Navatu braces for historic final
The students of Navatu Secondary School, who became the surprise story of this year’s Vodafone Deans U19 competition after becoming the first school from Vanua Levu to secure a place in the under-19 final, beamed with confidence as they toured the August House. I’m thankful that they had an opportunity to fulfill their dream of visiting Fiji’s Parliament House. Navatu turned heads and captured fans’ attention after outclassing Queen Victoria School at Ganilau Park. Not having a proper playing field or gym did not deter the side from beating QVS 19-12 in a hard-fought battle. After QVS fell, it was time for Suva Grammar School to taste defeat as Navatu continued their historic run, defeating the Lions 19-15 in the quarterfinal. Many were shocked, but those who rallied behind the team knew what was coming. Emotions were expressed openly as Navatu made the maiden trip to Suva for the U19 semi-final. As the players sat on the bus and then boarded the boat to the Capital City, they had nothing else on their mind but the hunger and urgency to beat Ratu Kadavulevu School. Navatu had beaten two high-profile schools, showcasing the needs and potential of a rural school that had excelled despite limited resources. Last Saturday, Navatu stunned another traditional giant of the game as they upset RKS 22-17. I admire the passion, ferocity and baptism of fire that characterise Navatu. Their defence has been rock-solid. As Navatu prepares to face Lelean Memorial School, who beat Western giants Ratu Navula College 36-27, I wish the boys from the Hidden Paradise all the best. They taught us that we don’t need fancy gyms and grounds, but courage, determination and the willingness to take on the best schools. Navatu has done the Friendly North proud! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Focus on the future
Peceli Alistir’s letter (FT 18/8/26), is what most Fiji people aspire for, in my view. There are so many national interest developments that need to upgrade Fiji away from the third world scene, I believe, have been bypassed, neglected and even suppressed, due to political “sword fighting”, within the Government. However, learning from the past instead of dwelling on it, for the betterment of the future, is essentially wise, in my opinion. Singapore, by all laws of economics and history, I am certain, should not be even a country today. It is the sheer impossibility of its survival, that is mind blowing. It became independent in 1965 without any natural resources, no vast agricultural land, no minerals and not even fresh drinking water of its own, to sustain its people. Just ponder on such a “starting platform”. And it is only 1.5 times the size of Taveuni Island. If Fiji can still not learn from such nation building, I don’t know what will. Even from Israel, for that matter. The Bible advised that as we sow, so shall we reap. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Thank you
Hon Minister Saukuru, thank you for recognising the tremendous efforts of our Commonwealth Games medalists. Sir, can we go one step further to offer a sports scholarship to both athletes to help them prepare for the Olympics? I know Taniela Rainibogi, a sole bread winner for his family, is a real contender for an Olympic medal. Can he be granted a scholarship? So he can be allowed to concentrate on his training. It’s a pity we didn’t get to recognise their individual coach and managers as well. Tai J Smith Nasinu Sec Sch Rd, Kinoya
Teachers’ conference
Every year the Ministry of Education would be organising conferences for a week in hotels for head teachers and principals in all schools around Fiji. This year the head teachers’ conference is currently underway at the Sheraton Resort in Nadi. Apart from the costs of facilitating this conference, I wonder what would be the outcome of such a costly one-week meeting. After many conferences in the past years, nothing seems to be improving in our education system, school dropout keeps on increasing, low numeracy and literacy pass, deteriorating students behavior and many others. Therefore, I question the relevance of these teachers’ conferences organised by the Ministry of Education in expensive venues like the Sheraton Hotel. I suggest that instead of convening these high-cost conferences, the money would be of better use in other areas like teachers’ salaries increase for example. Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
What solution?
