Stallions pass stern test!
Nadroga had laid the challenge ahead of Saturday’s crunching battle against Suva. In round two of the Skipper Cup, the Stallions thrashed Suva 39-22 at Lawaqa Park, but Saturday’s quarter-final clash was a different ball game as the Stallions, who finished third with 41 points, met a fired-up and resilient Suva side which finished sixth on the points table with 29 points. Nadroga’s reign as Skipper Cup champions was halted by the boys from the Capital, and the hosts gave them back a taste of their own medicine. The Stallions rose, dug deep and unleashed the beast in them that once made them the powerhouse of provincial rugby in Fiji. The boys donned the white jumper of Nakuruvarua with pride, passion and baptism of fire. The boys played with hunger in their bellies and men possessed with the desire to hunt the opposition down. The Stallions fought tooth and nail to protect their home turf that had seen a lot of glorious days. To the boys, thank you for bringing out the warrior power in you, which reflected your courage and determination. Fans saw aggression, sheer power and guts from the big names in Ratu Naisa Navuma, Aisake Atani, Sakiusa Vosayaco, Jone Vatuwaliwali, Waqa Nalaga, Jack Volavola and Taniela ‘Motopai’ Rakuro. The exciting and champagne rugby displayed against Suva must be seen against Tailevu in the semi final. The last time the two sides met was round three at Ratu Cakobau Park. The battle ended in a 25-all draw. Nadroga last won the Skipper Cup at Ratu Cakobau Park. Ironically, their opponent was Suva. The Stallions reclaimed lost glory, defeating Suva 22-17. I’m proud of the Stallions. Hakwa Nadro! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Deoki siblings and soccer
The illuminating article “The Deoki siblings and the birth of football in Fiji” by Colin Deoki provides a snapshot of the historical development of organised soccer in colonial Fiji and beyond. It is the story of how three brothers — the Deoki brothers — had the vision and commitment to lift the standard and complexion of the game in the country. They dedicated themselves to give for the growth of soccer for the public good. They were not parked in lofty positions for their own self-aggrandisement and agenda. Hats off to these pioneers of Fiji football. Rajend Naidu Calgary, Canada
Keeping culture and tradition
In keeping with Fiji’s faith, culture and tradition, I believe all should be forgiven for those who may have digressed. Whatever happened was in the past anyway. We must all move forward now and after the lessons learned, people need a second chance. I believe there may actually be a promotion due. Like I always say, the people of Fiji are truly blessed. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Just ban it
A fierce debate is raging across Fiji over whether the social media platform TikTok should be banned. My position is clear, ban it, without delay. Too much of the TikTok content circulating in Fiji is vulgar, degrading and utterly irrelevant to the real issues that matter to our society. Instead of promoting creativity, education and meaningful entertainment, some content creators appear willing to sink to extraordinary lows simply to attract likes, followers and online attention. It is a disturbing reflection of what happens when the desperate pursuit of popularity takes precedence over dignity and common sense. Men, women and gender confused individuals alike are using the platform to insult, ridicule and publicly humiliate one another through vulgar exchanges, provocative challenges and inappropriate performances. Such content can be viewed by people of all ages, including children and young teenagers. Surely, we must ask ourselves whether this is the kind of online culture we want to normalise in Fiji. Then there is the endless imitation of Bollywood stars, their mannerisms and dance routines. While entertainment and cultural expression have their place, mindlessly copying online trends for attention does little to address the educational, social and economic challenges facing our nation. Too often, TikTok has become a stage for time-wasting, attention-seeking and the relentless pursuit of fleeting internet fame. Equally troubling is the apparent belief among some self-proclaimed social media celebrities that online popularity is a substitute for genuine achievement. There is nothing inherently wrong with earning an income through legitimate content creation. However, if making money depends on deception, humiliation, vulgarity or deliberately provocative behaviour, then we must question the example being set for young Fijians. Having a smartphone, a camera and thousands of followers does not automatically make someone an entrepreneur, a role model or a contributor to national development. Popularity is not the same as productivity, and online fame is not necessarily an achievement worth celebrating. Fiji is a country that should value discipline, respect, hard work and responsible citizenship. We should be encouraging our young people to acquire useful skills, pursue education, establish legitimate businesses and contribute meaningfully to their communities, not convince them that internet celebrity is a shortcut to success. Some will argue that TikTok provides entertainment, creative opportunities and an avenue for earning an honest income. That is agreed to some extent. But the existence of legitimate uses does not mean we should ignore the potential harm caused by abusive content, online harassment and the exposure of children to inappropriate material. To those chasing TikTok fame at any cost, my message is simple, develop your skills, find legitimate opportunities, earn an honest living and contribute something worthwhile to Fiji. In simple terms, go get a real job! My stance on TikTok remains unchanged – just ban the damn thing! Nishant Singh Lautoka
