Nurture elite talent
Fiji needs to look deeper into its sports development. Beyond rugby and weightlifting, why are we failing to win Olympic and Commonwealth medals? For over four decades, we have chased the same flawed multi-sport cycle. A Year 10 student cannot sprint in Term 1, play rugby in Term 2, and keep hockey goal in Term 3. What skills are we actually mastering? It is time for a drastic change. We must forget about school glory and corporate sponsorship billboards. Our youths are not products to advertise local tournaments; they deserve elite, specialised training to turn their God-given talents into sustainable livelihoods. I urge the Ministry of Youth and Sports, FASANOC, and school sporting bodies to ask a simple question: are your programs built to make Fiji proud on the global stage, or just to boost school pride and corporate logos? If we want global medals tomorrow, we must fix our broken development model today. Paula Kaloukocei Levuka, Ovalau
Important decision
THE Prime Minister stated that the extension of time is needed for the constitution amendment followed by giving only three weeks extension. I believe he simply gave lollies to everyone to either make them happy temporarily or shut them up. Well we have taken the lollies but wish to open and eat at the right time. Too much NCD problem you know. Please consider extending the time till the next election. Three weeks is nothing for an important document of our nation to be endorsed. We are certain that common sense will prevail in this very important decision. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Listen to the people
THE views of the people of Fiji and where the emphasis of the majority lay as reflected in the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Committee as well as heard at almost all of the Public Consultations organised to date, clearly spoke against the Immunity Clause of Bill 32. Indeed, the nation had spoken on this issue. Many of us had earlier made detailed submissions directly to the CRC through the organisations we represent. Later, we had made a written submission on the Bill. However, as we continue to hear and read through the media, the government’s stand; defending its inclusion of the Immunity clause in the Bill, I am similarly making this plea through the media for the Government to please stop and listen to the call of the people. My appeal to Government is this: The Constitution is the mirror of the soul of a nation. It reflects what we value; our principles and what we call justice and the integrity and consistency by which we uphold it. As state laws and regulations will be derived from it, it is the moral compass that will define with consistency, what we consider is right and what is wrong. Never should it contradict itself. Hence, to facilitate exception for some from the rule of law –especially in the serious criminal act of overtaking by force, an elected Government, is downright immoral. It is a great indicator of weakness and lack of faith contradicting and dishonoring the values of the different religious beliefs of the people of Fiji. Let us start with a new slate. Prevent any legal action to claim compensation for what had happened in the past up to the 2006 coup. Clearly state that no immunity shall be granted forthwith as the new constitution comes into force. The fear of the insecurity of the indigenous people disturbing the peace can be aptly safeguarded in other legitimate ways. Let not our fears define us by inserting the granting of any immunity. That will indeed not accurately mirror the soul of this beloved nation of ours. For we know who we are and you have heard the people say it. We want it to be known that the people of Fiji collectively have a soul that highly values being moral and courageous. Susana Tuisawau Wainivula Rd, Nasinu
Church and State
MAY I thank Dr Sharma for his letter (29/10) and say that I heartily agree with him? Dr Sharma states that ‘the role of government is not to enforce religious observance but to protect the freedoms of all citizens equally’. Indeed, religion is a matter of many differing individual beliefs and no government should have any involvement with any belief whatsoever. In 1636 Roger Williams in the UK coined the phrase ‘liberty of conscience’, arguing that the government lacked authority over individual conscience which no right-minded individual would give to others to control. In 1802 Thomas Jefferson in the USA wrote that religion is a matter between man and his God and that therefore the power of government controls action only and must not control opinions. It is the opinions of the people that choose governments; MPs are voted into office and are in Parliament to serve the people – we vote for a party because we think that it will best serve our interests – not the other way round. But many governments, organisations and other institutions, even companies, hold so-called non-denominational prayers before meetings with no regard for those who have no belief at all; therefore the issue of belief versus state is a confused one which forces those without faith to yield their right to freedom of opinion and conscience. We have laws which justly govern our violations of the rights of others. Do we really want our government to unjustly violate our own rights? Why is it that a government of a few hundred people can do what one person must not? Government of the people, by the people, for the people is democracy. If one person demanded that we act against our better judgement we would say no – yet if a gathering named a government demands the same we are expected to comply; and the silent majority does so. Collective rights win out almost every time – and yet collective rights are a myth because, despite the fact that we are all considered equal, some are always more equal than others. But big numbers do not increase legitimacy! Wrong is wrong and right is right. The possibility of ‘crime of thought’ is all the more reason why we should insist upon our rights to personal conscience and opinion without direction from the government lest power go rogue: because for autocrats thoughtcrime is the ultimate crime – the crime that can bring down autocratic regimes. Why else would autocrats fear the media? Sue Cauty Pacific Harbour
Lesson and rugby
A parable – A lesson in letting go
I would like to share a meaningful parable that carries an important lesson for all of us. Once upon a time, a Buddhist master and his young novice were walking along a path when they came across a river. At the riverbank stood a beautifully dressed woman who was wondering how she could cross. Without hesitation, the master offered to help. He gently carried the woman across the river and placed her safely on the other side and continued his journey with his novice. After walking for several miles towards the monastery, the novice could no longer contain his thoughts. He asked his master: “How could you carry that woman when our teachings forbid us from touching women?” The master smiled and replied: “My dear student, I carried that woman across the river and left her there. Why are you still carrying her in your mind”? This simple yet profound story offers a valuable lesson. Perhaps this is a lesson worth reflecting upon in our beloved Fiji. Rather than continually revisiting the unfortunate events of our past, let us learn to move forward with wisdom, compassion, and understanding. Let us respect one another, embrace forgiveness and remember that we share a common home. Regardless of who took the wrong turn, there is always an opportunity to choose a better path. The past cannot be changed, but the future is still ours to shape. Adam Maharaj Corrimal, NSW, Australia
Stallions dominate provincial rugby!
