Termites galore
The Asian Subterranean termites are creating problems once again around western Viti Levu. Some years back the current Government started termites controlling programs around Viti Levu and it seems the problem is now beyond anyone’s control. So much taxpayers money was used on programs but it didn’t make any difference to the damage being done to properties. What I fail to understand is how were all those programs approved, taxpayers’ money wasted and our people are still suffering from these termites which are not only destroying houses but root crops, sugar cane and many other plants. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Arabic podcast
I refer to Rajen Naidu’s letter (FT 7/10/26). After the UN Assembly “walk out” in NY, the Sky News Arabia podcast interviewed an Iraqi man and this was what he stated: “I applauded Netanyahu, all the time. Every leader who makes a mark in history, has been accused of war crimes. Show me someone who defends his people the way he does. He stands up against the whole world for his people. Even the dignity of Israeli women. That’s what the world needs. The Palestinian men, women and children are Mahmoud Abbas’ responsibility, not Netanyahu’s. Why is the protection of the Palestinians, of all people, to be the world’s responsibility, but not Abbas’? How long will this go on? What occupation is done here? When a country exists and its land is occupied, that is occupation. Tell me, where is this country? Name it. It’s just an imaginary country that exists in our minds to fuel the war against Israel. Our interests lie with Israel, not Abbas or Netanyahu. In fact, Islam’s Imman, Mohammed Tawhidi said: “Palestinians are not Arabs, their cause is not Arabic”. Who then are these so-called Palestinians? Another imaginary society? Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Longer line
I refer to Rajend Naidu’s LTE FT 08/10. I believe that Rajend’s rant comes from my recent comments on India’s 7.8 per cent GDP growth, Australian colony cities partially built on looted Indian resources and valuables, Catholic Church’s Goa Inquisition, Palestinian’s scaling to the rooftops of Australian Parliament House while protesting and Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian (Hindu) pilot, bravely fighting off a terrorist attack and saving the lives of Israeli Jews on a flight to Tel Aviv. My advice to Rajend Naidu is if someone draws a line, one doesn’t have to try erasing it or cutting the line short. You try to draw a longer line beside it. India is drawing a line that is getting longer and longer. I hope Rajend has got the message. Also, I do not take Al-Jazeera or Western media seriously. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Teachers and attitude
Education is at heart of development, Fiji every child should be ensured that they access quality education since the Government is supporting. The drug and HIV problem is a nation crisis which cannot be ignored. We all need schools, communities, families to play their part in guiding and protecting our children in schools. Teacher professionals are more than wearing the right clothes and following school rules. It is knowledge ethical conduct responsibility and most of all the attitude of teachers towards students in schools. The teacher’s behaviour can be part of the learner’s education. But effective leadership requires more than authorities. Don’t build a school where standards are clear, responsibilities are understood and most important, teacher’s attitude towards students and also parents! NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Roosters spoil finale fairytale!
The Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights clash was a David vs Goliath battle which was won by Goliath 19-18. The Roosters went in as underdogs against the favourites, the Knights, but played with pride and passion to claim a sweet 16th National Rugby League title and their first premiership in seven years. At the Accor Stadium, the Roosters trailed, but their determination and unwavering work rate enabled them to dominate the second half. Nothing to be taken away from the Knights- they produced some exciting moments, but the class of the Roosters and the likes of Spencer Leniu, Victor Radley, rugby-bound winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, Naufahu Whyte, James Tedesco and 37-year-old veteran Daly Cherry-Evans were too hot to handle. The Knights never-say-die approach brought fans to their feet as they surged late, but it all ended in vain and the Roosters celebrated. I salute Mark Nawaqanitawase for his sterling and brilliant performance. He was rock-solid with a dominating outing. The world saw the beast in him- a magician! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Too much soccer
Why do we have so many soccer competitions in Fiji? It is not improving anything. In fact, it is causing player burnout. I hope very soon there is a spectator burn out. Sukha Singh Labasa
Football, drugs
Six football players tested positive for the use of drugs on day one of the 2026 IDC. But this was a random selection of 60 players who were selected to be tested. Wondering if all players got tested, what would have been the result? Anyway, good to see Fiji Football is showing that drugs are a bad example for sports. Setting a good example for all sporting bodies. Nobody pays to watch drugged players. So, I salute Fiji Football for trying their best for football fans to pay for watching fair play. Aminisitai Tora Nadera, Nasinu
Indian soccer
Indian soccer is developing in leaps and bounds. The recent decent results (not thrashings) against Brazil and Uruguay are signs of real improvement in India’s national team. Come on Fiji Football Association, challenge mada India for a series of three matches. Have a Vuvale shield as the prize. Roy Krishna knows some of their secrets. My fear though is that the Indian FA will turn down our invite, maybe not recognising our soccer as at their level. Roy might want to pick up the phone and dial some numbers. Donald Singh Nausori
Apt headline
‘Jumping the gun’ (FT 7/10). Christopher Griffin Perth, Australia
IDC test
In two days, a total of 13 players have tested positive for drugs in the Fiji Football Association sanctioned FMF IDC. To add more problems to the above issues, some players were caught changing or even contaminating samples before testing. A few years back I advised some top executives of Fiji FA but nothing was done and today everything is in black and white. Anyway, another three days remaining and let’s see how many more players test positive. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Law society
Former attorney-general Graham Leung has been elected president of the Fiji Law Society. The Fiji Law Society said Mr Leung had previously served as its president (FT 8/10/26). Is this another case of old wine in a new bottle? Seems to be a pretty common phenomenon in Fiji. PM Rabuka provides another good example of it. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Fiji COMPOL and police
Referring to https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tudravu-opts-for-action-over-ceremony/ to quote the ComPol “that what people want is action from the force to execute its duties”. A few weeks ago, the ComPol made the “astute” comment about his police officers not being physically fit! You only have to look at the majority of Constables Plod and Plump wobbling along the streets to figure that out. You have a police post in Pacific Harbour, manned but with “no vehicle” to attend to callouts. They have to call Navua police! By which time a burglary, some sort of physical altercation, rape or murder could have taken place. Then you have all the cases of “missing drugs” worth millions with alleged possible police involvement happening so often that even NetFlix can’t keep up! At least a “daylight” robbery a day being caught on cameras, but wait for it, crime is reducing. Now, ammunition and guns stored at the Suva High Court, extremely “high risk” items, which had to have a directive from a HC judge to be removed by MP for proper and safe storage. To top that all off, now you have a video of a police officer “beating a child”. Really Rusi, do not think this is the “action” that the people were “wanting”. The people are sick and tired of a police force where the majority of police officers are not even up to being able to do their jobs with ethics, values and the physical fitness required of them. Sick and tired of a police force itself so mired neck deep in criminal activities. Sick and tired of a police force driven by corruption. Sick and tired of a police force where police officers are so arrogant and or lazy that they do not even have the courtesy, decency to do something as simple as identify themselves by name and badge number when attending to callouts, members of the public. So, what does the ComPol who has been in office approximately 1 year and 8 months, having officially taken office on February 3, 2025 plan, intend to do now? Sanya Catherine Gain Lami
Beauty with a purpose!
Nasinu Town Council acting Chief Executive Officer Felix Magnus is doing a great job of looking after the municipality. He has made great impact, and with more time, resources and funding, he should be able to achieve his target. I quote Magnus address, while speaking at the introduction ceremony of the Vodafone Nasinu Festival Queen contestants (FT: 08/10), where he urged the contestants to use the platform to advocate for young people and inspire them to overcome challenges, “You’ve been put on a platform to advocate your beliefs, your dreams to the people here in Nasinu. Inspire them to rise above all the odds and the challenges that they face. That’s the platform you’ve been put on.” Such inspiring words from the man who has taken the responsibility of making Nasinu Town one of the best municipalities in Fiji. The 2026 Miss Nasinu Festival Queen contestants looked elegant as they featured on the front page of the trusted brand (08/10)! We need to encourage young girls to showcase their knowledge, skills and talents! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
