Babasiga Lions rule 4R Stadium
In front of a packed Govind Park, Labasa’s Lions stunned Ba 2-1 and ended the Men in Black’s unbeaten run in the Extra Supermarket premier league. After last year’s 0-1 loss to Rewa in the final of the IDC, Ba remained unbeaten at home until the loss to the Babasiga Lions. The carnival-like atmosphere added fuel to the excitement as fans enjoyed every bit of action on the football field. I must thank the Ba Football Association for reviving the local league which has been dying for quite some time. The local huda and tasa, which drew cheers during the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua versus Highlanders match, livened up the match. Labasa-born former Ba striker, Frances Catarogo broke Ba hearts as he scored the opening goal, and while Ba looked for the equaliser, the visitors defended their goal mouth. In the second half, Navitesh Kumar brought Labasa fans to their feet as he extended the Babasiga Lion’s lead. Ba supporters cheered as Gabriel Emmanuel pulled one back from the penalty spot, but despite the continued attacks, Ba could not get the equalisers and fans went home disappointed. On the other hand, Labasa fans celebrated and danced to the tune of the traditional musical instruments. The Ba versus Labasa match attracted a huge crowd, thanks to the efforts of the hosts. A great game! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
Improvement needed
One major problem I notice in supermarkets is the ongoing failure to keep a checkout system free of errors. Specifically, the difference between the price displayed on the shelf and the price charged at checkout is the issue I want to point out. From my own experience — and by watching other customers in similar situations — it’s evident that this is a common problem. It’s only right for management to pay more attention to their pricing systems to ensure they show accurate and updated prices every day. If quick action is taken, cashiers can concentrate on serving customers effectively instead of dealing with repeated complaints about price discrepancies. Additionally, it’s unfair for cashiers to handle these unnecessary interactions, which are ultimately caused by the negligence of others in the system. This is not a minor issue that can be ignored. A dissatisfied customer is much more likely to take their business elsewhere, choosing a store that provides better and more dependable service. So, let’s not allow the business-customer relationship to suffer over a problem that can, and should be fixed quickly. Suresh Chand Nadi
Moana Pasifika
I vouch for Donald Singh’s (LTE 04/05/26) for Fiji to include Moana Pasifika to maintain Pacific rugby intensity. I believe it’s a wise idea indeed, bringing in the much-needed foreign exchange, strength in sports rivalry and visitors of both teams plus many more positives. Second thought is that the Drua is being depicted by the i-voce (rower/pedal) instead of a miniature drua. It would be impossible to carry a replica to allocated venues/stadiums, but a miniature drua would be possible. Remember the Wallabies mascot, anything similar replicating a drua would be paramount. Just a thought, and the i-voce to represent the Ocean — Moana voyage. Jioji O Toronibau Navetau, Tunuloa
Trust and loyalty
The escalating fight against illicit drugs in Fiji has placed our disciplined forces on the front lines of an increasingly volatile environment. As the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the Fiji Police Force (FPF) confront sophisticated criminal syndicates, the complexity of their mission demands more than just tactical readiness, it requires robust institutional and legal certainty. For our personnel to operate effectively under the extreme pressure of high-stakes operations, there must be a clear sense of institutional solidarity. When officers carry out the State’s directives in high-risk scenarios, they must be empowered by clear rules of engagement (ROE) and a framework that provides adequate legal and moral support. Recent events have highlighted a growing concern regarding the perceived gap between operational commands and the subsequent legal protection of the rank and file. It is essential for the morale and cohesion of our national security apparatus that our personnel do not feel they are navigating these life-and-death situations in a vacuum. If the men and women on the front lines perceive a lack of institutional backing when facing the consequences of high-pressure duties, we risk a decline in the decisive action required to root out the drug menace. Loyalty is a foundational pillar of any disciplined force. To maintain the commitment and trust of our forces, disciplined forces leadership must ensure that legal safeguards and comprehensive support systems are modernised to match the evolving threats of the drug trade. Strengthening this mutual trust is vital to ensuring our security forces remain a unified and formidable shield for our nation. Meli Matanatoto Nadi
War on Iran
Sadly, with enormous regret and needless frustration, there is today a serious mistrust in USA as a supposedly world super power. Both US and Israel have no exit clause from their war in Iran. This is their madness. By taking out Iran’s supreme leader, they let “the Genie out”. Their proclaimed solution did not come in “quick time”. Pride always comes before a fall. The world waits and watches, intently. The international fuel price increases and inflation bring enormous economic harm to the greater world. The poorest and including those in the very margins of society suffer the most. The younger couples just trying to get started in life will hurt hardest too. There is no quick fix. Everyone just needs to cope somehow, some way. We will all need to survive. One slice of bread is better than none; one roti instead of two; half a bowl of rice instead of one. Park your car and take public transport, when possible. Huge adjustments must be made to overcome this madness caused by both President Trump and his Israeli mate, Prime Minister Netanyahu. Shame on them. They have almost flipped the world upside down. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Walk the talk
