Battle of the forces
Army’s discipline, camaraderie and dedication will be tested against Police’s resilience and persistence. Past battles between the forces have lived up to expectations, and this year’s torrid clash at the iconic Subrail Park, for the first time in the competition’s history, is set to unveil excitement and thrills. Down memory lane and in 2014, the prestigious Ratu Sukuna Bowl travelled to its new home at Queen Elizabeth Barracks (QEB) as Army defeated Police 18-10. The following year, Police were the new winner of the Ratu Sukuna Bowl, defeating Army 25-17. In 2016, Police defended the Ratu Sukuna Bowl title, beating Army 22-12, and the following year, Army beat Police 19-12 in wet conditions to win their 25th Ratu Sukuna Bowl title. In 2018, Police defeated Army 41-17 after dominating play throughout the game, giving no chance for Army to retaliate. In 2019, the Ratu Sukuna Bowl travelled to QEB as Army defeated Police. It was an exciting clash between the two disciplined forces, and it kept thousands of diehard rugby fans at the edge of their seats. In 2020, Police won the FMF Rise Fiji Rise Sukuna Bowl, defeating Army 32-8. The following year, Army edged Police 18-17 in a thriller of a rugby match. Police led 17-10 at half-time. In 2022, the FMF Sukuna Bowl travelled to Nasova after Police won 19-11. 2023, and the closely contested clash lived up to expectations as Police retained the Vodafone Ratu Sukuna Bowl Challenge following a 11-all draw against a strong Army side. Last year, the Shop N Save Police Blues retained the Ratu Sukuna Bowl title in dramatic fashion, edging out Army 20-19 in a thrilling showdown, adding a third year to their winning streak. Leading 10-6 at the break, the men in blue put up a determined and courageous effort. In front of passionate fans, they defended their line to retain the title. The stage is set. Excitement is high in the Friendly North as fans are expected to pour in numbers. Wishing both Police and Army all the best and congratulations to Police for winning the football title seven years-in-a-row! Great feat, team blues! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Causes of floods
The recent comments by the Environment Minister linking Fiji’s worsening floods to ageing infrastructure and poor waste management tell only part of the story. While sea-level rise and rubbish are certainly factors, there is an elephant in the room: land reclamation. It is simple physics: when you fill a water body with land to create development sites, that displaced water has to go somewhere. Often, it is pushed into surrounding low-lying areas. We are seeing neighbourhoods that have never flooded before suddenly submerged during heavy downpours. We cannot simply attribute every flood to climate change or clogged drains. We need to scrutinise how we are reshaping our coastlines. Stronger environmental impact assessments and stricter controls on reclamation are urgently needed before we engineer new problems in our attempt to solve old ones. Sailosi Naewe Dilkusha Rd, Nausori
Police issue
The Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu, has repeatedly assured the nation that officers involved in drug offences, illicit activities, or any form of misconduct will be swiftly removed from the Fiji Police Force. His public statements, including those highlighting a rise in police officers brought before the courts for drug-related offences, were welcomed as a bold and necessary stance. He rightly stated that the force “cannot move forward with corrupt officers in place” and that any officer who breaks the law will face the consequences. However, the gap between rhetoric and reality is now becoming increasingly concerning. While the commissioner confirms that internal processes for drug-positive officers are “already being enforced”, the public is yet to see consistent, transparent, and decisive actions. The confidence of the people hinges not on promises but on firm, visible outcomes. The question remains: how long will it take before these words materialise into actual reforms? One long-standing issue that continues to raise alarm is the residence of police officers in informal or squatter settlements. For many years, it has been repeatedly suggested that police officers should not live in such settlements due to the vulnerabilities, influences, and social pressures that can compromise their integrity. These areas, often already battling crime, should not become places where officers involved in illegal activities hide, associate, or exert inappropriate influence. The recent revelations of officers charged for drug offences highlight the urgency of this matter. Allowing officers to reside in insecure squatter areas not only places the community at risk but also enables misconduct to thrive out of sight. This is unfair to residents who deserve safety, and it is unfair to the honest officers whose reputations are tarnished by the actions of a few. If the commissioner is truly committed to restoring the dignity of the force and rebuilding public trust, as he stated when reporting an 18 per cent decline in complaints, then decisive action must begin with removing officers from living arrangements that expose them to high-risk environments or compromise their ethical responsibilities. Equally important, officers already facing allegations or investigations must be immediately suspended pending outcomes. The public deserves assurance that those sworn to uphold the law are not simultaneously breaking it. The Fiji Police Force has many hardworking, disciplined men and women who take pride in their duty. They, too, deserve a leadership that acts decisively against those tarnishing the uniform. It is time to move beyond promises. The commissioner must ensure that the force does not merely speak of integrity but lives it, through swift removals, transparent disciplinary measures, and the relocation of officers from squatter settlements to more secure and accountable environments. Only through firm action can public confidence be restored and the force rebuilt on principles of fairness, professionalism, and trust. Indar Deo Sakoca Heights, Tamavua, Suva
Crime stats
