Binnu Singh delivers big!
What a fight, as Sigatoka’s Prince Junior Binnu Singh took Australian-based Chinese boxer Runqi Zhou to the wire, eventually losing out on points! Boxing fans enjoyed the main bout to the fullest. The best part was that every Fijian inside the Vodafone Arena joined voices to cheer on our local hero who stood toe to toe against his overseas opponent. I thank Nahroon Buksh for the wonderful organisation and for entertaining fans with some solid boxing bouts. Much to the disappointment of many patriotic Fijians, Zhou was declared the inaugural WBA Oceania Super Bantam Weight title champion. A solid anticipation had built up for the main event of the ZEG Kings Boxing Promotions, and fans looked forward to the clash between Singh and the formidable and experienced Zhou in what promised to be an exciting showdown. Singh’s hunger and determination were admired by fans. However, his brave effort wasn’t enough to beat Zhou who also showed brilliance and held his ground throughout the contest. While the main bout was super hit, I was disappointed with the efforts put in by James Singh as he was knocked out by Semi Dauloloma in the fourth round in the heavyweight title. I congratulate Sera Bolatini for creating history by becoming the first Fijian woman to win an international boxing title — the WBA Women’s Australasia Welterweight title. Spurred by the home crowd, Bolitini beat Connie Chan of Australia by unanimous points decision. I commend Nahroon Buksh and the team behind ZEG Kings Boxing Promotion for a night that delivered big! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
e-Transport system
After seven years of using the e-transport system, it appears that the inclusion in the mix of cash payments, may be the only way to overcome the problems being faced every day by our bus passengers. The nature and structure of the society we live in Fiji really shows that 100 per cent e-ticketing cannot really work for us just yet and not until a few basic issues are addressed first. The bottom line should always be the needs of the travelling public and not just the needs of the business sector or the governing authorities. Krishneel Nair’s opinion article on FT 19/7 explains it much better and in more detail. Edward Blakelock Pacific Harbour
Israel fire
I do not think Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, as commented by R. Chang (FT 19/7/25). Israel’s border was breached by the terrorist group Hamas, as the demonstration of its “charter”, the annihilation of Jews. Is that not genocide? Millions of Muslims were killed in Syria, Egypt, Sudan, China, to mention a few, yet not one Muslim state, university campus and the likes, ever did a demonstration. Why was that? Where did the 58,000 and 100 children come from? BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera? Antisemitism ideologies have reached almost all mainstream media including the UN, in my view. Only when Israel defended itself, did such comments appear. If Israel had wanted to commit genocide, it could have bombed the entire Gaza, without even entering it. Look at what happened to Iran, with only Israel’s aerial fire power. Starting a war has consequences with collateral damages, so don’t cry as being the victim. Samu Silatolu Nakasi, Nausori
Pension gratuity claim
It is mind boggling to read in the print media that former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama is claiming appropriate gratuity and interests for the years he has missed out. Is it not the same man who executed a coup against the Laisenia Qarase government to usurp power and gagged the media through the MIDA Act and threw his critics in jail? Is it not the same man under whom the FNPF pensions were drastically reduced and the access to seek justice in the courts of law was barred through Decree 51 and 52? Thus unleashing untold suffering and mental anguish to the pensioners affected. Some even died through the unexpected reductions in their monthly income. Does he have the moral courage to accept that he unfairly treated the FNPF pensioners? Does he now understand the pain it causes to lose legitimate and legally binding contracts? The FNPF pensioners have been running from pillar to post since 2012. But it cut no ice with the FijiFirst government. It is the Coalition Government under Sitiveni Rabuka which realised the gross injustice heaped upon the FNPF pensioners and it granted some reprieve since August 2024 by backdating to the original pension payment. The FNPF core group pensioners are pursuing the issue with the current government and we are very hopeful that we will reach an amicable finality in the matter. The Holy Bible is very clear: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you”. I sincerely hope that this divine message sinks down deep in the minds of the perpetrators of the 2012 FNPF pension reduction saga. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Trump’s trauma
