England delivers stunning finish RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU
I WATCHED in agony as England’s Henry Arundell produced a stunning finish to propel the Roses to a 38-18 victory over the Fiji Water Flying Fijians Fiji at the Allianz Stadium, keeping alive their pursuit and ambitions of an unbeaten Autumn Test series. The battle against Fiji gave England a great platform to launch their arsenal against the All Blacks who they host this Sunday. Although the Flying Fijians were the lowest-ranked opposition to visit England, they presented a far greater threat than the Wallabies who lost 25-7. Fiji chased a repeat of the seismic 2023 upset at the same venue. However, we faltered in the last quarter. When head coach Steve Borthwick introduced his “bomb squad” of five replacement forwards, the writing was clear. England survived, scoring six tries, but the Flying Fijians must hold their heads high. The 38-18 score doesn’t necessarily reflect the efforts put in by the boys who played their hearts out until they ran out of gas. Stunned by Fiji’s last trip to Twickenham, England avoided the ignominy of a repeat defeat that would have dispirited their Autumn and played until the last whistle. I salute captain Tevita Ikanivere, who led like a warrior until he was substituted. I also salute Pita Gus Sowakula who made an excellent debut. Fiji led England but we made mistakes and missed tackles and they capitalised. France is next. The Les Bleus were skinned by a spirited Springboks outfit 32-17 at the Stade de France where they also beat the hosts 29-28 in the RWC quarter-final. France will be tough – Fiji needs a thunderous performance to win!
Drug fight SAMU SILATOLU NAKASI, NAUSORI
THERE has been so much said and written, in my view, about various drug problems, from usages to dealers. How they were being paid, the connections and smuggling strategies being utilised. Are these not all aftermaths? In fact, in my view, the topic should be its termination. How Fiji should provide a “deterrence” mechanism that will practically cease its entry onto our shores. It is the laxities of Fiji’s current drug legislations, in my opinion, that the “drug invasion” breached its borders. Fiji is so fortunate because of its isolated locality. Otherwise, the current drug scenario would not be very pleasant, in my opinion. And due to the “lethal effects” of today’s drugs, I think that we should reintroduce the death penalty. Is being kind going to enhance better societies? It is unbelievable that in Singapore, the death penalty seemed to be of little deterrence, because the rewards are very tempting. However, if for any other reason, the Government is still not awakened as yet, the issue will become one of its largest financial stumbling blocks.
The rod buck DONALD SINGH SUVA
THE Education Act 2025 placing a total ban on corporal punishment may not be favourable news to many, including me. But the law must be respected and followed. The argument doesn’t end here though. Schools have like a hundred counselling sessions and a hundred warnings and a dozen meetings with parents of unruly students. Pardon the exaggeration, but fed-up teachers and school heads will nod silently in concurrence. The Act reportedly also outlaws cruel, inhumane, degrading or disproportionately severe treatment or punishment, including belittling, humiliating, threatening, or ridiculing a student. Any form of physical, mental, or emotional harm must not be caused to a student. A nationwide survey should be carried out to find out how many teachers have suffered the above from students. Does the Education Act 2025 protect the students only or does it have implications vice versa? As a parent, the buck stops with me on my children’s behaviour. Now that the teachers have no choice but to put up with unruly students and must hold endless talks with them and their parents, the teachers must not be held fully accountable for shaping students’ discipline and future. The rod/belt is still with me. I’ll use it as and when necessary. Which part of the law allows teachers and school heads to file police charges against parents of unsudharable (Hindi word for people who cannot change or improve) students? As I said, the argument doesn’t end here.
Trust deficit RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
IT’S good to hear Minister Sashi Kiran say those who feed street dwellers build trust (ST 9/11). And yes, building trust is vital. Unfortunately, I believe the people’s trust in the Rabuka gang in government has suffered a sharp nosedive since the euphoria of their installation in power after the 2022 elections. Three years on there is a public perception that they are a self serving lot who have enriched themselves at the expense of the people who voted for them on the basis of their promise to be a “people centred” government. They have instead been a self-centred mob who let the people down big time. Now the people can’t wait for the next election to boot them out. I wish Minister Kiran all the best in the election to come.
Demand honesty RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
THERE is a letter published in The National PNG titled “Demand honesty” by a patriotic citizen who says the people must demand honesty from the political leadership on the use of public funds ( Nov 6, 2025). The writer goes on to say, “Now with only 18 months left before the 2027 National General Election, the people must take a firm stand. Papua New Guinea cannot continue rewarding stupidity, cowardice and incompetence in leadership. We must demand new, capable, and honest leaders — men and women who truly understand how to rebuild this nation’s and serve with integrity. The call is clear: Do not vote back the same MPs who failed you”. It goes without saying this call has a special relevance for Fiji and its people as well in light of the shenanigans they have witnessed in the conduct of its leadership since the last election. The coming election is another opportunity to seek out truly honest leaders who are genuinely committed to rebuild the nation and serve with integrity and humility. And reject the self-serving types preoccupied with self-aggrandisement.
Work without pay RONNIE CHANG MARTINTAR, NADI
IT is shamefully unbelievable that the reportedly greatest nation on Earth makes almost 650,000 employees, deemed essential services, work without getting paid. How insanely absurd? The International Labour Organization and International Council of Trade Unions are powerless to act. Imagine having to work almost 40 days without being paid. This is totally unacceptable. Absolutely, no empathy. (This comes nowhere to Fiji’s equally insane pre-2011 Bainimarama led FijiFirst government’s illegal FNPF Decree denying senior older employees their just irrevocable dues, 14 painfully long years, and counting. Justice delayed; Justice denied. Equally shameful).
War of words RAKESH CHAND SHARMA ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA
INSTEAD of belittling and displaying his arrogance, the Sugar Minister would do good to himself by restricting his statements and answering Mr Rinesh Sharma’s questions in Parliament as is the norm (FT 09/11). The minister is in no position to further dent his reputation.
Rugby Test MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF NATABUA, LAUTOKA
SO most appropriately, when will a Fiji and England Test be held here?
Coronation Park TOMASI BOGINISO NSW, AUSTRALIA
THIS area of Lautoka City has been a landmark for a very long time. After a walk from the hospital, courthouse or government department, you will surely need to cool off or rest in a shady place such as the Coronation Park. To get rid of it is just wrong. Maybe it will bring in revenue but where will our future generation have a nice break? Hopefully the relevant authorities’ decision will be wise and favourable to the ratepayers of Lautoka City.
New leader JAN NISSAR SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
I HAVE met Kirti Patel several times over the years. She is an iron lady. Now that the leader of the NFP has been charged with what amounts to be allegations of a serious offence, I hope he will do the honourable thing in due course and resign from the position. I nominate and strongly recommend that Kirti Patel be made the next leader of the NFP. Not only will she be the first woman leader, but she also has all the right qualifications and experience having served in the Fiscal Review Committee. She will lift the NFP from its tarnished reputation and revive and rejuvenate the party ready for the next election.
