HIV infection – SAMU SILATOLU NAKASI
THE Director WHO has seriously commented on Fiji’s 3091 per cent surge of HIV infections, within 14 years (FT 22/10/25). Isn’t it like 200 per cent annually? The subject has been well published and discussed within our Parliament over the years, but it was like nothing really matters, in my opinion. The initial threat, I believe, was that it wasn’t timely controlled and focused, right from the grassroot level. In reality, the affected rural areas individual victims, have the tendency of prolonging its suppression, which actually inflated and expedited the infection. Within the past 10 years, in my view, the “needle drugging” capacity, entangled itself with HIV/AIDS victims and it exploded. In addition, the “inability” of the government to be accountable for its actions. The previous Health Minister, as I recall, always stated publicly, that all were “good”, when in fact, the health system was deteriorating, right from its infrastructure. Because of ignorance and negligence, we lost the most precious value of life.
Walk the talk – SELWA NANDAN LAUTOKA
IN response to a question from Paul Seforana during the recent Fijian Media Association Town Hall Forum in Ba regarding the increase in pay and allowances for Parliamentarians, the Minister for Transport and Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau is reported as saying “It’s subject to review and that’s something that we have discussed, to be relooked at”. (FT 18/10). That sounds promising. I must thank the Prime Minister for assuring us that his government is an example of one that walks the talk, one that listens, one that does not do lip service. Can I request the PM to immediately review the overseas travels for our ministers accompanied by their large delegation as I believe some of them are totally unnecessary and waste of public funds? It should be approved on the need to attend basis. The FijiFirst government was under intense criticism for excessive travels and for the high per diems paid out.
No consultation required – NISHANT SINGH LAUTOKA
THE Lautoka City Council special administrator and chairman Taitusi Rasoki has confirmed that they will engage in public consultations before deciding on the fate of Coronation Park as far as development works are concerned (FT 23/10). There is absolutely no need for these pointless “consultations”. The people of Lautoka have already made their voices heard, loud and clear, through social media and print media. There is overwhelming frustration and firm opposition to the proposed three-story development project on what remains one of the city’s last open recreational spaces. The masses of Lautoka outrightly reject the council’s plan to turn this recreational park into a concrete commercial complex. End of discussion Mr Rasoki. It would be more sensible at this point for LCC to prioritise resolving the recurring Vunato dump fires, which have been burning for four straight days now. I will not even waste my breath on that incomplete $12m swimming pool.
Kadavu celebrates long-awaited promotion – RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU
IN 2023 when Kadavu hosted the Namalata 7s, the song Liwavi au na Tokalau, a Fijian classic, resounded and reverberated through the very core of Kadavu, promising new winds of gutsy and exhilarating change — a change that transformed Kadavu rugby, heralding an unprecedented era of excellence that has taken rugby to new heights. Kadavu, the cradle of rugby talent and known as Niusiladi lailai (small NZ), has nurtured and produced exceptional individuals like Setareki Tawake, Sireli Naqelevuki, Naca Cawanibuka, Sale Sorovaki, Sevu Reece, Rob Valetini and Simi Kuruvoli draw bloodlines from the island while Terio Tamani, Kemu Valetini, Etonia Waqa, Phillip Baselala, Leone Nakarawa and Albert Tuisue have links to the island. Head coach Josevata Bola’s vision must be commended. The Levuka, Nabukelevu man, started his rugby career in Kadavu, joined Birdland Kadavu in Suva, and in 2004 was part of the 7s team to Argentina. He played for Suva, Naitasiri, Nadi, and Northland and coached Uluinakau when the club was first formed before moving to Malaysia as coach from 2018-2022. Kadavu is reaping the seeds sown by this industrious coach. Kadavu beat Navosa 23-17 in a thrilling and cracking final that warmed and captured hearts at Lawaqa Park. Captained by Vaione Tegu, who clinched victory, scoring the winning try, the Kadavu team consisted mainly of farmers, fishermen and four police officers. Hooker Joseva Baleiloa, halfback Ratu Alipate Tabusaki and fullback Savenaca Durusolo impressed with their fine performances and work rate. I thank honourable Lynda Tabuya for her input. Their resilience, determination, character and fighting spirit will be remembered by many fans who look forward to the team’s participation in the tier one flight next year. I conclude with this slang commonly used in Kadavu, ‘Niu salele vata, nomu liga, nomu laga’! Cheers!
Mental health – TAHIR ALI HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND
DR Sheetal Singh of St Giles Hospital on the importance of mental health education to mark World Mental Health Day (FT22/10) alerts us all to maintain healthy lifetime habits. I believe there will be more health awareness programs mounted to help people understand to work towards prevention. There are many health issues like stroke that can’t be reversed in extreme cases. There is a need to have more clinical psychologists to join the medical team with support of medical authorities. Home grown food and regular exercise with healthy eating habits is the natural medicine for our mental health. A man is what he eats.
