The Fijian Drua’s performance
Huge downfall
Sadly, recently Fijian Drua’s consistency has been inconsistent. From a recent high ranking 7th we have now slipped to 10th – one step away from the bottom. Following our recent bye last week, a break from camp to visit family and friends, may have been the catalyst to our huge downfall. In the first 40 minutes, on capital city turf, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva. Drua was embarrassingly lethargic. We were a poor show trailing 7- 6. A late comeback in the second 40 was much too late. Congratulations Waratahs for a sweet 50-35 drubbing of our home side. We were a “class act” on the day. Suva has proved again not being a real happy hunting ground for Drua. The records for Lautoka and Ba speak loudly for themselves. Fiji needs to thank departing head coach Glen Jackson for taking the Fijian Drua to a few successful matches and unexpected victories against some top teams.
Vinaka vakalevu head coach. We wish you every success as you move to greener pastures. RONNIE CHANG Martintar, Nadi
Disappointing first half
I was bitterly disappointed with the first half performance of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua against the visiting Waratahs. The visitors delivered their best performance of the Super Rugby season in the 50-35 victory over the Drua in Suva, recording their first victory in Fiji. The Waratahs had won the battle in the first half with six tries and the commanding 36-7 lead at the break. The Fijian Drua tried to claw their way back into the game, but two more converted tries from the visitors killed our late onslaught. The Drua’s performance in front of a good crowd broke hearts as it was their first and last match at home and the boys failed to deliver the much-needed bonus point win. The Waratahs knew that the match’s outcome would have a say on their hopes of a top six finish while our boys took the battle lightly and underestimated the visitors. The number of missed tackles, poor communication and set piece execution and lack of firepower led us down badly. The Waratahs took the game away from the Drua despite missing big names in Pete Samu, Angus Blyth, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Ethan Dobbins, Joey Walton and Tom Lambert. The Drua have themselves to blame as a bonus point victory would have moved them above the Waratahs and Highlanders into seventh position. Now, the Drua face treacherous times as they play the Western Force and Queensland Reds away from home. I’m pleading with the boys to give everything that they have in the tank. Consistency is what we need. It is the missing armoury. All the best to the Drua! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa
Drug inquiry
I note the Fiji Police statement that major drug network investigations take time because authorities must first understand and dismantle the structure behind them. That makes sense — we don’t want rushed work that compromises cases. At the same time, communities across Serua and Fiji are living with the effects of drugs right now. The concern is not about secrecy, it’s about seeing that progress is happening. My call is simple: Keep the public informed with general updates on milestones, and show that interim steps are being taken to disrupt supply and protect our youth while the bigger networks are being untangled.When people see action and communication, trust grows. Vinaka Fiji Police for the update. We will keep supporting your work. MIKAELE LEAWERE Galoa Village, Batiwai, Serua
Reinstate GCC powers
Submissions have been made to the Constitution Review Committee calling for the restoration of the powers of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (GCC) that existed in the 1970, 1990 and 1997 constutions (FT 16/5). With all due respect, I believe it was their own doings that led to the removal of GCC by the Bainimarama regime in 2012. It is common knowledge that several prominent chiefs were implicated in the 2000 coup and the subsequent November 2000 military mutiny at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks for which some of them have served time in prison. Let us not forget that a high ranking chief was unceremously removed from his position as the President of Fiji amidst threats to his and his family’s safety. If only they had respected the rule of law and abstained themselves from being involved in these unlawful acts, I am sure things would have been different today. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Rabuka’s PNG honour
The PM has been nationally honoured in PNG (FT 13/5/26). It is good to see a PM of another country being “servicely” recognised by another, in my view. Was it the first for any Fiji PM? The distinguished service rendered within the Pacific region and especially, PNG. What an honour! What about his political leadership at home? After about 40 years within Fiji’s political sphere, was his service meaningful? Was he not just another “duplicative” PM? Did he ever possess a “vision” about Fiji? Even now, after 3 years of his prime ministership? Generally, in my view, Mr Rabuka started something that he did not complete. If he had concretely laid the platform then, I believe, the iTaukei resource owners would not be continuously downgraded to struggling behind the “scenes of wealth”, that have been produced by their very own inheritance. The opportunity was hand-delivered to him, but he did not grab it with both hands, in my view. And from that opportunity lost, I believe, he tried to redeem himself, but regrettably, to no avail. The greatest nation builder Lee Kuan Yew said, “I started off believing all men were equal. I now know, that’s the most unlikely thing to have been”. History has taught that freedom is lost, because of ignorance. For whenever we need to venture beyond our horizon, let us always first and foremost, in my opinion, put our own house in order. SAMU SILATOLU Nakasi
