Consistency key to victory
If the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua is to make the playoffs in Super Rugby Pacific, the side needs to be consistent and clinical against the visiting Waratahs side in Suva next Saturday. In our maiden season in Super Rugby Pacific in 2022, the Drua were beaten by the Waratahs 40-10 in round one and then 38-14 in round seven. In 2023, the Waratahs thrashed the Drua 46-17 and 32-17. The breakthrough came in 2024 when the Drua upset the visiting Waratahs side 39-36 at our Fortress. The following year, the Waratahs got their tails up with a 29-24 win at home but lost their away match to the Drua 28-14. This year in round two at home, the Waratahs were made to work for their win, with the Drua testing the home side in an evenly contested first half. But the Drua, coming off an energy-sapping loss to Moana Pasifika in round one, faded in the second half as the Waratahs ran in six tries to one in a convincing 36-13 win. Last Saturday at the 4R Stadium, the Drua created history as they beat the Highlanders 24-14 for the first time. I’m banking on a good performance from the Drua in their last home match. A win will set the platform before the Drua face the Force and Reds away from home! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Reply to Muavono’s letter
Wise Muavono’s letter published in The Fiji Times on May 6 warrants a measured response. My end-of-week statement in Parliament on May 1 appears to have been taken out of context by Mr Muavono and others. The intention of my remarks was simply to highlight practical ways communities could help mitigate the impact of rising oil prices, drawing from my experiences working across other Pacific countries. These ideas have also been discussed extensively with a number of rural villages, many of whom expressed strong support for such initiatives. Regrettably, Mr Muavono’s response leans more toward sarcasm than constructive engagement. Public discourse is best served when attention is directed to the substance of national issues rather than personal ridicule. Leadership is not always demonstrated through grand gestures or public theatrics. At times, it requires initiating difficult yet necessary conversations. The concerns I raised are genuine and deserve thoughtful and balanced discussion rather than dismissal. Indeed, this is a conversation that is long overdue. HON SAKIUSA TUBUNA Office of the Prime Minister Government Buildings
Suva Girmit celebrations
The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts has announced that it will lead the nationwide celebrations commemorating the 147th anniversary of the arrival of indentured labourers, with a grand event to be held at Syria Park in Nausori. Hey hold on a second, wasn’t the former Multi-Ethnic Affairs Minister declaring just last month that Girmit celebrations would be held virtually and on online platforms as a “cost-saving measure” because of the ongoing fuel crisis? So what exactly caused the Government to suddenly change course? Could the recent $47million Australian government donation have anything to do with this newfound financial confidence? At times, I genuinely wonder whether the “Stee’s” led PAP leadership is actually coming or going. Confusing would be an understatement! NISHANT SINGH Lautoka
Drug network v police network
These are two networks that work within its respective systems and processes. Either way, I believe due to its respective processes, the intent to achieve its mandated task somewhat succeeds or fails. Drug criminal networks do not follow any system and process, it only works on trust to have its business accomplished. If trust is breached then elimination by death is enforced. Business is executed faster as finance is always available. Human resources within this network are experts in their own right and physical resources are available all the time. Operations are executed with infiltration to the law enforcement network. On the other side is the law enforcement network which works within a system and process whereby due diligence is required all the time. They work within a laid down budget and to access these funds requires justification before being endorsed and funds released. Funds are audited and all funds utilised need an acquittal as per laid down financial guidelines. Human resources are experts in their own field and intelligence is shared to only certain people within the network. Head of this network is briefed first before any operation to catch or stop the drug network but when they execute their ops, the drug network is already miles ahead with its intent and execution. These networks have their own shortfalls which need to be reviewed all the time to ensure successful, timely and accurate execution of its tasks. If not it will be a cat and mouse chase all the time. Hoping the relevant authorities will review its modus operandi and make adjustments accordingly. JUKI FONG CHEW Nadawa, Nasinu
Streetlight please
If you want to deal with crime and drugs in this country, take notice when you are informed about poor lighting in public areas. Repeated times from 2023 to date, I have informed EFL and Nadi Town Council of the lack of lighting down Ragg St in Martintar, a street well known for illicit activity. Nothing over three years has ever been done. There are five streetlights down that street between Queens Road and the Oasis hotel – one streetlight works. How hard is it to change a light bulb? Put a light on illicit activity or continue to complain and do nothing and see no improvement. Police presence of once a year doesn’t really achieve anything either. JASON BOOT Martintar, Nadi
