Fijian pair conquer Mt Kilimanjaro!
Words of wisdom from Ragina Devi and Davinash Naicker, who braved the -23°C conditions, exhausted, freezing, but proudly waving Fiji’s noble banner blue, “Focus on the journey, embrace the challenge, and connect with nature. Every step brings you closer to personal growth and a sense of accomplishment”. Ragina and Davinash, completed a 5895-m ascent of Mt Kilimanjaro, fulfilling a challenge set by friends and potentially becoming the first Fijians to summit the mountain as husband and wife. No doubt the journey demanded endurance and determination through some of the harshest terrain and weather, but the reward was sweet. Trekking is not new to the couple — over the past eight years, they have tackled some of NZ’s toughest trails, including the Tongariro Crossing, Routeburn, Kepler, and Mt Taranaki. The trip to Mt Kilimanjaro presented challenges but built self-esteem and resilience. The couple made Fijians proud with their success, and our noble banner blue flew with pride and distinction as history was created. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Different views
The position that Aiyaz and Frank are in, I believe, serves as a timely and fitting reminder that we invariably ought to be good to the people on our way up the ladder because we’ll need them on our way down! In as much as I empathise with them, in as much too, the fate of the late Turaga Tui Kobuca poignantly confounds a different side of these two men! The golden rule remains, “do unto others as you would’ve them do unto you”. The wheels of the bus go round and round! Chiuu! Alipate Tuberi Suva
Former A-G’s health
Isa, I hope the former attorney-general is recovering well after reportedly suffering a stroke. It’s disheartening to see some commentators on social media speaking ill of him during this difficult time. Regardless of his often-criticized leadership style and the authoritative nature of his tenure some 16 years ago, Aiyaz is, at the end of the day, a fellow human being who now needs compassion, support, and our prayers. I also hope the former prime minister, who is in a bit of a legal strife himself, makes an effort to visit his longtime political partner at the hospital. After all, during their time at the helm of the tyrannical FijiFirst government, they were as inseparable as Bonnie and Clyde. Acha anyway, I am optimistic that Aiyaz will receive the best possible care at Lautoka’s Aspen Hospital. During his time in office, he often praised Fiji’s medical system as being “top notch” — even stating that there was no need for citizens to seek medical treatment in India, Australia, New Zealand, or even Singapore (although on the contrary Aiyaz himself attempted numerous times to fly there for medical purposes). That is the “fact of the matter”. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Heartfelt irony
Isn’t it something? The A-G of the ousted FijiFirst government, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, once proudly promised that Aspen Lautoka Hospital would be the best place for heart surgeries, open all day and night, so no Fijian would ever need to go overseas again. Now, he is lying there, seriously ill, right in that very hospital. And yet, MP Ketan Lal, his party colleague, is worried about the care he is getting (FT 17/07). If this is the “safest place in Fiji,” one wonders what the fuss is about. Mr Lal should stop shedding crocodile tears and trust the very “state-of-art-medical-facility” that Mr Sayed-Khaiyum has so thoughtfully built for fellow Fijians. Maybe it is not the building that is the problem, but politics playing doctor. Let us hope real care, not just speeches, comes next. Get well soon! DINESH KUMAR Ba
Strike on terrorism
Israel’s missile strikes in Syria to protect Druze people and the Indian Army using 150 drones to attack ULFA (United Liberation Front of Assam) and other terrorist outfits hiding in Myanmar jungles is an indication that Israel and India have taken upon themselves to eradicate terrorism from the face of this Earth. Although, not officially acknowledged by the Indian Army of drone attack (Google), it is a well known fact that the terrorists are financed and armed by countries on India’s northern and western borders. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Vandalism issue
FT 14/07 had reported on vandalism in Nadi and Savusavu towns. In Nadi, idiotic vandals scribbled graffiti on newly painted benches at the bus terminal and also scratched posts, etc. In Savusavu, two rubbish bins were recently set on fire in town and loitering drunkards damaged two vehicles. Here in our very own historical and World Heritage Town of dear o’l Levuka, hoodlum vandals, just two weeks ago, spray painted graffiti on walls of private and public properties including a bridge and along the seawall. Mind you, all this happened in Central Levuka. Time is nigh for the Fiji Police Force to stringently clamp down on those aimlessly loitering in towns/cities at night. Vandals once caught, should be dealt with accordingly and shown no mercy to teach them a lesson. Subsequently, during my early Sunday morning strolls, empty bottles of beer including RTD cans and bottles are strewn all over the seafront in town. It certainly reveals that police needs to step up enforcement against, not only public drinking, but disorderly conduct by rowdy drunkards. Again, show them no mercy to teach them a lesson to curb such nuisance and maintain the ‘peace and quiet’. Sometimes I wonder. ANTHONY SAHAI Levuka, Ovalau
Prize idea
When TD came to pick my son Allen and I for our weekly shopping run, I realised I’d forgotten my shopping list and pen at home. Surprisingly, he offered me a pencil case full of pens to use. He’s built up quite the collection of pens from winning letter of the week. Maybe his next prize should be one grater because when he gave my change his hand felt like a block of sandpaper from all the ‘kani’! Manavesi Lockington Kava Place Waiyavi Lautoka
Million dollar madam!
