Australia and Fiji
What upsetting results for the touring Wallabies on the Northern Hemisphere for the autumn series. Our Big Brothers from the south west will return home winless. A record going back 70 years. It is back to the drawing boards. Our critics will have this bitter pill to swallow. Our commiserations to our Australian neighbours. There is some hope, though. All is not lost. Better luck in 2026….. success is failure turned inside out. Meanwhile minnows, the Fiji Water Flying Fijians gave the much fancied French side a little fright in our 21-34 loss. At one stage we were trailing Les Bleus 21-24. The French dug real deep to secure a good win. France deserved the win. Fiji faltered. We will get better, in time. Fiji boasts some fantastic, world class individual players too. We take this loss, fair and square. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
World Cup exposure!
The Junior Bula Boys ended their FIFA U-17 World Cup (WC) journey with a 7-0 loss against Argentina and returned home safely. Earlier, Fiji lost to Tunisia and Belgium 6-0 and 7-0 respectively. The boys conceded 20 goals and couldn’t score a single goal. However, their historic campaign was filled with courageous performances, losing to three renowned sides. New Caledonia, who finished runners up in the Ocenia region, was thrashed 16-0 by Morocco. Although the boys showed vigor, enthusiasm, belief and put in renewed efforts, we were outplayed by the young Argentinians. Goalkeeper Melvin Prakash made some brilliant saves to keep the scoreline respectable. There were a few moments of attack, but Fiji failed to score. Although the results were not in our favour, the campaign marked a proud milestone for Fiji as the Junior Bula Boys made their first-ever appearance at a FIFA U-17 WC, and they played their hearts out. It was an emotional moment for their loved ones who greeted them at the Nadi International Airport with big bula smiles, gifts and salusalu. For these families, it was time to reunite and rejoice as their stars returned home after playing in a WC. While, it’s hard for them to digest the negative comments fans write on social media after the losses, it’s a matter of pride for them, having watched their sons play live! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Ocean of Peace
Oops, I’d like to offer a sincere correction to an earlier misleading reference I made regarding the Ocean of Peace. I now understand that the Ocean of Peace has, in fact, been formally ratified by the Pacific Islands Forum. Apologies therefore for the confusion my oversight caused. Now that I have a clearer appreciation of this momentous initiative, I’m struck by the depth and magnitude of what it represents. The Ocean of Peace is not an ordinary policy or regional agreement. To me it’ll probably stand as perhaps the world’s largest living symbol of peace, unity and shared human aspirations. I can envisage it as a testament to what’s possible when nations choose dialogue over division, harmony over hostility and war, and collective stewardship over individual national effort. Surely, it’s possible that the vision will extend further than Oceania’s vast blue horizons. I see a genuine possibility of the Ocean of Peace becoming a model for other regions of the world; peace emerging like ripples across the globe, reinforcing the simple truth that humanity thrives only when peace is protected, cultivated and cherished. That this initiative was championed initially by Fiji, then joined by Pacific Island neighbours, speaks volumes. It reflects wisdom and moral leadership the world would do well to emulate. Colin Deoki Australia
Thinking for yourself
“Diseducation is an essential element in the exercise of authority. Faith (religion), in the course of enchanting the faithful, diseducates them”. The words belong this century to an old teacher and mentor of mine but encapsulate what had long been evident to me: namely, that most iTaukei leaders – both traditional and modern – see quality, see others’ education as threatening. And so they might. Further, when a leader’s authority in the modern sphere is enhanced by their chiefly authority in another, their power in both spheres increases. Some 40 years ago I published a couple of papers in Fiji on iTaukei language, culture, and thinking – the stuff of education. In it argued ethnic Fijians needed deeper thinking and plainer communication. Indo-Fijians did better. In 2008 that same mentor, (now deceased) independently, summarised this as follows in a book on power and religion – pertinent to but unrelated to Fiji: “Leaders benefit from having followers who have been schooled not to think and therefore not to criticize, they enjoy the kind of uncalculating legitimacy that is denied to those other leaders whose followers are in the habit of making a rational assessment of the leader’s performance.” My own view, originally presented to an international conference on Thinking at USP in 1982 drew as evidence on the statements of a number of several modern (i.e. elected) iTaukei leaders in the course of governance, including this from E. Kacimaiwai to the Fiji Teachers Union: “If we want our youths to live balanced lives, to contribute constructively to national development and to grow into caring parents and pillars of our society, then the adult community must lead the way…We must encourage them to communicate freely with adults, to share their aspirations with us, to discuss their inner feelings with parents… Are we as adults prepared to discuss with our own youths matters that concern and are relevant to them? And are we prepared to listen to their opinions”? (FT 6/5/82). Meanwhile, Ratu Josefa Tavaiqia, Minister of State for Forests, told a Rotary seminar on youth leadership, “Clearer communication was vital in fostering a sense of community caring and sharing” (Fiji Sun 8/5/82). Since then I have come to think of iTaukei life as pre-eminently adult-centred to the detriment of the young. Christopher Griffin Australia
Erratic drivers
Why are Fiji Correction Service vehicles always speeding and driven with flashing emergency lights? Are the prisoners excited to be hurriedly taken back to jail or are the Fiji Correction Service drivers showing off, hence risking innocent lives. Sa rauta mada na dokadoka! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Acting PM