Refer to Reuters news in The Sunday Times, 20/07 on President Trump’s statement “5 jets were shot down” at a White House dinner. Trump didn’t mention either India or Pakistan. President Trump is bitter that after the fifth round of talks, India refused to open up its dairy and agriculture sectors. For agriculture, genetically modified (GM) seeds will not germinate again. Hence, American companies will gain by selling the seeds all the time. India’s contention is that a trade deal should be mutually beneficial to both countries and India will not conduct a trade deal through media. President Trump dare not threaten any tariffs on India knowing PM Modi’s stance of protecting Indian farmers. Trump only says, “Modi is my friend”. Indians are laughing. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Unethical behaviour
Police Minister Naivalurua is spot on in warning the Fiji Police Force that there was “no place for unethical behaviour” in its rank (FT 19/7). The same is true for every public office holder whether they be in the country’s justice system, the Parliament or Labour Ministry charged with the responsibility of labour inspection for compliance. The warning must apply from top to bottom in the public service space. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Those guards
Why are we still following old British ceremonial gestures like the presidential guard who stands there motionless adding no value to security? Isn’t it inhumane to ask someone to stand motionless for hours in full uniform be whatever the weather maybe? Why don’t they just put a metal statue instead? Kiran Khatri Samabula, Suva
White vinegar
To all the stinking toilets in our municipalities. Please use white vinegar in spray bottles to spray around the urinals. That will leave non-smelling toilets for our convenience. Sam Young Nadi
Drug crisis
The Ministry of Education should introduce a compulsory school youth ambassador program to address the illicit drug crisis. The student representatives can be trained to administer this program with selected teachers. Asish Vinay Prasad Raiwasa, Suva
War crimes
Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected Israel’s request to withdraw arrest warrants against its prime minister and former defence minister. The judges also rejected an Israeli request to suspend the wider ICC investigation into alleged atrocity crimes in the Palestinian territories (Reuters/ FT 18/7/25). Why would Israel want ICC to stop its wider investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity when it claims it has not committed any in its war on Gaza? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Fiji soccer
Samoa 2-Fiji 0. I predicted soccer in Fiji will completely be wiped out in 20 years. Samoa just proved me wrong. It might just be in 10. A Shariff Shah Savusavu
Litter bugs
There should be five workers just walking along the Nasese sea wall all day picking up rubbish thrown by people. And 10 in the weekends. The people of this country cannot be taught civic pride. Keeping our environment clean is just too much effort for a lot of people. Kiran Khatri Samabula, Suva
Out of court settlement
If the Government initiates out of court settlement, does this not mean it is not confident of judgement given in its favour? BHARAT MORRIS Vatuwaqa, Suva
Remand centre and Government
Full and overflowing!
While hundreds joined hands to take part in the 2025 Yellow Ribbon Walk in Nausori, it is alarming to read that the Suva Remand Centre is grappling with overcrowding, with unsentenced detainees exceeding the facility’s approved limit by 87. This overcrowding situation raises concerns about delays in the justice system, something that the Ministry of Justice must take note of. Deputy PM Professor Biman Prasad, who officiated at the event, also spoke on the backlog of cases in the court system which was the course of the lengthy remand periods for some inmates. He added that this was a denial of justice. On the other hand, it was a delight to see Fijians turn up in numbers to support the rehabilitation and integration of inmates and former inmates. Indeed, Professor Prasad, every Fijian deserves a second chance, and the Yellow Ribbon initiative is more than symbolic as it teaches individuals, communities, societies and the nation to embrace change, empathise, forgive and love. It teaches us to accept individuals who have done wrong! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Excellent job
I believe that there is no need to hold a general election when it is next due, simply because this Government is doing such an excellent job. The prime minister together with his three deputies and the ministers are doing an excellent job. The economy is booming, the rule of law has never been better, foreign investors are lining up with their billions as there is so much confidence in the country. There is so much work and not enough workers that we must import workers. Therefore, I believe that this Government should be allowed to continue into perpetuity. Elections and democracy are vulagi things anyway which are not suitable for a country like Fiji. If you do not believe me, just ask the PM and his ministers about the excellent work they are doing. Rajesh Ishwar Lingam and Dewan Chand will also confirm what I am saying. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Financial plan
At the moment citizens have no say over the budget that has been dished out so let’s try and do something to stay within. Suka Singh, the prominent letter writer from Labasa, had never heard of a budget that everybody agrees within his life. Suka also believes that it could only happen in heaven. Suprises good news ahead and most of all no guns! NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
