So long Haider
A volley of emotive tributes have been pouring in for Ubayd Haider (aka Nathan Singh) who unfortunately succumbed to his injuries at the Lautoka Aspen Hospital after that ill-fated boxing misfortune.
Waking up to the sudden news of this young talented and crafty boxer’s demise was shattering indeed.
A huge double thumbs down to those social media keyboard warriors who have been mocking his death by sharing laughing emojis and taking racially stirred cheap shots at the late boxer.
Try taking a few rock-solid clouts to the head and you will undoubtedly realise the lethal risks associated with this belligerent contact sport. Shame on you! A boxer losing his life in the ring is no snickering feat.
Rest easy brother Nathan. You have certainly outdone yourself in your short lived boxing career and will always remain a champ in many hearts. Nishant Singh, Lautoka.
A gladiator
Fiji has lost a great fighter. The late Ubayd Haider (aka Nathan Singh) was an upcoming boxer and a future of Fiji. I believe this tragic incident will lead to significant changes in boxing regulations, including the implementation of strict medical examination and safety protocols to protect the fighters.
While Runqi Zhou did not mean to hosptilise or kill Haider, the outcome of their match has profound implications for the sport.
Indeed, a sad day for Fiji boxing.
Ubayd Haider, you were a true warrior, my deepest sympathy to the family. Navneet Ram (Td), Lautoka.
Education data
There is an education crisis in Fiji. 37% of students do not pass Year 8 or Class 8, thus they do not move to Year 9 or Form 3 to pursue secondary education.
A great percentage of students dropped-out between Year 8 (Class 8) to Year 12 (Form 6).
This figure is around 39% (Fiji Education Staff Appointment Report 2024). This is a great matter of concern and this education crisis must be addressed now or it will never be.
There are 17,524 Early Child Education students in 864 schools, 152,618 students in 734 primary schools and 79,071 students in 176 secondary schools throughout Fiji.
There are great disparities in numbers from primary schools to secondary.
The difference is quite big.
It is 73,547 students who are missing from primary schools, almost the same as students in the secondary schools. 73,547 students do not enter secondary schools and end up where, is a matter of concern in the education fraternity.
Education is the only tool that can sustain life in this rapidly changing world.
Indar Deo Bisun, Sakoca Heights, Tamavua.
World rankings
The Flying Fijians are now ranked 9th on the World Rugby ranking and we have also hit the 80 points mark after a long time.
We are now on 80.07 points ranking with Italy falling behind on 78 points and 10th position.
The Australian Wallabies with the extra time win over England are now on 8th position. Great effort by Mick Byrnes and his team as our focus turns to Spain this Sunday.
We simply cannot become complacent and another good win against bottom ranked Spain will solidify our position in the ranking.
Vinaka boys. Shalwyn Prasad Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva.
Vote circus
Roll call voting is like the ultimate reality show for Parliament — who voted for what and who’s just playing it cool on the sidelines?
Hon Premila Kumar stirred the pot.
On July 12, 2023 (Hansard), when Parliament addressed this issue, it became clear how crucial these procedures are for accountability.
I believe Hon Kumar’s push against roll call voting undermines our democratic principles and risks leading us back to a dictatorship-like leadership.
People deserve to know where their representatives stand.
It’s time for us to demand transparency and truly understand who is on our side and who is there for themselves. Avenai Serutabua, Nabukelevu Village, Serua.
Double standards
There were two marches held in Suva last Saturday. The combined Army, Police and Navy band proudly marched along Grantham Rd for the Sukuna Bowl event while the Fiji Girl Guides Association marched through central Suva for their centennial celebration.
However, the descendants of the Melanesian community here in Fiji were denied a permit to march as per their 160th anniversary celebration.
These are our very own brothers and sisters, who together with their ancestors, had and continue to shed blood, sweat and tears, for the development of our nation.
Why the double standards? Anthony Sahai, Levuka, Ovalau.
Critical thinkers
Salesi Finau is an example of a true critical thinking writer. In his letter ‘My take’ (FT 9/11) he questions how far the $1000 the Minister for Women gave to the Pacific Autism Centre for the “critical” work they do will go to benefit these children?
He goes on to note “This Government was very quick to approve the Parliamentarians pay rise to $200k each but is very miserly in providing support where it is direly needed … this government and the ministers are all self-serving and have no real care about the citizens let alone the handicapped and disadvantaged. 2026 can’t come any quicker”.
I suspect many others have become disenchanted with this government and are looking for a change again at the next election in 2026.
Incidentally the minister who gave the $1000 towards these children in dire need is also the minister who had recommended the exorbitant Parliamentarians pay rise as chair of the Emoluments Committee.
Society needs thinkers like Salesi Finau to bring critical scrutiny to bear on government ministers. Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia.
Diplomatic excuse
I reckon it would be sending a very good message if foreign diplomats and ambassadors serving in Fiji make an excuse and do not attend the inauguration of the new President. In fact, I believe the locals should do the same. Jan Nissar, Sydney, Australia.
