Prepare to win!
Navatu Secondary School did not win the Deans U-19 trophy, but they won hearts, fans, and returned home with truck loads of memories and valuable lessons. They stood out with their performance, knocking out three traditional giants — QVS 19-13 in the eliminations, Suva Grammar 19-15 in the quarter-final and RKS 22-17 in the semi-final. The Savusavu-based rural school was unlucky as they lost the tight final by a point (15-14). I was hoping for a miracle so that Navatu could turn the table on Lelean. I taught the head coach of the team, Alipate Ravulo, at Savusavu Secondary School and Ravulo himself was a disciplined, passionate and determined player during his playing days. He transformed the team into a winning team by changing their mentality and driving in the players the importance of believing in themselves and the need to have a positive mindset. His message to the Northern teams was a challenge — prepare to win, not simply to participate (FT: 25/08). He is right because Navatu created history, becoming the first team from the Friendly North to reach the Deans final. He reminded the Northerners that preparation must be purposeful and that it must go beyond physical conditioning and rugby skills. Focus must be placed on the physical, mental and spiritual aspects. Navatu turned heads in the Deans. Their hunger, passion and the drive to deliver stood out despite the school not having a proper playground and accessibility to a gym! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
To let or not to let
“Let Fiji Airways run Fiji Airways.” A very poetic statement by the DPM and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka. Yes, the airline must be allowed to run itself. However noble the statement sounds, it is contradictory in reality. The looming 5 per cent Tourism Services Tax (TST) and the endless Government guarantees don’t suggest that we are letting Fiji Airways run Fiji Airways. In reality, Government via taxpayer money and tourists via TST are propping up the airline. Why not! Everything possible must be tried to keep the airline in the air and avoid stalling. It’s the contradictory statement that I can’t fathom with. If we truly let Fiji Airways run Fiji Airways, it won’t run, without the additional taxes and government guarantees. So, we can’t let Fiji Airways run Fiji Airways. Because it can’t run itself. Donald Singh Nausori
Missing school days
I hear from the HTA meeting held in Denarau, Nadi last week that some teachers have missed 100 teaching days. This has raised some concerns among parents who sent their children to school for a good education and if the students are there without their teacher, this places unnecessary burden on the HT. Does the MoE HR department keep track of their teachers’ attendance? I know all schools send weekly reports to HQ and some people in the admin would record the attendance/absence of each individual staff. I know too the unions would negotiate on teachers’ absence without sick sheet which is their entitlement. My dear wife taught for 40 years till she retired at 60 years. She taught 40 to 45 children in her Class 8 for 25 years in a row. In all the years she taught, she was so absorbed on imparting knowledge to the little ones that the only days she was ever absent was when she was on maternity leave seven times at that. I am sad to also learn that the absence is not only in primary or secondary schools, it is also happening in FNU Namaka where students studying for their future are often advised a day before they attend class or on their way to uni for classes through social media. How irresponsible some people can be. Mr Minister please ensure your ministry which is responsible for an educated future of our nation carries out the necessary improvements. Sam Young Norma’s Pl, Nadi
Timely call
IN September of 2017, I shared my thoughts with the late Qase Levu of the MCIF back then on the island of Matuku one afternoon, after the induction of a new divisional superintendent, on the matter of soli etc. I based my thoughts on a research I did before 2017 when the MCIF faced a sharp drop in its membership, with many leaving for other Christian denominations because of the soli burden on the members. I still remember when I told the late Qase Levu that the MCIF should utilise its properties and assets, set up an operative financial team for the church without ministers’ influence to build a financial arm for the support of the operation of the church, but, I was scolded by the newly-inducted superintendent when he reminded me: “na ka ga era sa dau cakava tu mai na noda qase, cava o keda meda sega ni rawa ni cakava kina”. Anyways, last year’s bold sermon by Reverend Lal is an example of today’s church ministers’ lifestyle that they are not even able to keep up with the ways of serving the church as it was carried out by our forefathers who served as church ministers (noda qase). However, thank you Qase Levu Rev Turagavou for the timely call for an end to the levy system (FT 25/8). Indeed the MCIF should be more methodical in this modern timeline with its way of living because once an institution becomes authoritative, it’s members will flee. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve …” Mark 10:45. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Straight Talk!
