Remembrance Day
November 11 – a sacred, special day for peacekeepers! Silence fell. Tears were shed as Remembrance Day was commemorated in honour of those who died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Remembrance Day has evolved since it was first marked by allied countries after World War I, where soldiers lost their lives. Hence, November 11 is observed around the world as a day to remember the sacrifice that countless warriors made in service to their beloved country. On Remembrance Day, commemorative services were held in memory of loved ones. The red poppy, which is the traditional emblem of Remembrance Day, was worn and laid at a memorial in tribute. Rest high, fallen warriors! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Popularity questions
We are reading that there were 21,824 more spectators at the weekend FIJI Water Flying Fijians vs England match compared to the last game in 2023. The Fiji Rugby Union says the Flying Fijians’ popularity is indicated by the big crowds at Twickenham. I would have agreed, but, just five days ago The Telegraph reported that the The Rugby Football Union was giving away tickets for England’s match against Fiji as the governing body struggled to sell out the second autumn international fixture at Twickenham. (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2025/11/06/rfu-england-fiji-twickenham-allianz-stadium-free-tickets/) Even The Mirror reported the same. (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/england-free-tickets-fiji-twickenham-36208649.amp) Damn, us people who read too much. Wonder who at FRU said it. Donald Singh Suva
Haunting period
I refer to the recent letter by Ronnie Chang, (FT10/11), highlighting the Bainimarama-led FijiFirst government’s FNPF Decree, which denied senior employees their rightful retirement benefits for over a decade. I share the outrage expressed — justice delayed is justice denied. But this is only part of the story. It is disappointing to see some people once again praising the former FijiFirst leaders, Voreqe Bainimarama and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, on social media. Have we forgotten so quickly what life was really like under their rule? It was haunting! For years, their government mastered political control and public manipulation. Grants, loans, and subsidies were not free gifts but calculated tools to secure loyalty and silence criticism. Many families became dependent on handouts while the cost of living climbed and real wages hardly moved. Roads and bridges were built, yes, but behind the glossy projects lay a mountain of debt. Media freedom was muzzled, dissent crushed, and decisions dictated by a small circle of power. The “unity” they preached came at the expense of open debate and genuine democracy. Ordinary citizens deserve more than short-term handouts, slogans of stability, or carefully orchestrated appearances. Fiji’s future must be built on transparency, fairness, and truth — not propaganda, selective memory, or nostalgia for leaders who ruled through intimidation and illusion. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
Illegal crossing a concern
As with all traffic laws, it is important that all activities along our public roads be controlled. All such laws are for safety. If a driver hits a pedestrian, they probably will be ticketed or arrested, even if the pedestrian was jaywalking. If there was literally no time to react, the driver will be let go without so much as a warning. He did nothing wrong. But the jaywalking pedestrian might wake up in hospital with a citation of his own. It seems simple enough authorities have failed to secure jaywalking laws in Fiji. NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
e-Ticketing challenge
On 10/11/25, while my son was at school, his yellow e-ticketing card was stolen from his schoolbag. I checked the e-ticketing app on my phone that evening and saw his card balance was $31, last used at 3.20pm. By the next morning, the balance had dropped to $28.62. I immediately contacted Vodafone’s e-ticketing customer service to report the theft and requested that the stolen card be blocked. To my shock, the agent informed me that their system does not allow blocking of cards. Even with a police report, Vodafone can only issue a new card, but the old one remains active. Nor does the system allow transfer of credit from stolen cards to new ones, leaving families to absorb the loss. This is unacceptable and deeply troubling. In this day and age, it is astonishing that such a basic security safeguard is missing. What was supposed to be an upgrade has instead regressed. The inability to block stolen cards and transfer balances undermines public confidence and leaves parents, who top up their children’s cards, vulnerable to theft. I urge Vodafone to urgently address this failure, and I appeal to the Government to take note of these concerns. Public transport is a daily necessity, and the e-ticketing system must be secure, reliable, and customer-friendly. Fijians deserve better! Mere Seiuvakibua Wainivula Rd, Caubati
No bail
About time there is a national policy of automatically denying bail to all synthetic drug offenders. Ladies and gentlemen, this could be one constructive and direct way we deal with the cockroaches of society. These roaches we have been living with have taken away the lives, health and peace of mind of many Fijians. Isa! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Smoke city
Lautoka was once again covered in smoke yesterday. For four weeks all those people in Lautoka City Council are only talking and blaming everyone but the ordinary people are suffering from the toxic smoke. So sad,no solution has been found for the past four or five weeks on the rubbish dump fire. Geoffrey Chand Lautoka
World tour?