Diwali and RLWC upsets
Fading tradition of Diwali
Diwali is just a few weeks away. Lights are slowly going up, families are preparing sweets and cleaning their homes. For some reason, it still doesn’t feel like we’re in the Diwali spirit. You turn on the radio and you hear the same rotation of meaningless Bollywood songs. You hear anything but Diwali songs. At this point, it feels like we are treating Diwali just like another public holiday. The remaining weeks leading up to Diwali matters a lot and it does not sound anything like Diwali at all. Festive seasons are kept alive in the sounds around us, in the car, at the shop, in the kitchen and most importantly on the radio. That shared sense of atmosphere is what makes the festive season feel near. And I feel that this is how young people absorb their culture without being lectured about it. If our radio stations do not play our festive music at a time when it matters the most, I won’t be surprised when the next generation treats our festivals just like another normal day. Diwali in Fiji remains strongly celebrated. But culture is preserved by everyday choices. I urge all Hindi radio stations to dedicate their airtime towards festivities, especially through music and songs. Kartik Krishneel Makoi, Nasinu
Samoa and Tonga make headlines
Toa Samoa (Samoan Warriors) and Tonga have impressed many at this year’s Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) tournament and made headlines. Samoa’s brutal affair against France was agonizing to France fans as they were hit with hard tackles and a touch of Samoan rugby, going down 78-4 at the CommBank Stadium in Sydney. The warriors from Samoa flexed their muscles against France as they led 34-4, heading into halftime. The Samoans scored 14 tries and the 78 points, and the 74-point margin marked Samoa’s biggest-ever victory in RLWC history. Sualauvi Fa’alogo, Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton and Benaiah Ioelu stood out. Samoa lost to Australia 30-10 in the final of the 2022 RLWC final played at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, and will aim to go one step better this year. Tonga, on the other hand, proved too strong for England, thumping the Wall of White, Three Lions 30-12 at the HBF Park in Perth. Tonga led England 10-0 at the break and continued with the momentum to record a historic, first-ever victory over England. Tolotau Koula, Haumole Olakau’atu, Stefano Utoikamanu and Isaiya Katoa delivered a sterling performance for the Tongans, who enjoyed great support from their ever passionate and patriotic fans. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
QUICK VIEWS
Confirm or deny
It seems the norm and famous quote for 2026 is to confirm or deny. First, one has to confirm that it happened and later one may deny that confirmation. Are we going or coming and to those providing information to this trumpeter mouthpiece, please can you confirm or deny. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
Foreign name
JUST imagine if the Tongans have told Captain Cook that there is a place called Panana and Captain Cook replied — oh, okay, I should promulgate and call them Banana! Today their name would be known Bananaian and they would dearly forever hold onto it as if it was a name given from heaven. Anyway, today we would hardly hear indigenous saying “au kai Viti”, instead we are naturally and customary distinguished by “ai Dre’eti”, “kai Waciwaci”, “koi Vuda” etc. So much for the foreign established named Fijian! AREKI DAWAI Suva
New tradition
I believe making videos is now part of the tradition and culture of the country. I am only saying this because it appears to me that those who pray and fast are the ones making such videos. I guess it is a tradition and culture which the vulagi will never understand. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
FICAC abolition
TIF challenges FICAC abolition (ST 18/10). Transparency and Integrity Fiji has raised very valid concerns regarding the abolition of FICAC and the transfer of its specialist anti-corruption function to the Fiji Police Force and the Office of DPP. I believe, from my reading of the concerns raised by TIF, is that this proposed plan to dismantle FICAC is a case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Rajend Naidu Calgary, Canada
Switching sides
The world has changed, or at least Donald Trump’s world has, given he has switched to Putin’s side, more than a little bit. Some things are obvious, people need fuel, the Republicans need votes, and Trump needs to win, something, anything and it’s not going to be with Iran or Ukraine. By working with Putin he can start to swing things his way, before the mid-term elections wipe out his supporters. Political leaders must do the best they can and not prioritise self interest. History will remember what is done or not done, not what the leader claims to have done. How will history remember your leaders and what should you do about making sure the leaders were the best they could be? Dennis Fitzgerald Australia
