Worry about own KVT gangs NISHANT SINGH LAUTOKA
THE Great Council of Chiefs chairman has expressed deep concern about Fijians linked to the KVT gang in Australia (FT 23/11). Ratu Viliame Seruvakula is keen to identify who exactly is involved in this little-known crime network. I urge Ratu Seruvakula not to worry too much about this wannabe band of thugs. I am confident that Australian law-enforcement authorities are already dealing with them accordingly after their swift arrests. Instead, I encourage the chairman to realign his focus on the increasing number of our very own local “KVT gangs”, primarily comprising indolent iTaukei youths who are wreaking havoc on our streets without fear. And what’s with the loud boom boxes, baggy attire and that “spring” like walk? You may assume that you look cool and appealing, but quite honestly, you actually resemble clowns in a circus. Public drinking in broad daylight, glue sniffing, violent robberies, assaults on vulnerable minorities, graband-run offences, public intoxication accompanied by profanity and rowdy behaviour, and the harassment of individuals (mostly kaidia – no surprises here) for money are just some of the grave problems we endure daily. Additionally, reports of stoning homes and damaging property have also become common in residential areas. With the festive season approaching, and police visibility at an alltime low, the situation is primed to explode. Drunken brawls, disturbances, and outright lawlessness are almost guaranteed to worsen. We are staring at yet another chaotic, boozesoaked holiday season, one that will likely spill well into the New Year. I cannot even go for my daily morning walk or purchase a loaf of bread in peace without being probed for a few dollars by able-bodied drunkards who occupy the Pacific Energy Service Station premises and loiter in front of the bread shops hoping for some spare change to fund their binge drinking. Despite the police station being located less than 100 metres from this regular drinking spot, one wonders what strategies, if any, our law-enforcement agencies are applying to address this escalating nuisance. The police seem to magically disappear whenever large groups of intoxicated individuals create a ruckus in public spots. So yes, if the GCC chairman is looking for something to be genuinely worried about, he needs to look no further than our own backyard. Our local KVT hoodlums are the ones creating daily misery. Australia will take care of its problems. It’s time we seriously confronted our own third world problems before Fiji turns into a wasteland.
KVT gang TAI SMITH NASINU SEC SCH RD, KINOYA, NASINU
HONOURABLE chairman GCC sir, one does not have to be a rocket scientist to understand the KVT is a shortened form of Kai Viti. I think it is high time that everyone stop burying their heads in the sand and recognise the fact that this group is definitely made up of Fijians living legally or illegally in Australia. Who knows they maybe an extension of the group that has been caught and jailed. What our major concern is right now is how do we keep drugs out of Fiji and what deterrent can we use to ensure is it is eradicated. We look at what crimes are committed because of drugs: Murder – the loss of life; Rape – the loss of innocence; Invasion and theft of property – the loss of sentimental non-replaceable items and sometimes even the loss of life just to help furnish drug habits; Prostitution – the loss of dignity – to help furnish drug habits; Insanity – the loss of self control and the ability to being a valuable member of society; And the list goes on. Drugs have a large impact on the breakdown of society and deprive us all of living in peace and harmony. It is a virus to be removed from society. Yes, this all leads to the only practical deterrent, the re-introduction of the death penalty and if anyone is so very against this then how about relocation to one of our very remote islands surrounded by shark infested waters.
Former government DAN URAI LAUTOKA
WHAT type of leadership, keeps an accused on “sedition charges”, in a state of distress (approximately five years), before withdrawing charges on the grounds of “no case to answer”.
Airstrikes kill 20 RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
ISRAELI air strikes kill at least 20 (Reuters/FT 24/11) and wounded more than 80. And there is supposed to be a ceasefire. So what kind of ceasefire is that when the killing continues?
Based on performance! FLOYD ROBINSON MICRONESIA
IF the recent performances of our Flying Fijians is a gauge to expectations at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, then we may be heading towards disaster. For a tier 1 nation which also has many players participating in Super Rugby, the performances against Spain, England and France were far from convincing. With all due respect, it appears as if we are rewarding a number of Drua players whose performances in 2025 were inconsistent, by engaging them in national duties. In sharp contrast, the All Blacks coaching team picks and also drops players based on performance. For now, the odds are stacked against us but there is time and several high performing players who deserve consideration. Performance based selection will bring the best of our Flying Fijians.
