Why the delay? – DONALD SINGH SUVA
ACCORDING to RNZ News, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is yet to decide if it will investigate the bird strike that resulted in an emergency call-out at Christchurch Airport for a Fiji Airways flight. In the first half of this year, there were 103 reported bird strikes and near strikes at Christchurch Airport — 20 per 10,000 flights — compared to 17 per 10,000 flights at Wellington Airport and six at Auckland Airport. Looks like there is plenty to sweep under the carpet that side. The who’s who at Fiji Airways must not stay silent on the matter and must seek compensation for all costs incurred, including fuel, accommodating passengers and crew, meals, rearranged flight, etc. The flight circled around the airport for two hours to burn fuel to meet the required landing weight after it was struck by a flock of birds. Another hour or so, the plane would have reached Nadi, but that would have put the pilots in hot soup. Over a dozen flights to Christchurch per week sounds like a ticking time bomb because the birds are not going to leave their habitats around the airport. Maybe paint scarecrows on the aircraft. But FA must make some noise.
Why the secrecy? – NISHANT SINGH LAUTOKA
IT is both disappointing and infuriating that in the midst of a national drug crisis, 10 football players who tested positive for banned substances during the 2025 IDC tournament remain unnamed. This is not just a sports issue; it is a national disgrace. Why can’t the Fiji Football Association name and shame these drug cheats and the districts they represent? Why are these players not being unveiled for such unwarranted conduct? This situation is no better with unscrupulous business operators who manipulate prices, sell expired goods, and engage in underhanded tactics to boost profits. And yet, the Consumer Council of Fiji continues to shield them from public exposure. Why the secrecy? Please do not share the news of sports drug cheats or unscrupulous business owners if you are not going to publicly reveal them and their shady transactions.
Vehicle imports – SAMU SILATOLU NAKASI
IT is good to learn the reviewing of the vehicle import rules at the end of the year. How did the Transport Ministry come to its senses? Does it need almost three years? In fact, the issue has been there for over 15 years, in my opinion. As a result, the volume of traffic that has been ‘terrorising’ our road network, rapidly increased annually. I shared the uncontrolled mechanism of “vehicle imports” and the used vehicles ‘roadworthy period’ in my letter, (FT 16/2). This, in my view, should “soak up” some of the traffic congestion issues, while the other additional measures, are being planned. How long it’s going to take? Is it not a national priority? Let us hope that the idea, with effective enforcement measures, will be appropriately done, asap. Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things, brought together.
Tourism trade – TAHIR ALI HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND
THE milestone of arrival of visitors in August (19/9) is an indication of how demanding Fiji Tourism is in the competitive global market. Fijians’ friendly Bula smile of welcoming visitors, to make them feel at home away from home, to spend their holidays in comfort. They always long to return. Let’s keep up to our pride promoting Fiji in the world tourism trade. We are well blessed with natural fascinating scenes in the South Pacific where the new day begins. Wake up early every morning to read The Fiji Times.
Moce Levuka – JOHN AND MARILYN MILESI LEVUKA
SO sad to see the potential demise of Levuka and Ovalau as landmarks in Fiji. Firstly, the Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation continues with his empty promises of taking action to ensure flights between Suva and Levuka are resumed. Now FPCL has placed stringent restrictions on the use of the Levuka Wharf by local ferries and weight limits for vehicles on the wharf. This latest decision was apparently made without consultation of both the ferry operators and our local community. If there had been consultations, then FPCL would have been able to suggest that the perfectly good PAFCO Wharf be used until the Levuka Wharf is repaired. This would require Government intervention, so it will be interesting to see if they care for all the people of Levuka and Ovalau. Given the Government’s continual harping about transparency, it would be interesting to know why they continue to ignore us.
Levuka wharf! – ANTHONY SAHAI LEVUKA, OVALAU
FIJI Ports Corporation Ltd has released an advisory notice, notifying the travelling public, that due to the deteriorating state of the Levuka Wharf and for the safety of all, berthing at the wharf will be limited to only one vessel and a reduction of load limit to only 2-tonne vehicles. Despite numerous reminders regarding the condition of the wharf, during the reign of the previous government and now the current one, no one seems bothered. Levuka seems to be forgotten. Sad!
A misconception – JAN NISSAR SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA
I BELIEVE there is a great misconception among Fijians that they are now free and live in a free country. The iTaukei believe they own more than 90 per cent of the land and therefore have no worries. The reality is no one knows who owns 90 per cent of the land as no one seems to be able to make any decisions about it. As for freehold land, everyone knows who owns each parcel of freehold land. There is a title with a person(s) name on the title. Freehold land is traded, it is used as security for bank loans, and it is increasing in value every week. People who own freehold land are doing well, are wealthy and are free to buy and sell as they wish. As for the native land holders, their hands are tied, they cannot move, and they are not able to develop or progress and are restricted from becoming wealthy using their land. This is a deliberate “fork in the road” put by those who designed the native land system and is being perpetuated by the GCC, the government and the vanua. The solution is simple. Make all land freehold and see the economy boom and people get out of poverty overnight. Fiji will never become like Singapore if we have such land laws. Fijians may be truly blessed, but they are blinded by tradition, culture and not questioning the sheer silliness of the whole system. Who else will point out the bleeding obvious?
