‘Coke’ bust
Hats off to the Fiji Police Force, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), informers, and all relevant stakeholders for the successful early-morning raid on Friday at Vatia Wharf in Tavua, during which more than 100 sacks of ‘cocaine’ were confiscated. This operation represents a significant achievement in Fiji’s ongoing efforts to combat the illicit drug trade. It is imperative that the six individuals arrested are dealt with in accordance with the full force of the law, so that justice is served and a clear deterrent message is sent to those who seek to undermine the safety and well-being of our society. DINESH KUMAR Ba.
Best wishes for the PM
I wish the Prime Minister a speedy recovery in New Zealand. My concern is what will Fijians and Fiji do without him? There is no one else. Jan Nissar Sydney NSW, Australia
Bula FC drops points!
Perhaps Bula FC fans had celebrated too early as a powerful shot from Vanuatu FC’s William Cardona zoomed past Didier Desprez and into the back of the net. With a handy 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Roy Krishna and Nabil Begg, the Bula FC went into defensive mode. Lapse of concentration and match fitness allowed Vanuatu FC to throw everything they had in search of the equaliser, and it was a heartbreaking draw for the Bula FC as we had three points in the bag. Our players must prepare themselves mentally and physically to play until the final whistle. While history was created at Eden Park, and dreams, hard-work and planning came to fruition, a lot of work is on our plate as we prepare to face the giants in the league. Defence must be top draw. We conceded a simple goal in the first half to Bill Kaltack who got the final touch on an Alex Saniel header from a corner. With no offence to Roy Krishna, for me, teenager Kaile Auvray was the man-of-the-match. He was sublime and played his heart out. He worked hard and created chances that were not utilised by our marksmen, including Roy! It’s time to put the disappointment behind and focus on our second match. All the best, Bula FC! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
When there are red flags
When foreign nationals enter the country from certain high-risk regions, does this not trigger any red flags within our immigration screening process? Visitors, I assume, are required to hold return tickets and declare the purpose and duration of their stay. When an individuals’ movement, behaviour or length of stay fall well outside what would be normal tourist activity, logic suggests warning signals should set off alarm bells indicating possible suspicious behaviour. This isn’t a call for blanket suspicion nor an argument welcoming visitors to our shores. Fiji has always been an open hospitable nation. However, it’s neither unreasonable nor discriminatory to apply heightened security measures especially towards unaccompanied travellers arriving from known high risk destinations particularly in an era when transnational crime syndicates exploit small trusting nations. It should serve as a sobering reminder that this seizure is likely the tip of a larger iceberg. However, kudos to our security forces for their vigilance in keeping our nation free from the scourge and spread of this insidious plague. Colin Deoki Australia
Incompetency, pots and kettles
Every stick of cane should be harvested, and there’s no two ways about it. Calls by politicians and farmers for compensation to be paid to farmers for all standover cane must not be ignored. This is why. One. Standover cane points to incompetency on the industry bosses and players. Two. Standover cane has been a reality for many years. Questions. In the past decade, in which years were compensations paid to farmers for standover cane? If paid, how many farmers, for what estimated tonnage and at what cost? Or is it a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black? But stats could prove me wrong. On the other hand, no harm starting with compensation now. Donald Singh Suva
Faith over floodwaters
New Zealand Fijian Cavaliers 7s player, Farasiko Tubunanuku is one of the highest examples of determination and courage. Crossing a dangerously flooded bridge is no joke. What an effort by him to make it to the Coral Coast Fiji 7s despite a flooded bridge which many wouldn’t dare to cross. He also showed good faith in the Lord. A very good example of faith as well. He mentioned as read in The Fiji Times, “Our plans may be different, but the Lord’s plan is always the definite one”. Amen. Aminisitai Tora Nadera, Nasinu
Pacific Polytech
HECF Director Dr Eci Tekuru Naisele’s clarification that Pacific Polytech has attained full registration having met the bar is relieving news. If one spends five minutes with Dr Ganesh Chand at his very simplistic office, one will realise how realistic their goals are. He doesn’t talk big. He told me that their graduates are market ready. Pacific Polytech should not be made a political thing by anybody. This is not a politically motivated letter. Donald Singh Suva
Reducing crime
The Fiji Times news with a picture of police dealing with drunkards (FT15/1) should alert all involved in alcohol and drug related crimes. Reducing crime, with everyone’s support will help the country for progress to develop Fiji for all Fijians for peaceful living. It should be our pride to remain in the paradise of the South Pacific-the way the world should be. Reduce the means to reduce crime. Tahir Ali Hamlton, New Zealand.
