Girmit Day
I walked onto May 14, 1879, as I read the special edition titled “Past, present and future” on Girmit Day. I salute James Shri Bhagwan, who is the general secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, for the well-articulated piece and for providing great insight into the life of the girmitiya, indentured labourers, and for highlighting their ordeals (termed Narak — hell by many). Ten-hour cane shifts, cramped lines, and sexual, emotional and physical abuse. These ordeals shaped Fiji’s destiny as many of the indentured labourers decided to stay back and call Fiji their home. My ancestors chose right, and I was born here, and I’m proud to be a Fiji-Indian. I can imagine life if I was in India. Subrail Park was a hive of activities as talents stole hearts. I was captivated by an iTaukei elderly and his group singing a traditional Indian song (bhajan) so fluently. This marked an epitome of unity and tolerance in understanding each other’s culture and religious songs. Born and bred in Savusavu, I’m proud that I can communicate with my iTaukei friends in Fijian and I understand them so well. The events that transpired in 1879 were written in the stars. When the Leonidas was struck and Indians needed help, the iTaukei stepped forward and gave them support. Then why the discrimination and hatred now instigated by some who have other intentions? Let us not be fooled by these people. It is vital that we unite and join hands to move Fiji forward, putting aside land and religious issues. Dear Fred Wesley, I salute you for the vibrant editorial titled “We reflect on history”. Yes, Wesley, “The story of the girmitiya should teach us about endurance, unity, and the human spirit. It should serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion, inclusion, and resilience in the face of adversity.” God bless Fiji! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
TLTB eviction notice
The chief executive officer of TLTB has taken the ultimatum (FT 6/5/25). All iTaukei land tenants with “long overdue” rent payments need to abide by their contracts, in my view. When did such laxity begin? Was it the first time? The iTaukei, as Fiji’s “founding” people, have made huge contributions to its development, sacrificing the sharing of the land and resources, in my opinion. This has to be a reminder that these are their inheritance. As a nation, we must respect each other’s rights, to choose a collective destiny and opportunity, to develop the legal and political rights, so that we, the iTaukei may enjoy the right to maintain our heritage. And the TLTB, as the custodian of iTaukei lands and resources, should not defocus from its dedication and accountability. If it cannot provide, protect and cultivate iTaukei inheritance, then who will? SAMU SILATOLU Nakasi, Nausori
Something similar
In 1879, the first Indians had arrived in Fiji and we all know why. Around one and a half century later, after a huge growth, the Fijians of Indian descent population has decreased significantly. At present, Bangladeshi nationals are arriving in huge numbers. We all know why. In the years that have gone by, something has remained the same. As it is developing, do you think that something similar in nature like the Girmit Day will be set aside for the Bangladeshi nationals? Maybe, for the Fijians of Bangladeshi descent. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Pause in war
India agreed with Pakistan for a pause (stop firing) in the war after a call by the DGMO (Director General Military Operations) of Pakistan. At first India’s DGMO refused to effect a pause, but Pakistan approached the US State Department. A call by the State Department informed PM Modi that India’s Brahmos missiles had hit two of the nuclear facilities of Pakistan in Sargodha and Kirana Hills. Military analysts confirm this (Google). PM Modi then decided to call off the military strikes, but Operation Sindoor will continue if Pakistan fires even a bullet across the border. Later, a green US aeroplane was seen flying in the area to test if there was any radiation in the surrounding air. USA has played no role in the “ceasefire” as they claim. India is a responsible country and it knows that ordinary Pakistan people will suffer because of their military leadership. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Facing barriers
Our Fijian Drua side deserves the continued support of fans but after almost three years of professional rugby exposure, for some reason, they continue to make aimless decisions and appear lost at times. Several decisions against the Blues last Friday left fans puzzled and their overall inconsistency, especially during games overseas, makes one wonder about the level of discipline off the field. This affects their attitude towards training and playing during games. Fans are beginning to wonder if there is a bigger problem towards the culture of our beloved Drua team. For a highly resourced and trained team, one wonders why an attitude issue continues to plague them. They have so much potential and could have easily defeated their opponents in several recent matches but something appears to hold them back. All in all, something does not appear right. The sooner we constructively face these barriers and our favourite team starts to talk about it, the better. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Grieving players
The Fijian Drua coach says that Josaia Raisuqe’s death impacted performance of players last Saturday. But seeing their standing on the points table, anyone would think that they’ve been grieving all season. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Vehicle accidents