Is our honourable Head of State on a taxpayer-funded world tour? He must be having the time of his life! Nishant Singh Lautoka
Festival and exams
The Sugar Festival in Lautoka is held again this year and I am thankful to the executives of the festival for bringing it back to the Sugar City. Only problem is the bad timing of the festival as many schools are having exams in November and our children are really affected. May I request the Sugar Festival committee to re-look at the festival timing next year. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Soccer loss
So what was the lesson learnt from the soccer under 17 World Cup? Geoffrey Chand Lautoka
Government size matters
According to Peceli Alistir, the size of the current Rabuka government — the 40 or so ministers and assistant ministers — is not a problem (FT 11/11). I would contend it is. It’s a very bloated government for an island nation with a population of less than one million. I believe such an oversized government with the associated extravagant public cost is not in the national interest. In whose interest is it? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Chiefs, equality, soccer
Chiefly titles
I am grateful to Dr Geraghty for clarifying the hereditary status of the chiefs who signed the deed of cession. Dr Chand does, however, have a point. All hereditary titles were at some time created, since both Adam and Eve were commoners. The most illustrious hereditary titles tend to be those which have endured for the greatest number of generations but all holders of these titles are also ultimately the descendants of commoners. In several countries, which have hereditary systems, it has been found convenient to reward commoners who have made an outstanding contribution to the nation by awarding them titles. Most are for life but occasionally they are hereditary. One problem about a purely hereditary system is that the titles held only reflect ancestral achievements, not the achievements of the holder. In some cases the holders of these titles simply do not merit them and bring the system into disrepute. It seems to me that Fiji might at least consider refreshing its hereditary system by allowing for the creation of titles to reward very distinguished service and by allowing the removal of titles for bad behaviour. Michael Scott Morris St, Lautoka
Gender equality?
Is gender equality something we should celebrate? Of course. But lately, I wonder if we’ve lost the plot entirely. Gender equality is more relevant today than ever. Yet somehow, it’s being twisted into a rigid numbers game. Depending on where you stand, you’re either hailed as progressive or attacked as “insensitive.” If you take a neutral, merit-based stance, you get grief from both sides. I’ve learned to grow a thick skin so the flame throwers come from everywhere. Let’s ask the hard question: Should equality mean simply making everything 50–50, regardless of merit? Ten positions on a board, 10 highly qualified women. Suddenly people cry “imbalance!” Balance of what exactly? Five unqualified men alongside five capable women? Seriously? We’re turning gender equality into bulldust. Choosing people based on gender rather than talent insults the very principle of fairness. True equality isn’t a quota; it’s opportunity. The best person, period, deserves the role, whether they are male, female or non-binary. If we continue down this road, we risk rewarding mediocrity in the name of equality while punishing excellence for being “too convenient”. Let’s stop pretending that a spreadsheet defines justice. Real gender equality means competence first, gender irrelevant second. Fiji deserves leaders who’re capable, not politically convenient. Anything less is a disservice to all of us. Now go ahead with your flame thrower and torch me for being brutally honest. As if I care! Colin Deoki Australia
U17 World Cup
The Fiji U-17 World Cup football side have ended their campaign after three heavy defeats. I do not believe they managed to score a single goal during the tournament. I am not one for blaming these young men for their performance at the World event. Fiji simply does not have what it takes to compete at this level. I suspect this team would suffer the same fate if they played a U-15 side from a suburb in Sydney. I know because I have been refereeing them for more than 20 years. The problem with Fijian sport, including rugby, is that they all look for divine intervention. It is as if Fijians believe that God has a special place for them in His heart. The reality is God does not discriminate, whilst discrimination seems to come naturally to Fijians. If God is not on their side it is all someone else’s fault. It is all very twisted. Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