Change in Iran
Change in Iran is only possible if those young women and men protesting put up a popular leader from among themselves. Parachuting Reza Pahalavi, son of last Shah, is akin to putting Mohd. Yunus in Bangladesh. I believe that President Trump will not attack Iran for the reason that military analysts say, that Iran has about 12,000 to 20,000 long range ballistic missiles that can hit USA’s Bahrain (Navy) and Qatar airbase, aircraft carriers in the Middle East, Saudi Arabian Air bases and oil refineries. Iran also has sea drones to attack US naval ships. Houthis will also join in the attack. Military analysts also believe that Iran has dirty nuclear bombs which are capable of spreading radiation. The last bombing by US with Israel was a fixed match where the Iranians were given time to remove the enriched uranium. Trump knows that Israel is using the US like a ‘ram’ (domesticated sheep); wave a red flag in front, it will run to hit you. Above all, if a war threatens the existence of Israel, it will not hesitate to use its nuclear weapons which will be catastrophic for the entire Middle East. A war also means Iranians rallying behind the Ayatollahs. This compares with India’s Gen Z going to temples and singing ‘bhajans’ (devotional songs) while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal burned under Gen Zs and Deep States control. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Tributes pour in for athletics icon!
Tributes openly poured in as Fiji lost a patriotic and passionate son in 48-year-old Joseph Rodan Junior, the son of former national athletics coach, athlete and marketing professional Joseph Rodan Senior. Affectionately known as JJ to loved ones and close pals, Rodan Junior’s contribution to athletics was immense and significant. He not only represented Fiji in athletics at regional, Pacific and international levels, in 100m, long jump, hurdles, pole vault and the decathlon, where he won medals, but he also played a vital role in developing local athletes and strengthening athletics administration in Fiji. At the age of 17, while he was still a student at Suva’s prominent athletics school, Marist Brothers High School, he became the youngest male athlete to win a gold medal in the decathlon. Due to his sterling performance on the track, he was awarded a scholarship to study in the United States. JJ received the Oceania Athletics Association Merit Award in 2016, and three years later, he was inducted into the Fiji Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. JJ was humble. He was a loving and caring family man who loved to serve respectfully. His achievements on and off the track speak high volumes of his calibre as a sportsman and a gentleman. From winning gold medals in the South Pacific Games to the Oceania Games, JJ won hearts with his personality. He leaves behind broken hearts, and I pray that the departed soul rests in peace and the grieving family comes to terms with his departure. Thank you, JJ, for being a true son of our beloved Fiji! Just like your dad, the great Joseph Rodan Senior, you have touched many hearts! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Measuring performances
What a start to the new year for New Zealand Rugby? The removal of the All Blacks coach signals a sensitive decision meaning New Zealand rugby leaders is monitoring performances and are serious about preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Meanwhile, how about our Flying Fijians? Reality is that our performances remain inconsistent and for some reason we still favour some of Drua players who have not really performed during the last Super Rugby competition. For some reason some of our high performing players in Europe are overlooked. All in all, let’s hope that our national coaches and players are measured against their performances as this is the only way to bring out the best of our Flying Fijians. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Letters to the editor
I don’t see any reason whatsoever, most regulars continuously posted foreign issues and events, which the FT entertains. This is Fiji, not US, UK, India, Australia or China, for that matter. What matters most are the ‘constructive’ ideal comments that are mostly relative to the enhancing and building of Fiji’s governance and what not. An analogy or similar should do, not otherwise. The current EFL tariff is an excellent example. Just a food for thought. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