Malimali seeks $2m settlement (FT 16/7). Many from the sisterhood will tell you Malimali is million dollar madam and many men in high places too will tell you that. Malimali is a national treasure. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Thorough upgrade
The HFC turf conclusion requires a parameter extension. If one were to independently view the seating arrangement at the nation’s leading stadiums, I think the conclusion would be confined to “leisure park”. Perhaps, their collective highlight would be the availability of water-borne toilets. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Within country
Can all the MPs give a comprehensive tally of all the internal trips around the country to actually witness the state of our country. Include reasons too. Asish Vinay Prasad Park Rd., Raiwasa, Suva
The deeds
WHEN the three wheeler Coalition Government has the capacity to stand for the good of the people, they can also protect the bad deeds of their own people and authentically forget the ugly that comes after. Nanise Soko Suva
Ground condition
The Prime Minister wants an explanation on the condition of the HFC Stadium pitch. I believe the explanation is very simple — incompetence and no money. Unless someone has another explanation. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Call for tolerance
The Labour leader calling for for tolerance (Fiji Times 13/7) on recent vandalism of idols should wake up all Fijians to respect each other’s culture, religion and places of worship. Tolerance is a good cornerstone on which to build good human relationship, be it at schools, communities or workplaces. “The greatest problem in the world today is intolerance. Everyone is so important of each other.”-Princess Diana. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Police and rugby
Lami police
It is no wonder there are so many complaints about the police force. With focus on the “quality” of policing, one does wonder what the criteria for being a “police man/woman” is. A squatter settlement in Lami continually pounds out loud thumping bass music at nightclub volumes daily all hours of the day and night. Sometimes accompanied by drunken druggies roaring and shouting out swear words. Despite knowing what the situation is and who the person responsible is, Lami police support this anti-social behaviour by simply “warning them”. Mob rule is allowed to become the norm. The irony is that a current member of the Lami police unit lives in the same squatter settlement and is unable to monitor, control this ongoing issue as a serving police officer. Points towards the calibre of the police force. Children, the elderly, new mums and babies, people recuperating after surgery in the area are continually deprived of the basic human right to a peaceful night’s sleep and peace through the day. Community policing is a joke as is the police force when they are unable to do something as simple as live up to their motto Salus Populi, which translates to “the welfare of the people”, what say you ComPol Tudravu? Sanya Catherine Gain Lami
Rugby collaboration
An inspired move by our Prime Minister to engage with French rugby leadership. This meeting with Abdelatif Benazzi, the vice president of the French Rugby Union and chairman of the Six Nations, holds immense promise for Fiji Rugby. France’s world-class rugby ecosystem — from high-performance systems to business operations — offers invaluable lessons for our own development. We deeply appreciate France’s role in nurturing Fijian talent through the Top 14, where our players thrive professionally and economically. Now, let’s harness this partnership to:
- Build systems: Adopt France’s expertise in scouting talent from “maritime islands, rural interiors, and settlements” – ensuring no “diamond in the rough’ goes undiscovered”;
- Professionalise pathways: Create sustainable structures to polish these gems for global stages, turning raw talent into professional exports; and
- Beyond the field: Learn from France’s holistic rugby economy — governance, commercial partnerships, and community engagement.
With our FRU chairman (a proven rugby visionary) and acting CEO (a leader bridging sport and strategy) at the helm — both former players who understand our DNA — Fiji Rugby has its brightest leadership in decades. Their combined expertise can transform our ‘natural entertainers’ into a globally competitive, professionally managed rugby nation. Vinaka vakalevu to our PM for championing this strategic partnership. The future of Fijian rugby isn’t just bright —”it’s ready to shine on the world’s terms.” Seveci Tora Tacirua Heights, Tacirua