Rugby house
I stand to be corrected, but I believe that it only took the management of the Drua rugby franchise three years to secure a land and build their own training facility in Nadi. Yet the Fiji Rugby Union under its all former flamboyant management were all sleeping on their job for many decades and a century, leaving that wooden house in a dead end. Anyway, congratulations to the new elected board members and I hope that the systematic old skin of that wooden house will be replaced with a new skin. Areki Dawai, Suva.
Redirect tithes
I believe that the God-fearing people of Fiji should redirect their tithes to the establishment of drug rehabilitation centres in each town and city in Fiji. That applies to all religions. If this drug problem is not nipped in the bud soon, no amount of praying and fasting will save Fiji and Fijians. But then, there is always Australia to fall back on, I guess. Jan Nissar, Sydney, Australia.
Farewells in Parliament
Why is it that an outgoing President and Speaker (and other State officials) are given such grand farewells with pomp and parade and paraphernalia in Fiji (FT 11/11) when in Australia they come and go without any fancy farewell. Is this what makes Fiji’s democracy unique? I wonder if the public fund spent on these farewells could be put to more productive use such as protection of children from violence or the special needs of autistic children. Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia.
Bus fares
Are the senior and disabled citizens being granted the $25 per month in their concessionary bus cards, as per the current budget announcement, or not? Recent payouts indicate that this is not so. In fact, the Vodafone counter clerk explained that they are only topping up the used amount that is registered on the card, as per the first day of each month. What! That obviously nullifies the supposedly revised arrangement that we should be in now ie. $25 flat, irrespective of usage. Explanation please! Edward Blakelock, Admirals Circle, Pacific Harbour.
Matrix glitch
Four years of the United States of America’s best years under Donald “Neo” Trump, of energy self-independence, lowest inflation, lowest unemployment levels and highest individual working-class income per capita ever was all lost under the Joe Biden administration in 2021. This happened from 2016 to 2020.
In 2021, the matrix took back power and border controls went out the window. Inflation soared. Where there was once only two genders of people, now you had more than 30. ‘If someone liked pancakes, they were pansexual, etc’. And in all this confusion, fake media with its millionaire reporters, together with celebrity artists, singers and actors gave out narratives of racism, misogynism and facsisism, all relating to themselves.
November 2024, a glitch occurred in the matrix and Donald “Neo” Trump happened, again! Turning the American system 80 per cent red and annihilating the virus of fake media with its millionaire reporters, together with celebrity artists, singers and actors and their demeaning narratives.
And like John Wick, his reputation precedes him. As only the President-elect, great things are already happening in the US and in the world. A 3000-strong caravan of illegal immigrants marching from Mexico, dwindled to half on his system clean-up and landslide election victory on Tuesday, November 5. America’s upgrade has started and medically too. Joe Biden has never been so coherent in his four year tenure as POTUS, as when he hosted Donald ‘Neo’ Trump at the White House, post-election discussions.
The fake media with their fake millionaire reporters, the celebrity artists, singers and actors are having a meltdown. Most of them are looking at each other trying their best to be honest for the very first time in their lives and gather up their courage to leave the US as they had promised, if Donald ‘Neo’ Trump won the election.
The matrix revolution has begun. Donald ‘Neo’ Trump is now complete. He will be POTUS and he will control the House and Senate of the US. Epeli Rabua, Loloma St, Tamavua, Suva.
Discipline crisis
When The Fiji Times (9/11) carries the heading – Evil Takes Over – on the front page, surely that is a wake-up call?
Thanks are due to The Fiji Times for highlighting the problems that teachers are suffering at school, and the current drug culture among school children, and publishing letters decrying today’s lack of child discipline. But I fear we butt our heads against brick walls.
The powers that be cite parental and community disinterest as basic reasons for the current misbehaviour of our youngsters – but what can a parent and a community do about it when their hands are tied because discipline is now equivalent to abuse?
To paraphrase Mr Deoki: We live in a time when intelligent people are being silenced so that stupid people can make decisions for them! Sue Cauty. Pacific Harbour.
Beautiful Fiji
In spite of all of Fiji’s failures, weaknesses, limitations, faults and numerous highlighted shortcomings, we are still a beautiful country. Democracy is alive and well. There is little veiled discrimination. Believe it or not.
Our off-shore critics’ views are entertained. Their views are shared. Love them or hate them, they are allowed their “say” – sometimes unpleasantly unpalatable, and biased.
We are Fiji – the way the world should be (a very famous quote, shared on numerous occasions). Toso Viti toso.
And oh! By the way, Tier 2 Flying Fijians caused an upset over Warren Gatlands’ much fancied Wales team early yesterday morning. The victory was ours – a bitter sweet 24 – 19 win in Cardiff. Underdogs can turn tables too. We are not too bad, you know! Ronnie Chang , Martintar, Nadi.