Fiji has been experiencing so many forms and shapes of crimes that have begun to escalate, within the past 25 years, in my view. From marijuana to ice, physical abuse to homicide, petty theft to scammers and blue collar to white collar crime, to name a few. There has to be a “deterrence” engraved within the respective legislations, for the maintaining of relevant order, within Fiji. Without such appropriation, I believe the current rate will continue to outgrow our communities’ security, independence and peace. Besides, it will continue to be an additional financial burden to the government. In fact, Singapore’s 190,000 scam cases within five years have cost $SG5b worth. As a response, the government extended its “judicial caning” to those convicted. Wasn’t that good law and good order? Even inmates sleep on floor mats, not mattress beds. Singapore, in my view, has practically proved that the introduced judiciary “deterrence” were effective. The island nation’s socio economic status reflects it all. This is the typical legacy that a great PM is to be remembered by. Where is Fiji, PM? Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Pedestrian crossing
Could the FRA or the appropriate authority explain what is the pedestrian crossing doing being planted right at the traffic light in front of the BSP outlet at Samabula, especially when the traffic light at this road junction does not accommodate this crossing? As vehicles rush out from Rewa St to turn right into Ratu Mara Rd towards Nabua, the vehicles are challenged to stop if pedestrians are crossing. This arrangement I am sorry to say is waiting for a fatal accident to occur. Why couldn’t the traffic light be programmed to allow for people to cross the road? Just asking. It boggles the mind. Emosi Balei Suva
Trust factor
Dewan Chand says the pensioners have “every trust in PM Rabuka to do the right thing in finding a solution to the FNPF pension issue”. This is misplaced trust. I believe Mr Rabuka is not renowned for doing the right thing. There has been ample time since coming to power after the 2022 elections to honour the election promise to right the wrong perpetrated on the pensioners with the theft of their pension payment by the post-coup Bainimarama Khaiyum regime, which was described by a Rabuka government DPM as “illegal”. The Rabuka government has failed to do so because it lacked the political will to do what’s right by the affected pensioners. It’s a crying shame considering how swiftly they gave themselves that hefty 130 per cent pay rise and additional parliamentary perks. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Facts and figures!
The Fiji Times news “Australia High Commission discusses false claim” (FT 9/11) is confusing as it alerts those who look forward to join the PALM scheme abroad for better job opportunities. We always look forward to the news of facts and figures in the daily newspaper as the day begins. There are three sides of everything — Yours, mine and the truth. The media has an important role to play. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Trump tariffs
So President Donald Trump has made another u-turn! He has reduced tariffs on more than 200 food products from various countries. Mr Trump believes that by imposing tariffs and bullying, US hegemony over the world will be retained. While countries welcome Mr Trump’s action on tariffs, “the horse has already bolted”. Rakesh Chand Sharma Adelaide, Australia
Donation and provident
Movember funds
Movember fundraisers are a global community of fired up Mo Bros and Mo Sisters – aka rock stars making a difference in mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Your donation could help save a father, a brother, a son, a friend, a partner, a man’s life. Last year there were several organisations that came up with some cool ideas to generate funds. 2025 marks Health Awareness Month, which is an annual global campaign that encourages men to grow mustaches and participate in various activities to raise awareness about men’s health issues. This month-long event focuses on promoting physical and mental well-being among men, addressing issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health challenges, and suicide prevention. Movember provides a platform for men to discuss their health openly, seek support, and take proactive steps towards a healthier and happier life. Movember is a month-long campaign that encourages men to grow mustaches (or “Mos”) and engage in activities to raise awareness about men’s health. It aims to challenge the stigma around men’s health issues, spark conversations, and promote early detection and intervention. Support a good cause and wishing you the best for Movember. Neelz Singh Nelson, New Zealand
The word ‘provident’
After all the recent hullabaloo, I decided to revisit the meaning of the word provident. It simply means this: “making or indicative of timely preparation for the future”. That definition goes to the heart of what the Fiji National Provident Fund is supposed to be — a secure, dependable haven for the savings of its members. And let’s be crystal clear: Without members, there’s no FNPF. No institution. No employees. No Board. Yet for more than 14 years, thousands of old-age pensioners — men and women who built this nation – have been left carrying the burden of a decision that slashed what was rightfully theirs. They’ve waited, pleaded, suffered and been sidelined while the board continues to offer justification and excuses instead of solutions. If the entire organisation exists for the sole benefit of its members, then one must ask: Why has the board not stepped forward with courage and integrity to finally resolve this long-standing injustice? Why have those entrusted as guardians of the nation’s retirement savings turned a blind eye to the very people they’re duty-bound and morally bound to serve and protect? The FNPF Board and its employees occupy their positions for one purpose only: to serve the members. Not to defend past errors. Not to hide behind technicalities. But to ensure fairness, transparency and dignity especially for our elderly citizens and their families, who deserve nothing less. It’s time for the board to honour both the meaning of the word provident and the moral obligation it carries. Our pensioners have waited long enough. Give them a Christmas present wrapped up with the love they deserve in their old age. Because when it’s all said and done, a provident fund must first be … provident! Colin Deoki Australia