Coup leaders DAN URAI LAUTOKA
COUP leaders and those who assisted them should be held accountable, in particular lawyers. Too many people are getting away
Prioritise what matters WISE MUAVONO BALAWA, LAUTOKA
THIS subject has been nagging me for years now so pardon me if I am being blunt or as we say in Lau, “uncompromisingly forthright”. We iTaukei are so focused on our different customary functions and commitments at an excessive degree. Our customary obligations often involve significant amount of money spent on soli, kalavata, etc., that it is a contributing factor to a household’s vulnerability to poverty. We are distracted and have lost focus of our primary role as parents, looking after the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of our children. You need to say “no” gracefully instead of sacrificing your family’s financial stability. Your relatives should understand that you are making intentional, financially sustainable choices for your family. It is time for iTaukei to re-examine their choices and reprioritise what truly matters in their lives. Sa malo!
Wallabies woes RONNIE CHANG MARTINTAR, NADI
HOW sad and what a real pity, indeed. Our Big Brother Wallabies fell again at the last hurdle in their quest in the Northern Hemisphere Autumn Series tour to their far superior hosts, France. Les Bleus accounted for the Green and Gold “machine”. Meanwhile, the Flying Fijians fought to the very end to come from behind to claim a desperate 41-33 victory. One lucky escape. We take this win. It would have been extremely embarrassing to be made a laughing stock “by some” had we lost. We spared ourselves. Fiji will improve, in time. Isou! Voleka saraga.
Gritty win! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU
SPOT on, John Tabore (FT 24/11)! While we appreciate the Flying Fijians gritty win over Spain, fans will agree that it was a close call. Matches, that Fiji has lost, are our own doing as we become our own enemies, making mistakes that gift the opposition chances to convert opportunities into points. We could have outmuscled both England and France, but our own downfalls let the games slip from our grasp. Had we had a little more patience, we would have come out victorious. Against the Los Leones, we were on the verge of losing, but the boys had to dig deep and beat the hosts, and thanks to Isaiah-Armstrong Ravula’s tactical game management and exceptional kicking we came out top. Ravula’s pinpoint cross-kicks set up tries for Elia Canakaivata and Joji Nasova. As we are preparing for the Nations Championship, let’s build depth and work on our weak areas that England, France and Spain exposed. There will be no easy games next year, especially when we will be denied playing at home v England, Wales and Scotland!
Hospital visit ASHIS KUMAR BA
WE went to the new Ba Hospital at around 9.30pm on Sunday, November 23 and came back home around 1am without being seen by the doctor. There were around seven outpatients including us and one suicide attempt emergency which was seen and ready to be shifted to Lautoka. Upon asking about the delay, we were told that there was only one doctor on shift and we were flagged green and it takes 4-5 hours for green tags to be seen. Walking on the corridors of the hospital, I could see the empty passages yet people were made to wait outside. If only one doctor was on shift, then I believe something is very wrong with this hospital system. Few of us decided to return home without being seen. I hope the hospital management improves it’s process and tries to contact the people who left unattended. A survey would help here. I wonder why once, my friend said that he went to Spain for a checkup as the return trip home is always late.
Reap what you sow COLIN DEOKI AUSTRALIA
I READ Ronnie Chang’s letter (FT 24/11) and felt his deep pain, sorrow and sadness. It really touched me deeply. And I hope and pray that it touches the heart of every single person who’s in a position to make right what was a deliberate wrong. If you’re in the position to effectively correct the wrong then I encourage you to make things right before more of these deserving pensioners pass on. There’s one thing I know about righting wrongs. And it’s this. When you’re in a position to do something right, it will bode well for you and your family, for your community and for your country. You reap what you sow! Go Kinoya, go.
Go Kinoya, go – TAI SMITH NASINU SECONDARY SCHOOL, KINOYA, NASINU
WOW, I have never been so proud to say that I live in Kinoya (Kenya to some). I want to congratulate Viniana Seru, the community committee president and her committee for organising the Kinoya Community Day. One I will look forward to supporting. Your efforts are truly encouraging and I thank you and your committee for the initiative shown. Kinoya forever.
