Heroes above the clouds
WATCHING hijacking movies can be frightening, but nothing compares to the terror of having the lives of more than 170 passengers and crew members placed at risk. That was the horrifying reality following the recent alleged attack on the Indian national captain by the Omani co-pilot of a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite being seriously injured, the heroic Indian national captain, Smit Machchhar, managed to open the cockpit door. Another hero, an Israeli plumber, Yaniv Hayun on board, wrestled the alleged terrorist out of the cockpit and took control of the plane. With assistance from two other replacement pilots on board, the plane was safely landed in Saudi Arabia. Hopefully, horror of the attempted hijack dares not haunt the very fortunate passengers and crew members over their safety; as one mentioned the ordeal was million times more than a descending roller coaster ride. SARITA LAL Malolo St, Lautoka
Strengthening protections
I AM writing to address the issue of human rights in relation to the safety and protection of women and children across Fiji today. Even with progressive policies, vulnerable groups still remain victims of domestic violence, gender inequality, and children’s protection problems. This issue has the potential to significantly weaken human dignity and security. Government and community leaders need to improve enforcement processes, offer more assistance, and make changes within child justice systems to ensure that the safety of women and children are improved. The safety of women and children is important for our nation. MAGDALENE KORO Naboro
Heed the Tassiriki call
INITIATED by young Pacific Islanders, the International Court of Justice unanimously affirmed in 2025 that the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment forms part of international law. It made clear that States have legal obligations to protect the climate system and prevent harm from climate change. The opinion was subsequently endorsed by 141 countries, including Australia, in a UN General Assembly resolution in May this year. Yet, since coming to power in 2022, the Australian government has approved 37 new, expanded or extended coal, oil and gas developments, several since the ICJ decision. As an Australian with six grandchildren, I fear for their future, as I know my Pacific neighbours fear for the future of their communities and cultures. I condemn the Australian government that says one thing while doing another — and regrettably, the opposition parties are even worse. I sincerely hope Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Funafuti, Tuvalu, one of the countries most exposed to sea-level rise, will strengthen his resolve to phase out fossil fuels and endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. In April, six Pacific countries — Tuvalu, Samoa, Fiji, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and Vanuatu — adopted the Tassiriki Call for a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific, calling for urgent negotiation of a global Fossil Fuel Treaty. Australia cannot credibly claim climate leadership while pursuing policies that undermine its international obligations. RAY PECK Melbourne, Australia
Israeli criticism from within
SAMU Silatolu defends the Israeli State from the criticism of genocide levelled against it not only by Islamic States, but “some Western and EU countries” as well (ST 4/10/26). But what does Samu Silatolu make of the Jewish voices that also say Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians? Prominent among them is Aryeh Neier — former national director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and co-founder of Human Rights Watch (see “CNN did not expect this from a Holocaust survivor and Human Rights Watch co-founder” on You Tube. Also see “94-year-old Jewish barrister arrested for supporting Palestine Action” on You Tube). After watching what these Jewish voices say alongside the global condemnation of Israel’s genocidal action in Gaza and the West Bank, I wonder if Samu Silatolu of Nakasi, Nasinu is defending the indefensible? I am also reminded here of the well-known English proverb “none so blind as those who will not see” about wilful ignorance and the choice to ignore the truth. I get a sense that Samu Silatolu operates out of such a closed mind. Contrast that with “From Gaza to Iran, Rise of Conscientious Objectors Marks US Soldiers’ Shift in Consciousness” on You Tube). RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia
Running circus
I SALUTE our journalist Waisale Koroiwasa for penning a thought-provoking sports article titled “A running circus of rugby league representation”, heading to the Rugby League World Cup in Australia, which kicks off on Thursday, October 15 between the Kangaroos and New Zealand. I thank Koroiwasa for raising two vital issues — player eligibility; and consistency in decision making against smaller nations like Fiji. Through the article, I gained that the Fiji Bati could have issues with the Fainu brothers — Siona, Samuela and Latu playing for the Fiji Bati at the RLWC tournament. I agree with Koroiwasa that the International Rugby League’s (IRL) handling of heritage eligibility is beginning to look less like a consistent international sporting system and more like a running circus. The trio — Siona, Samuela and Latu have Tongan, Māori and Fijian heritage, but they have declared their desire to represent the Fiji Bati. Good decision by the players, but then IRL seems to find it hard to digest their decision. If IRL can allow Jason Saab to represent Lebanon at the RLWC tournament, then it’s disappointing that the Fiji Bati is being treated the other way around. The question is, how can one player be cleared through a family and cultural connection, while three brothers with Fijian ancestry are denied the opportunity to represent the country of their grandmother? RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Concern or obsession