Instead of urging villages and communities to use horses and traditional canoes to cut their dependence on fuel, why don’t the Assistant Minister in the Office of the PM Sakiusa Tubuna lead by example and start riding a bicycle to work? I dare him! Ladies and gentlemen, we now shall see if he is a doer or just a talker. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Drug lord
Drug boss, drug kingpin or crime boss are names associated with drugs. Whoever is given such a name is a high-level criminal leader who manages and controls massive international drug trafficking network or syndicate. They operate in a command and control system overseeing production, distribution gaining major profits while remaining at the background from direct possession of drugs. If we had to classify the person (who died in custody), was he a drug lord or just a misguided individual caught in various illegal crimes? Rest in peace. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
Electricity bill
I received an outrageous electricity bill from EFL this month, which is triple what I normally pay. This is unexpected, and something fishy is going on, maybe EFL is trying to cover the increase in fuel cost currently happening? After all, EFL reported a profit of $7.17 million in 2024. It is better to take legal action on this and ask all those affected to come forward. Maika Tabukovu Cunningham, Suva
Free parking
In my quest to achieve a reasonable semblance of a healthy life, at age 74, and counting, during my walk this morning, Tuesday, May 5, after breakfast at 9.30am, I was pleased to see three members from our council’s enforcement unit busy at work. Bad news for all motorists along Martintar who enjoyed free parking for a long time. To maintain services and facilities required for a better Nadi, the council needs to increase their income base. To all motorists, take more care now. The days for free parking are now behind us all. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Those ships
Where the RNZAF once had its base for sea planes from 1939 to 1967, it now looks like it is going to be a new “Naboro Dump” for derelict ships. There had been talks of clearing the ships that are well past their “use by dates” away from Suva Harbour: well, one has come to that old sea-plane base at Suva Point. We have heard of ships running aground, this one was perhaps like a phantom ship: it sneaked in unseen. And it now seems to be in no need of an anchor, for it looks like it is belly-resting on the sands below the sea, tilted to one side. The removal of it from there will no doubts be a mammoth undertaking; why did it think of moving in, in the first place? And no good answers will ever be forthcoming, no doubts. Moses Fong Suva
Dynamic Mamta Banerjee
Mamta Banaerjee is the first woman Chief Minister of the State of West Bengal, India. She completed three terms since 2011 and each time winning with a landslide victory. However in the recently held state elections she lost to BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). Mamta Banarjee has been branded as a firebrand politician along with the likes of Indira Gandhi, former prime minister of India and Mayawati, the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Her 34 years of political involvement is full of challenges and excitements. She started her career as a student leader and upon graduating with a law degree at the University of Calcutta (Kolkata) she joined the Indian National Congress and became the president of its youth wing. She rose to prominence by defeating Communist Leader Somnath Chatterjee for the Lok Sabha seat. Thus becoming one of the youngest parliamentarians. She served as the Minister for Human Resources, Youth Affairs and Child Development. In 1998 she broke away from the Indian National Congress and joined BJP in 1999 where she was appointed the Railway Minister and continued till 2009. She had formed the Trinamool Congress Party. She resigned as the Railway Minister to become the first woman Chief Minister of West Bengal (2011 to 2026). She is commonly known as “Didi” (elder sister) and has grassroots touch with the people. Her welfare schemes for girls education and land redistribution for farmers was immensely successful. Mamta Banerjee is a diminutive character (five feet four inches tall), however, she is a no nonsense leader. Full of energy and a great orator: her oratory mesmerises the crowd. People are attracted by her simple dressing (white cotton saree and Hawaian sandals) and easy approachability. She is a very popular firebrand politician who has a combative style. While in office, Mamta has been involved in a number of controversies and scandals which are partly responsible for her downfall. All said and done she leaves a legacy and stands as a symbol of resistance against entrenched political power. Now she will sit on Opposition benches as the Opposition Leader and direct her energies from there. I wish her every success in her political career. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