Track record – SAMU SILATOLU NAKASI
PAP’s president called for the party’s track record (FT 20/10/25). It has been a while since a party’s top executive responded honestly, in my opinion. Additionally, he re-emphasised that “service” was for the people. Wasn’t that interesting? It seemed, in my opinion, that PAP’s political “direction” within its first years, wasn’t as initially mapped out. In fact, there were a few internal conflicts, the PM’s re-arrangement of the Cabinet and some of his public statements. In my view, he seemed to reflect confusion, even to issues that have affected and taken their toll, on generational welfare. However, good ministers are not only who kiss babies, take photographs with old people, cut ribbons, shake hands and have dialogue sessions every now and then. When one cannot make tough decisions when it matters, in my opinion, it simply is cowardice.
Leadership in Fiji – LEONISA MANUFOLAU USP, SUVA
I WRITE this letter to express my opinion on the leaders of our country. Our nation needs leaders who will put people first. There are numerous occasions where the leaders often focus more on politics instead of serving the people. These leaders are expected to work with honesty, accountability and integrity, without these values, citizens will surely lose interest and trust in our leaders which will lead to more chaos. I humbly ask our leaders to be more transparent, accountable and responsible for the betterment of our Fiji !
A giant of the game – SEVECI TORA TACIRUA HEIGHTS
A SON of Matuku: Farewell to Joeli ‘Big Joe’ Veitayaki. The news of Joeli’s passing has sent a tremor through the rugby world, a shock that echoes from the hallowed stadiums where he became a legend, all the way back to the quiet sandy shores of Matuku Island, where I first met a shy young boy four decades ago. Even then, there was a gentle strength about Joeli. While other boys were boisterous, he was a quiet presence, his humble and gentle character as constant as the island breeze. We forged a friendship in that paradise, a bond that I was sure would last a lifetime — and it has, just not long enough for any of us. We all watched in awe, but never in surprise, as that boy from Matuku picked up a rugby ball and began a journey that seemed written in the stars. From the island team to the national stage, he was selected for the Flying Fijians, carrying the hopes of a nation on his broad shoulders. He was a true powerhouse, a formidable front rower who became the first-choice prop. To face Joeli in the scrum was to face a force of nature; an immovable object with the heart of a warrior. When his career brought him to New Zealand, where he proudly represented top clubs like the Auckland Blues, our friendship only deepened. Despite the bright lights and roaring crowds, the fame and the fierce competition, the Joeli I knew never changed. He was still the same humble boy from Matuku. He was “Big Joe” to the rugby fraternity, but to me, he was always just Joe. That was his greatest triumph — not the bruising tackles or the scrum victories, but his unwavering connection to his roots. In a world of fleeting fame, he remained firmly grounded. He never forgot his vanua, his family, or his friends. He was a global star who always knew his way home. The rugby world has lost a titan of the game. The Flying Fijians have lost a brother in arms. But for those of us who knew him before the cheers, we have lost something more profound — a good man, a loyal friend, a son of Matuku who walked with giants but never lost the gentle touch of his island home. Rest in peace, rest in love my friend. Your powerful legacy is etched not just on the scoreboards, but in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know you. You were, and will always be, our “Big Joe.” Malo vakalevu.
Ban alcohol in festive season – NISHANT SINGH LAUTOKA
TESS’S suggestion to ban loud fireworks is certainly something our authorities should seriously consider (FT 23/10). While many protest about the distress caused by fireworks on the darkest night of the year, they strangely remain silent when violent, intoxicated individuals wreak havoc throughout the festive season, especially on Christmas Day. Christmas is supposed to be a solemn occasion, a celebration of the birth of “Jisu Karisito”, marked by church attendance and reflection. Yet, in Fiji today, it has devolved into a wild, drunken spectacle. Streets overflow with half-naked drunks, brawls erupt freely, and profanities fill the air, often from those who proudly claim to be “churchgoers”. This disgraceful behaviour tarnishes what should be a sacred day. We certainly do not get to see such scenes on Diwali, except for people who belong to a different faith shamelessly roaming from house to house demanding sweets and “pataka”. If refused, homes are either stoned or the family celebrating receive a tirade of verbal abuse from the disrespectful and ill-mannered sweet collectors. It does speak volumes on their upbringing. Shameful practice indeed. The sad truth is that Christmas has ceased to be a religious festival and has instead become an occasion for binge drinking and disorderly conduct. If fireworks are to be banned for their noise and disturbance, then the sale of alcohol during the festive season must also be banned. The link between alcohol-fueled chaos and the breakdown of festive peace is glaringly obvious. Would you agree Tess? Or are you OK with all the unnecessary hoopla and public nonsense witnessed on Christmas day?