Wow Tora
“Girmitya built, politicians destroyed”, Seveci Tora’s letter (17/5) is just too tough to read without a heavy heart. Too good, Mr Tora. Wow, just wow! I’m sure hundreds of other people have similar stuff to say, but only Tora could write it, straight from the deepest of his conscience. DONALD SINGH Nausori
Walk first
In their submissions to the Constitutional Review Commission certain groups are proposing that their rights below ground should be increased. I suggest that landowners should develop the land above ground first before they start going underground. One has to learn to walk first before they start to run. JAN NISSAR Sydney, Australia
Audited report
The editor in chief of FijiLeaks Victor Lal reminds us that as assistant minister Sashi Kiran had informed the Fijian public in May 2024 that upon completion of audit by the auditor-general the 2023 Girmit funding account report would be presented to Parliament. It’s May 2026 and there is no sign of it. So the Fijian public is still asking “where is the audited report? (FijiLeaks 15/5/26). Now as a full-fledged minister in the Rabuka government — purportedly committed to transparency, accountability and public scrutiny — can Minister Sashi Kiran provide the required answer in the public interest? RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Discipline students
The Street Talk column on page 7 of The Sunday Times (17/5) says they asked the people on the street “What do you think is the best way to discipline students in school?”. The responses published included suspension, counselling, changing school and parental responsibility. Fair enough. But come on, didn’t anybody suggest corporal punishment? Didn’t anyone suggest that unruly students be belted? Come on, esteemed FT, ditch political correctness, and please publish a realistic range of responses from the random people on the street. Otherwise, the one-sided responses suggests the poll was rigged. Nobody asked me, but I’d suggest the belt, from the head of school only. DONALD SINGH Nausori
Trauma and police
Police inaction
Nadi Town is currently facing a significant challenge due to the inconsistent presence of police on its streets, which is a pressing issue for upholding public safety and demands immediate attention. The absence of traffic officers during peak hours intensifies the chronic traffic congestion, leaving drivers without direction and worsening the chaos at busy intersections. It is essential for law enforcement to ensure reliable management of such situations, especially during peak traffic hours, as part of their fundamental responsibility. The unsettling presence of intoxicated youths loitering on the streets without intervention creates a sense of insecurity for both locals and visitors. Reports of individuals posing as tourist guides harassing unsuspecting visitors highlight the inadequacy of police patrols in addressing such issues, revealing resource constraints and operational inefficiencies within the local police force. The noticeable improvement in police visibility and effectiveness during rugby matches in Nadi underscores a troubling inconsistency in addressing everyday public safety, pointing to potential leadership or organisational deficiencies within the police department. The lack of clear priorities and efficient planning exacerbates the gaps in police coverage across the town, which is further compounded by the seemingly apathetic approach of the local administration in implementing impactful solutions. The complacency of the local administration undermines leadership credibility and leaves both residents and tourists increasingly vulnerable, highlighting the urgent need for co-ordinated action from both the police department and town administrators. Without meaningful reforms and strategic planning, the longstanding issues in Nadi will erode public confidence and tarnish its image as a safe and hospitable destination, emphasizing the necessity of adopting proactive measures promptly to create a secure and welcoming environment for everyone. SURESH CHAND Nadi
Childhood trauma
Allow me to comment on the statement by the principal of Glenview School in New Zealand on acting early before problems worsen. I agree with the teacher’s view that we can’t fight drugs without addressing childhood trauma and mental health. Early prevention through emotional regulation and resilience in our schools is key. If we strengthen our education system to support students’ wellbeing, we build a generation better equipped to say no to drugs. I read the comments from the NZ teacher in The Fiji Times on Saturday, May 16, and there’s a lot of truth in it. Fiji’s growing concern over drug use won’t be solved by enforcement alone. We also need to look upstream – at childhood trauma, mental health, and giving our young people the tools to manage emotions and build resilience. Prevention has to start early, and our schools have a big role to play in that. If we invest in wellbeing alongside enforcement, we give our children a stronger foundation to resist drugs and make better choices for their future. Vinaka Vakalevu to all our teachers who are already doing this work quietly every day. MIKAELE LEAWERE Galoa Village, Batiwai, Serua