Why does the Prime Minister appoint an acting Prime Minister who is not a deputy Prime Minister? Sukha Singh Labasa
Excessive spending
Leading up to the last national general election, all the three political parties that formed the Coalition Government were campaigning against the excessive spending by the Bainimarama government yet, today they are also doing the same but, worse. Eh Coalition Government! AREKI DAWAI Suva
Stray dogs
Earlier this year I lodged a complaint to Suva City Council Health Department regarding the stray dog nuisance I was going through. I requested caging but was informed that the program is on hold for the time being. However, the year is coming to an end and there is no sign of any response from the SCC Health Department. In frustration I rang again yesterday to remind the department of their responsibility in controlling stray dogs. I got the same reply that the caging is on hold! As a ratepayer I am deeply frustrated with this lackadaisical attitude of the SCC Health Department. Can the SCC Administrator or the Local Government Minister please look into this matter with urgency. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Rise in stray dog numbers
Packs of dogs are roaming the streets of Lautoka. Is there any humane way to control the stray dog epidemic? Maybe the authorities need to relook at the Dog Act? NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Flying Fijians and accidents
Soaring Fijians
What a heart-pounding spectacle from our Flying Fijians in their recent clashes against rugby titans England and France! These matches scream the roaring success of investments in the Fijian Drua Super Rugby team, cutting-edge high-performance systems, and elite coaches like Mick Byrne and other top coaches such as those from All Blacks coaching set up. Though edged out 38-18 by England on November 8, 2025, and 34-21 by France on November 15, 2025, Fiji’s national rugby team had these giants sweating, showcasing raw power and flair that lit up the field! Against England, Fiji exploded with seven clean breaks, trumping England’s four, 127 thunderous carries vs 121, and 18 slick offloads to just four, shattering the advantage line and dodging defenders like lightning. They snatched seven ruck turnovers, double that of England’s three, stood rock-solid in scrums, and nailed lineouts for maul-driven tries. Kicking wizardry such as chips and grubbers sparked chaos, even as they missed 20 tackles to England’s 18. Facing France, Fiji owned 56 per cent possession, charging 141 carries with France’s 84 for 927 blistering attack metres, forcing 165 desperate tackles and endless gain-line breaches. Ruck battles were fierce, scrums rallied from early slips to penalty wins, and lineouts sparked despite steals. Aerial kicking duels and chases, fuelled by stars like Wainiqolo, kept the pressure on! This surge promises fireworks at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. With humility and grit, Fiji Rugby is ready to soar based on these recent performances, let’s fuel their rise. Meli Matanatoto Nadi
Road accidents
Every day and every week, our news headlines are dominated by yet another tragic road accident somewhere in Fiji. The recent fatal crash at Naboutini, which claimed two women’s lives and pushed our national road toll to 67, far higher than the 54 recorded at this time last year, highlights a grim truth: we are losing far too many lives on our roads, and for the same repeated reasons. As stated by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu, the core problem is not the lack of awareness, laws, or reminders. It is the refusal by certain groups within our population to respect basic road rules unless a police officer or LTA officer is visibly present. Fiji’s roads continue to suffer because of chronic speeding, reckless overtaking, driving under the influence, unlicensed driving, and careless pedestrian behaviour. The Police Commissioner is correct; safety reminders are falling on deaf ears. Instead of working with authorities, many are resisting enforcement measures such as portable cameras, radar operations, and traffic stops, not realising these tools exist to protect all road users. If we are truly serious about reducing deaths, then Fiji needs firm, consistent, and targeted enforcement, not periodic campaigns that fade after a few weeks. Here are key actions that can make an immediate difference:
- Enforce laws where it matters most
Current practice often focuses on controlling speeds below 50km/hr. However, the real danger lies in the high-speed zones, 80km/hr and above, where accidents are most severe and often fatal. Police must prioritise booking all offenders in these zones without exception.
2. Zero tolerance for high-risk groups
Repeat offenders, unlicensed drivers, drink-drivers, and habitual speeders must face tougher penalties, including licence suspension or mandatory defensive driving courses before reinstatement.
3. Pedestrian responsibility
Many fatalities involve careless jaywalking, walking under the influence, or lack of visibility at night. Public awareness for pedestrians must be as strong as that for drivers.
4. Use technology without apology
Portable cameras, radars, and automated number-plate systems must be expanded nationwide. These are not tools for revenue; they are tools for saving lives.
5. Community partnerships
Village heads, settlement leaders, youth groups, and schools must actively participate in road-safety education. Behaviour change begins at home and within communities, not only in classrooms or police stations.
6. Media’s continued role
Daily reporting of accidents should be accompanied by strong editorials and awareness messages. The media must continue informing, educating, and challenging unsafe behaviour.
Fiji cannot normalise road deaths as everyday news. Until every driver and pedestrian understands that road rules exist to protect, not punish, we will continue losing mothers, fathers, children, and grandparents unnecessarily. The time for collective discipline, stronger enforcement, and personal responsibility is now. Indar Deo Bisun Sakoca Heights, Tamavua, Suva