Do what is right! – COLIN DEOKI AUSTRALIA
THERE are moments in life when we’re given the power, position or opportunity to make something right. It might be an injustice that was overlooked, a promise that was broken, something that was “stolen” or a truth that was buried. Whatever it is, when we take that bold and courageous step to correct a wrong — not out of pride, but out of integrity — something profound happens. Heaven takes notice. When a “wrong” is made “right” by those who have the power and the heart to do so, the storehouse of the Almighty opens. And from it pours blessings — not just material, but spiritual. Peace returns. Relationships heal. Consciences are cleansed. The burden lifts and grace flows freely again. If this speaks to you, don’t delay. Do what you know is right. Set the record straight. Restore what was broken or stolen. And then, watch how life begins to unfold in ways that can only be described as divine. Because every act of righteousness draws the favour of heaven.
Roaring Tigers break Ba hearts! – RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU
WHEN the dust settled at the 4R Electrical Stadium, Stratum Construction Rewa stood tall. The Tigers, Fiji’s most consistent and number one football team, created history by winning their first IDC title in Ba in 70 years. Rewa last won in Ba in 1955 and ended a 15-year drought with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ba. Rewa last lifted the IDC in 2010, making the win sweet. In 2010, Airpro Services Rewa thumped Lautoka 3-1 to lift the prestigious Lloyd Farebrother Trophy. Under the guidance of president Praneel Singh and coach Manoj Kumar, the Tigers had earlier won the Battle of the Giants. With strong crowd backing, Abraham Iniga’s double and Epeli Saukuru’s single goal ensured Rewa repeated their 2001 IDC heroics. Skipper Simione Tamanisau was named the best player of the tournament. Iniga was rewarded with the golden boot, scoring a total of six goals. Peniame Drova was the new find. Prior to 2010, Rewa’s last IDC win stretched back to 2001, when Rewa beat Ba 1-0 to lift the trophy. Prolific national and Ba striker Ravuama Madigi, who retired from soccer when he was 37 years old, nailed a beautiful free-kick from outside the 18- yard box, breaking the hearts of many Ba supporters who painfully watched their former hero steal the title and end Rewa’s 29-year drought since they last won the IDC in 1972 beating Labasa. Rewa’s win in Ba was no easy feat. Head coach Tevita Waranivalu and his assistant Priyant Mannu, who had a stellar season with Tailevu Naitasiri, worked hard. President Nazeel Buksh and his officials must be commended for looking after the players’ welfare. Rewa lost the Fiji FACT and BOG titles to Labasa but won the league. This shows their never-say-die attitude, character, resilience, fighting spirit, determination and dedication. The Tabu Soro spirit rallied throughout the IDC. It was no joke playing in front of 13k fans, but the Tigers gave everything they had to upset the home-team which had a huge crowd backing. I also salute Ba president Praneel Day and his coaching team for preparing a team which will be a force to reckon with in 2026. For now, it’s time for Rewa to celebrate before facing the Babasiga Lions in the CVC series.
Responsible leadership – ANNA-LISA BALI SUVA
NUMEROUS leaders at present give assurances but do nothing for the people. Personal interest is frequently prioritised over trust and justice. Responsible administration requires leaders who are transparent, accountable, and compassionate towards their people. The genuine transformation of society begins with virtue, honesty, and real commitment to the people’s welfare and progress.
Governance systems – HELENA TING NASINU
THE recent article (FT 23/9), titled ‘Principals warned on fraud’, highlights serious concerns regarding financial accountability in public offices. It is alarming to see repeated incidents of mismanagement and misuse of public funds. Such actions reflect poor governance and a lack of transparency that weakens public trust in our institutions. The Government must take stronger measures to enforce integrity, ensure proper oversight, and hold those responsible accountable. Honest and transparent leadership is essential if Fiji is to restore confidence in its governance systems.
Yaroi Village – JAN NISSAR SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA
IT was good to see that the people of Yaroi Village in Matuku, Lau, got together and raised some $300k for a secondary school in their village. What I would like to know is how much of that money was spent on the kalavata and was this expense really necessary. But I am sure the people of Yaroi Village, just like the rest of Fiji, have their priorities right. I did not see any large cake though, which is very unusual I believe. They seem to be breaking with tradition and culture.
IDC 2025 – A SHARIFF SHAH SAVUSAVU
SUPER Premier runners up 6k only, winner 25k only. Some thing doesn’t seem right Mr President. What’s the difference now vs some 20 years ago? I always shake my head when you proclaim that we are in the professional era. Are we?
Delta Tigers – TAHIR ALI HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND
CONGRATULATIONS Rewa, the most deserving historical win in Ba. In the end it’s the effort that matters most, irrespective of whatever ground on the level playing field! Vinaka! Radio Fiji Two with the lively sports commentators, Raymond and Irfan, and The Fiji Times with balanced sports reporting for all the sports fans, local and abroad. Sports in the spirit of good sportsmanship keeps us united in Fiji’s diverse society. In the end we all are winners. God bless Fiji.