I saw Wylie Clarke, the president of the Fiji Law Society, interviewed by Vijay Narayan on FijiVillage Straight Talk. I wondered how much was actually straight talk and how much was slanted to recast Mr Clarke as a victim of the COI’s denial of natural justice to him. It would be interesting to see what the court of appeal determines since PM Rabuka has decided to challenge the High Court ruling that the COI was “null and void” in its entirety. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Biscuit and pie
ONE Sunday afternoon in 1993, I had an argument with my grandmother (RIL Pu Fane) in Waciwaci Village over why she gave me biscuits but baked a tray of pie for the church. Then I asked her, ‘where is your Jerusalem Pu?’ She smiled at me and said: “For the love of the church.” AREKI DAWAI Suva
Street dweller
Street dweller found dead in Lautoka (FT 17/8) is heart breaking. It’s difficult to survive without food and water and shelter in a crisis. It’s a wake-up call for authorities to investigate why people have to go down to the streets to live. Fiji is still not overpopulated or lacks land to accommodate all Fijians. Is there a need for more evacuation or rehabilitation centre? Help us God. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Qawa pollution
I thank Dewa Chand, a former secondary school teacher for writing about the Qawa River pollution and blaming FSC for the pollution because it only happens during the crushing season. However, being a former English teacher he could have written ‘a letter by Sukha Singh of Labasa’. By writing ‘a letter by one Sukha Singh’, I believe it means he does not know me. Maybe he doesn’t! Sukha Singh Labasa
Fiji Airways
So many complaints regarding meals served on flights. Why can’t they improve it. Dan Urai? Lautoka
Free chow
We learn from Justice David Ashton-Lewis’ interview in FijiVillage Straight Talk that in December 2023, he, Fiji Law Society president Wylie Clark and prominent Suva lawyer Hemendra Nagin had dinner together at the Ashiyana Restaurant in Suva. Apart from issues arising out of the conversation they had about the possibility of Justice Ashton-Lewis being appointed Chief Justice, I would be interested to know who picked up the tab? Or, was it free chow on the house? I ask because it is well known that big shots in Fiji get a lot of free chow and free other goodies by business wallahs. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Exemplary leadership on national airline
Opposition MP Premila Kumar has once again demonstrated the qualities that made her an outstanding CEO of the Consumer Council — courage, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to the public interest. In Parliament, she rightly questioned why Fiji Airways, an airline that charges Fijians some of the highest fares in the Pacific, continues to serve economy–class passengers inadequate meals. Her point is simple but powerful: an award–winning airline must reflect its reputation not only in glossy branding but in the everyday experience of ordinary travellers, and the diversity of its inflight attendants, to reflect Fiji. When a return ticket from Nadi to Sydney costs over $2000, and Nadi to Vancouver exceeds $6000, passengers deserve more than a sandwich. Food is central to Fijian culture, and Ms Kumar’s call for incorporating local produce and branding — from the long loaf to authentic Fijian staples — is both culturally resonant and economically sensible. I will add traditional Indian sweets, an image of Fiji, as dessert. I do wonder how we could ideally fit and serve the traditional long loaf on board on those tiny food trays. Maybe we could have the big “piyala” of strong ginger milk tea, with the guava jam spread on long loaf bread, or half a loaf each passenger, and have that early morning breakfast, cha and bread. What about our Fiji’s Cabin crackers inside the cabin of the FJ Airline-that would be a miss if we neglected that. Want to go real green, maybe Fiji Airways can try serving food on the banana leaves and bring out the real Fiji with fish and lolo or kokoda -raw fish in coconut cream or lovo food. I will leave Ms Kumar to figure out the catering part. I am already getting hungry now, and glad that we are at least having this conversation, the expatriate CEO of Virgin has never thought about, in his budget airline where one has to buy even water! The deeper issue, however, is accountability. Fiji Airways has raised fares to punishing levels, while simultaneously soon, drawing on a 5 per cent levy extracted from the tourism sector per the 2026-27 budget, and ongoing government guarantees of 200 million dollars. This is not sustainable. Building a reputation takes decades, and yet under current management — led by a CEO imported from a budget airline background — the airline risks squandering its hard–won standing over years, with great skills and support from the inflight Fijian staff. However, I would suggest a bit more disparity to reflect the population of Fiji. I do not appear to see any non-iTaukei in flight attendants to showcase real Fiji. Disposable cutlery and token “green” initiatives are cosmetic stunts, not substantive reforms so go one better, banana or tamu leaves will rock the world of aviation, who will give accolades to FJ. Ms Kumar’s intervention stands in contrast to ministers more interested in photo opportunities than in holding the airline to account. Her leadership recalls the legacy of Irene Jai Narayan — principled, fearless, and focused on the people and the nation. Fiji needs more leaders of this calibre, willing to challenge cosy relationships and demand that Fiji Airways respect the taxpayers and travellers who sustain it. Opposition MP Premila Kumar is proving herself, as one of the most capable women leaders to emerge in Parliament. Her voice is not only welcome but essential in ensuring that Fiji Airways delivers value, dignity, and accountability to the nation, especially under the new CEO. Dr Sushil K Sharma Lautoka
Governance and human rights
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the critical issues of leadership, governance and human rights. Recent developments have highlighted significant challenges including the need for greater transparency in government actions, accountability for leadership decisions and the protection of fundamental human rights for all citizens. Ensuring effective governance is essential for fostering a society that upholds democratic values and respects the rights of individuals. I urge you to address these issues and promote a more inclusive and just environment where every Fijian can thrive in dignity and freedom. Shilafaga Kamikamica Caubati, Nasinu