A PARTICULAR writer is concerned about the NFP leader a bit too much. The NFP leader is already indulged in the court case like his former leaders. How about he shows his concern for them? There is a huge difference in being concerned and being obsessed. KIRTI PATEL Lautoka
Big upset
HAVE I really missed something? In the just concluded Skipper Cup round ten, there was hardly any mention or decent coverage, in both the Suva-based dailies, in one of the biggest upsets. Yes, believe it or not, minnows Taveuni stopped the much-fancied Capital City side, Suva 32-31. Congratulations Taveuni. Sa wananavu dina. E totoka saraga na qaqa oqo. Toso tiko Taveuni. Toso tale Taveuni. RONNIE CHANG Nadi
Bati development
THE Fiji Bati squad announced for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup has zero local based players. Development seems to be on track. DONALD SINGH Nausori
Air quality
COULD the Ministry of Environment, the OHS Department and the owners of Damodar City Labasa do an air quality check at the Damodar City. Why am I requesting this is I have noticed black burnt particles on their car park so many times. I hope the Ministry of Environment can find out where these large black particles are coming from. SUKA SINGH Labasa
Bigger Parliament
CAN the taxpayers of Fiji afford to pay a total of 78 politicians — 55 elected and an extra Vice President? Does Fiji need a big Parliament? NARAYAN REDDY Lautoka
Tell them
WHENEVER you hear the President of our island nation, the Prime Minister or any honourable minister in the three wheeler Coalition Government says that “no one is above the law”, please tell them — don’t make a donkey of yourself! AREKI DAWAI Maharaj Place, Samabula
Stealing trend
I HEARD that youths are engaged in a new stealing trend. That is, the inner cores of vehicle tyres. Still trying to figure out the locations of the air leakage which needs urgent attention. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Regress or progress
THE Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Alfina Vuki is spot on when she states “no compromise in protecting children from violence” (FT 6/10/26 ). Is the “lawful and moderate chastisement” provision in the proposed new constitution a sneaky way of reintroducing the traditional “kuita” mentality of child discipline despite Fiji having ratified (13/08/1993 ) the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989 ) which makes corporal punishment unlawful? Clear thinking parliamentarians and ordinary people should heed the unambiguous stance of Commissioner Alefina Vuki and reject the regressive proposal. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia
Migration and poor management
SUPERMARKETS are not leaving jobs empty on purpose. Instead, they are struggling to find workers because thousands of people are moving to countries like Australia and New Zealand for better pay. At the same time, life in Fiji is getting more expensive because of inflation. Workers are refusing to take these jobs because the starter wages are too low to live on. Business leaders and labour groups are arguing how to fix this. Many say that if supermarkets want to fill these empty spots, they must adapt and start paying workers what they are actually worth. I also believe that poor management is a primary driver behind why supermarket staff are quitting from lines and floor duties. NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
The migration question
OUR Pacific neighbour, New Zealand, has been tracking the magnitude of Indian migration into New Zealanmd within the past 10 years. The figure rose from 8000 per annum and has now reached 60,000, where the suspicion of “shaggy” deals clearly rife. The official trade migration deal has been transformed into a mass migration deal, in my view. What about Fiji’s migration status? Has the Immigration Department been in-check? Is such a trend also in motion in Fiji? In fact, after the NEC and PALM Scheme came into operation, the majority of our labour market was absorbed into Australia and NZ, in my opinion. Were the foreign replacement workers brought in being officially monitored? What is the current status? The Immigration Department needs to protect Fiji’s sovereignty from illegal aliens and whatnot, in my view. Is this not what any government’s priority is supposed to be? Or will it wait until the populus becomes unbearable? The usual government reaction. Only time will tell. SAMU SILATOLU Nakasi
No one listens
RONNIE Chang (FT 6/10) says that no one listens to his words regarding the invasive tree species African Tulip tree (ATT). Certainly no one in Government listens. On my last trip to Fiji, I was struck by the number of ATTs surrounding the Nabou Green energy plant. Astonishing as burning of the ATT was part of the rationale to establish the plant. TERRY HULME Russell St, Eastwood, NSW, Australia