Nadroga proved their worth as Fiji’s provincial champions after their U20 and senior teams defeated Nadi 41-39 and 24-22 in emphatic fashion. History repeated itself. The last time the Stallions won the Skipper Cup was back in 2024. Their senior side beat Suva 22-17, while the U20 team outclassed Naitasiri 43-36 in a hard-fought battle at Ratu Cakobau Park. On Saturday against Nadi, the U20 boys produced a delicious game plan and set the platform for the senior team to complete a back-to-back victory. The senior team, led by Manueli Ratuniyarawa, who has signed with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for 2027, produced a breathtaking and dramatic second-half comeback to win the 2026 Skipper Cup at Churchill Park. Nadi led 19-11 at half-time, thanks to three beautiful and well-worked tries by Akuila Momo, Mosese Naura and Etuate Qalibau. Sefanaia Tokaduadua grabbed Nadroga’s opening try, while upcoming 15s sensation Joeli Baleilevuka scored the decisive try. Baleilevuka played a crucial role in 2024, helping the Stallions beat Suva 22-17. and just like Anasa Tuitai, who scored the winning try in the dying moments in 2024, Baleilevuka broke Nadi hearts with his try. Fiji’s traditional giants were adamant to restore lost glory and bring back the trophy to Nakuruvarua, and the boys played their hearts out, showing the much-needed hunger, aggression, pride and passion. The boys should not rest until the prestigious Farebrother Sullivan Trophy settles in their cabinet. As an ardent Nadroga fan, I congratulate the players and officials! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Landfill smoke
If you are visiting the Sugar City, do not be romanticised by the morning fog or feel intimate seeing the afternoon haze. It’s just smoke from the Vunato landfill which has blanketed Lautoka. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
NFP issue
Once upon a time, a bullock-cart (bailagadi) was moving down a dirt road. Seeing this, many rabbits began walking underneath the cart. After some distance, the rabbits had this delusion that it was in fact their effort which was moving the cart. NFP had been suffering from this delusion also. They believed that they were running the government. Time for a reality check. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Vunato fire
Once again after the clean-up campaign the rubbish dump in Lautoka catches fire. It has been happening for years now and Lautoka City Council cannot do anything about it but will only come with excuses. No one has ever taken responsibility of the fire which is causing health issues to many citizens of Lautoka. All the COP and environmental talks but the Lautoka rubbish dump keeps on burning. It is time to bring back elected councillors. If the special administrators of Lautoka have any shame, then they should all resign as they have once again failed the people of Lautoka. Joseph Chand Lautoka
City at risk
I refer to Nishant Singh’s letter, “City crying (FT 2/11)”, which made me feel deeply concerned about our Sugar City, Lautoka. It seems that many of the issues our country is facing are all found in Lautoka. Throughout his letter, I could sense that Mr Singh was crying out for help. I sincerely appeal to the Fiji Police Force and all relevant authorities to take his concerns seriously. Surely, someone in authority has read his letter by now. Please listen to this citizen and take action before things get worse. RODNEY CLARENCE RAJ Naleba, Labasa
Senate issue
The proposed ‘Senate’ by Government is a ‘foreign flower’, wrong soil. With perhaps 23 member senators to a population of less a million, better use that money to the ailing water supply especially at CWM Hospital etc. Poor water project (big time) for Lekutu Secondary school plus the Nabavatu Housing project delays. Please come down, lots of unnecessary wastage. Jioji O. Toronibau Navetau, Tunuloa