Statistically, and also studies have shown that young drivers are disproportionately involved in road accidents compared with older drivers. This is often attributed to factors such as inexperience, impaired judgement and higher risk taking behaviour. What are the concerned authorities doing to prevent the alarming rate of motor vehicle accidents? Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Rabuka’s leadership
Samu Silatolu makes a very pertinent observation regarding PM Rabuka’s leadership when he says Rabuka “seems to be uncertain, indecisive and unstable at critical times” (FT 12/5). Samu couldn’t have described Rabuka’s leadership more succinctly. Now we must await the people’s verdict on Rabuka’s leadership at the next election in 2026. Will Rabuka stay on as leader or will he be dumped? That question no doubt also applies to deputy PM Biman Prasad. The 2026 election will certainly be very interesting for the destiny of the country and its people. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Social media
The Fijian Government must consider the route New Zealand is taking in its efforts to ban social media access for children under the age of 16. This is the most relevant and constructive attempt by any government to restrict children’s exposure to this societal ill. Emosi Balei Suva
Religion and tradition
The scenario that happened at a recent annual divisional church meeting should ring a warning bell not to blend church and tradition together. God should be the centre and priority over anything else including traditional ceremonies. In my own view, the church should give a directive to let traditions and culture thing after the purpose of that annual meeting is done. If not then we have witnessed how traditions can turn that well prepared annual meeting into a sour state. So sad! Pita Soroaqali Rakiraki
Ocean protection
It is good to know “France will be hosting the third United Nations Ocean Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainable use the ocean, seas and marine resources for sustainable development” (FT 2/5/25). France’s aim is “protecting the oceans through tangible action”. France has clearly come a long way since its nuclear testing days in the Pacific. It’s never too late to repair the harm and do good. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Rugby and prophecy
Defence the key
Defence wins championships and in rugby, this couldn’t be truer. Time and again, Rugby World Cup victories have been built on relentless defensive grit. The South African Springboks are a prime example, with their World Cup triumphs in 1995, 2007, 2019, and 2023 all anchored by brick-wall defence. In 1995, the Springboks’ physicality and defensive resolve carried them to glory, famously holding off a powerful All Blacks side in the final. The 2007 campaign followed a similar script, with their suffocating defence conceding just one try in the knockout stages. The 2019 and 2023 titles were no different as the Springboks opponents struggled to break down their disciplined, aggressive defensive system. Other champions have relied on the same principle. England’s 2003 win was built on Jonny Wilkinson’s boot but also on their unyielding defence. The All Blacks in 2011 and 2015 balanced its attacking flair with defensive steel, most notably in the 2011 final, where they withstood a fierce French onslaught in the closing minutes. As Eben Etzebeth recently highlighted, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus values heart above all, players who won’t flinch when a 120kg forward is charging at them. Defence isn’t just technique; it’s attitude. That’s why the Boks keep lifting trophies. Meli Matanatoto Nadi
Wake-up call
Christians and Bible scholars have been studying the Book of Revelation and predicting when the Beast power in Revelation 13: 11-18 will put a mark on all people and only those who have this mark will be allowed to buy or sell. The world fuel and oil crisis back in the sixties, the start of year 2000, the Twin Towers attack and COVID-19 were events that Bible scholars thought would bring about the fulfillment of the above prophecy. Now that President Trump has welcomed the first American Pope in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, I believe that Bible prophecy is about to be fulfilled. Christians all over the world will support the National Sunday Law as a day of rest and non-Christian nations will oblige for the sake of tourism and trade. The Papacy had suggested after the COVID-19 shutdown that there should be a weekly national day of rest, so that every living thing in the environment can recuperate. Once the National Sunday Law is passed in the USA, other nations including Fiji, will follow too. The Sunday Law was in place here in Fiji after Rabuka’s first coup but it had to be set aside as it affected Fiji’s economy and trade. The National Sunday Law is the great sign and Heaven’s wake up call, for all to realise why God started the Fourth Commandment with the words: “Remember” the Sabbath day, to keep it holy! Those who choose to stand firm on Sunday worship and actively support it will receive the Mark of the Beast and their names will be removed from the Lamb’s Book of Life. God’s faithful people are described with the words, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Christ wants all of us to have eternal life, but He has given us all the freedom of choice. Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa Tacirua, Nasinu