All gone
Not that I am in the business of eavesdropping but I heard this conversation between a group of elderly iTaukei gentlemen in the market on Tuesday this week. They agree that no Fijians of Indian descent will be left in Fiji in less than 50 years. Do you think their agreement has any substance? MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Election Day
The US of A holds its presidential election on the first Tuesday of November every four years. Why can’t we have a similar system in place here? Instead of keeping Fijians in suspense every election year. Start thinking divergently and stop with the sheep mentality kerekere. Sobo! WISE MUAVONO Balawa, Lautoka
Citizen funding
I participated in the public consultation for the golden age group for our citizens in Lautoka this week. I was surprised when told that the budget was $250k per year per each golden home. Mind you that is less than what a minister earns in a year. Now I can see where the problem lies, “Not enough funding for our older generation”. I was thinking someone from the government or the ministry would be there for consultation, no, it was just another consultation to tick the box and waste public funding in the name of public consultation. NARAYAN REDDY Lautoka
Fuel price
Will there be a reduction in the fuel prices next month with the 30 million Australian dollars which was specifically given to stabilise the recent fuel price hike. Hope the Government does not use this money for some other thing. Thanks. SUKHA SINGH Labasa
Party manifesto
Come next election, I will vote for a party which will include in their manifesto the removal of immunity clause from the Constitution. I don’t need a new one though. Only a clause. PITA SOROAQALI Tavua
An observation
The number of vehicles on Fiji roads seems unchanged, suggesting that the fuel price increase hasn’t had an impact yet. However, this could change in the future if the situation worsens. Every precaution must be taken before it is too late. SURESH CHAND Nadi
A long year
May the 4th was Star Wars Day and the rest of the year is Trump Wars Days. DENNIS FITZGERALD Australia
Drugs, Christian nation
Drug crisis
Drugs are like a plague
Slithering through the streets
Spreading poison to all it greets
My child once a bright young spark
Has fallen to the Prince of the dark
Their soul once a garden in bloom
Lies broken like an abandoned room
Windows shattered and curtains torn
Where once hope and melody were born
Now a lifeless figure with a faraway stare
Who will rescue us from our despair?
Every day is a living nightmare
Families whose lives have been laid bare.
From the merchants of misery who sell
Death and destruction from the gates of hell.
But in the distance I hear a bugle sound
Troops are gathering on the ground
Our tears like letters to answered prayer
At long last they’re rooting out the devil’s lair. COLIN DEOKI Australia
Christian nation
There is growing talk about declaring Fiji a Christian nation. Faith is important in our history, and Christianity has shaped many of our values — community, forgiveness, and care for others. That should be respected. Some people see advantages in a Christian state. It can recognise our heritage. It can promote moral values. It can give a shared identity for many citizens. These are real points, and they should not be dismissed. But we must also look carefully at the other side.When a state officially chooses one religion, even with good intentions, others can feel like second-class citizens. Fiji is not only Christian. We are also Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and others. Our strength has been living together, not placing one above the rest. History gives us warning signs. In the United Kingdom, the state church once led to long conflicts between Christians themselves. In Greece, the close link between church and state still creates challenges for minority religions. In Norway, the government moved away from a state religion to ensure equal treatment for all citizens. And during the European Wars of Religion, millions suffered because religion and state power were mixed too tightly. Even today, legal problems can arise. A government must serve everyone. But religious teachings do not always match modern laws on equality, education, and personal rights. This can lead to court battles, confusion, or unfair treatment — sometimes quietly, sometimes openly. Mr Semi Tukana told the Constitutional Review Committee that he sees secularism as the same as being “godless”. This is not true. A secular state does not remove God from people’s lives. It simply means the government stays neutral, so every person is free to believe and worship without pressure. Fiji can honour Christianity without making it law. Churches can remain strong. Faith can remain strong. But the Constitution should protect all citizens equally. In a diverse country like ours, unity is not built by declaring one identity above others. It is built by fairness, respect, and equal space for all. PECELI ALISTIR Waitolu, Naitasiri