Can any of the political parties contesting the election please explain to me how are they planning to combat poverty and unemployment, apart from other social problems? In simple English would be just fine. Dou bula! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Morning coffee
I’m returning to Oz this Saturday but will certainly miss my morning coffee at Grace Fields Yadua, during my early morning daily walk. Great coffee, great staff and a great start to each day. Terry Hulme Yadua Sigatoka
Drunk on a beach
I agree with Barbara Malimali that getting drunk on a beach should not disqualify her from public office (FT 19/8/26). But to do that with the judge presiding over a case in which she was counsel for the defence inevitably gives rise to the perception that she acted inappropriately. It was seen as conduct professionally unbecoming. That is why she was sanctioned by the Tuvalu state authorities and her client’s legal appeal sent back for re-hearing. That is my understanding from what has been made public. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Chinese in school
“THE Ministry of Education is set to introduce a Chinese language pilot program in 12 schools in the Central Division, as Fiji strengthens educational cooperation with China.” (FT 18/8). As it is, Fiji’s education system is facing a severe literacy crisis. A Fiji One News article (11/03/2026) on their social media platform, MOE Minister stated, “over 80% of Year 4 fall below Maths standards, nearly two-thirds lag in reading and writing and almost half of Year 9 students are not meeting proficiency benchmarks. What now? Introduce a new language subject to further burden the students? A few years ago, I’d penned in a LTE, suggesting that MOE adopt the Japanese education system which integrates the formal academic study with a significant priority placed on moral and ethical development. Not only good for the students but the country as a whole, if MOE understands my stance. Oi au we. Isa o keda. Anthony Sahai Levuka, Ovalau
Falling short
With the hundreds of churches around the country, I doubt the prayers are ascending through the ceiling and the Lord hearing it considering the deterioration of social problems? Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Chinese language in schools
I read in The Fiji Times 18/07 an article titled “Chinese language to be taught in school”. According to the report, the Ministry of Education is set to introduce a Chinese language pilot program in 12 schools in the Central Division and the justification for such initiative according to the Minister of Education Aseri Radrodro that it would help broaden education opportunities for students and strengthen people-to-people links between Fiji and China. My first question is, was there any consultation done before deciding on the matter? Secondly, why do Fijians have to learn another new language in schools, let alone Chinese, when we ourselves are losing out on our own, especially for us the iTaukei? Thirdly, who will benefit from this program, our children or the Government? To be realistic, many iTaukei students in our primary and secondary schools are scoring low marks in their own vernacular subject compared to other subjects. We have been colonised by the British hence the English language has now become our official language and not our own. I am afraid that this is another form of colonisation through language indoctrination which will only contribute to the more cascading issue of losing our own language which is central to our identity. In summation, I am convinced that such an initiative will not do us any good now and in the future, hence, my stand of strongly opposing Chinese language to be taught in schools. Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Litter law
Those caught littering in Fiji, which obviously includes dear ol’ Levuka, will be fined a higher penalty of $200 from 01/09/2026, instead of $40. Let’s see how effective will the monitoring or policing of such, be. Also, placing ‘things’ to fully/partially obstruct public pathways/walkways and roads, should be addressed, including drinking in public and loitering/lingering around aimlessly. Yes, these offences are punishable by current laws but those who’re entrusted to and obviously paid to police such, seem to be sleeping on the job. Accordingly, how about dogs pooping in public areas and pissing on shop posts, along the walkways, etc? Who’s responsible? It’s simple. Either fine or apprehend and process, if need be. Too much laxity all around. Let’s see. Anthony Sahai Levuka, Ovalau
Public drinking
Barbara Malimali has opened up about criticism of her conduct during an incident in Tuvalu some 10 years ago. She even asked “Gosh, is getting drunk on the beach a crime?” (www.fijitimes.com). Well, “gosh”, Ms Malimali, if alcohol is being consumed in a public place where the law prohibits it, then yes, it can constitute an offence. The bigger question, however is, why are our laws so routinely ignored when it comes to alcohol being consumed openly in public spaces? Walk along our beaches, streets, parks, drains, vacant lots and city areas and you will find people daringly consuming alcohol as though public spots were their private bars. It has become so commonplace and a nuisance that enforcement appears to have surrendered to the problem. Lautoka is no exception as youths fearlessly drink in plain view of the police station, located metres away from where these drunkards often congregate. So perhaps the issue is not simply whether getting drunk on a beach is a crime. The real issue is, are laws meant to apply only when convenient, or are they supposed to apply to everyone? Gosh! Nishant Singh Lautoka
