relentless. In a split-second decision that defied all self-preservation, Ahmed moved. As panic erupted around him, he targeted the younger attacker. With desperate strength, he rushed forward and seized the gunman from behind in a firm grip. In that crucial, grappling moment, he managed to wrench the firearm away, disarming the assailant and preventing him from claiming more victims. His valiant intervention saved untold lives, but it came at a severe cost. The second attacker, the father, turned his weapon on the intervening hero. Ahmed was shot twice at close range before the armed father was confronted and shot dead by police. Miraculously, Ahmed al Ahmed survived. He is currently in hospital undergoing surgery, and a community now holds its breath, praying fervently for his full and quick recovery. His act was one of pure, selfless heroism – a man who, in the face of pure evil, thought not of his own safety, but of the strangers around him. He stepped into the line of fire so others could live, and for that, he is a true hero in every sense of the word. Seveci Tora, Tacirua Heights, Nasinu
Warped priorities
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka saw it fit to release a press statement about the Bondi Beach shooting and condemned it as an “antisemitic terrorist attack … during celebrations marking the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah”. Australians were killed and many other lives harmed by two cruel gunmen, their motives yet unknown. Meanwhile, countless social media threats of harm (including the rape of children) were made against ordinary Fijian citizens in just recent days after human rights activists peacefully marched the streets of Suva to advocate for fair rights and justice for all Fijians. These threats were plastered all over social media for all to see. Yet, not a word from the PM or his Fiji Government to condemn the terrorising of his own people. Rabuka prioritises condemning acts of terror occurring over 2000 miles away from his country and raises immediate concern for an activity celebrated by people from a land 10,000 miles away. Mr PM sir, your kowtowing to world figures is so obvious and your lack of regard for ordinary Fijians! TAVAI BALE, Toorak, Suva
