Deputy PMs – RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
PM assumes role: ‘We can run without one deputy prime minister‘ (FT 24/10). Actually many Fijians believe the Rabuka government still has one extra deputy prime minister unnecessarily burdening the taxpayers in the country with less than one million people.
FUTSAL player eligibility – ROHITESH CHAND KALOKALO CRESCENT, MAKOI
THE announcement by the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) on the FUTSAL player eligibility is an apt one and comes at the right time. While it was long overdue, I am pleased that Fiji FA made this decision. Hopefully, now the players can choose and focus on their preferred code and produce a much better result. FUTSAL is becoming very competitive in Oceania and Fiji needs to take an appropriate approach such as this to make sure we are in the race. This new eligibility pathway should be able to produce more FUTSAL specialised players and give a better result soon. In recent Oceania tournaments, we have been struggling to compete with our Pacific counterpart, who seems to be way ahead of the game. Thank you, Fiji FA, and I am looking forward to more bold decisions to uplift the standard of football in our nation.
Corporal punishment – TAHIR ALI HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND
IT’S interesting to read in The Fiji Times that 60 per cent of the people support corporal punishment in Fiji Education Act. I feel there are many education stakeholders not in favour of corporal punishments to be inflicted in schools. The psychological and humanistic approaches respecting children’s rights will discipline the children at various stages. Children are a gift from God and the parents have a responsibility to raise them with faith, discipline and love to face the world — God’s way. “Child our hope”.
Portable covers – ASISH VINAY PRASAD PARK RD, RAIWASA, SUVA
I BELIEVE the National Fire Authority should invest in portable covers or barriers when removing an injured or a deceased person from a vehicle accident or any incident for privacy and more so out of respect especially from uninvited video footage. Please consider and invest without delay.
Sugar industry – SARITA LAL MALOLO ST, LAUTOKA
AFTER thousands of land lease expiry and closure of Penang Sugar Mill, the message was obvious, that it was impossible to revive the sugar industry. Despite such, sugar ministers from past and present government have been trumpeting for new sugar mill and maintaining the remaining two on Viti Levu. Talks about millions of dollars day after day to be allocated for the dwindling sugar industry to brainwash cane cutters, cane farmers, cane truck drivers and their families, have gone down the drain. Yet, these innocent citizens have participated in all organised gatherings for some solutions for the betterment of the sugar industry, with false promises. Until today, there has been no concrete investigation in regards to the Lautoka Sugar Mill breakdown from the first day of crushing.
US weapons – RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
IN his speech to the Knesset, Trump told Netanyahu: “We make the best weapons in the world, and we’ve got a lot of them. And we’ve given a lot to Israel … (And) you used them well”, writes Marjorie Cohen in ‘Trump Admits Complicity in Genocide’, Consortium News , October 17, 2025. Yes, Israel did indeed use the American supplied weapons very well. The whole world watched the horror of the atrocities Israel inflicted on the Palestinian people — men, women and children — who had nothing to do with the October 7 Hamas attack and hostage kidnapping. That’s why even its erstwhile allies condemned Israel for its collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
I’m an assistant! – COLIN DEOKI AUSTRALIA
FRIENDS and old colleagues often ask, “So what do you do with yourself these days now that you’re retired?” I tell them I’ve started a new career. That always gets their attention. You can see their ears perk up, their curiosity starts firing up like a kettle on a stove. They imagine I’ve taken up consulting, maybe mentoring, or perhaps I’ve written a book. Then I deliver the punchline. “I’m now the Assistant to the Domestic Director of Operations.” That’s when the confusion starts. You can practically see their brain trying to join the dots. “Domestic … Director … of Operations?” Then the penny drops. “You mean your wife?” they ask, trying not to laugh. I nod proudly. “Exactly. She’s the director, and I’m her new assistant.” And that’s when they lose it. Some laugh so hard they nearly spill their coffee. Others just shake their heads in disbelief. “So she’s finally got you under her thumb?” one said. “Not exactly,” I reply, “more like under her management plan!” Truth is, I’m really enjoying my new role. There’s job satisfaction, performance reviews (mostly daily) and even bonus points for initiative like when I broom the outside driveway without being asked. I’ve learned new skills too — dishwasher logistics, grocery procurement and vacuum navigation. My multitasking’s improved dramatically. I can now burn toast and over-water the plants at the same time. The hours are long, the pay is nonexistent and the benefits package includes occasional praise and plenty of “constructive feedback”. But you know what? It’s the best job I’ve ever had. Because the truth is, after a lifetime of chasing deadlines and targets, I’ve found a new kind of peace in being home — helping out, laughing more and learning that “happy wife, happy life” isn’t just a saying. It’s a management philosophy. And as a perk, I also get to sleep with the boss, which has never happened in any other job. So yes, I’ve retired. And I find plenty of time to write (in between chores of course)! But I’m still fully employed — but just under new management. You should try it sometime!
Diwali function – DEWAN CHAND NAMADI HEIGHTS, SUVA
THE US President, Donald Trump, hosted a Diwali function at the White House in which he invited Indo-American CEOs of various technology giants and other American business tycoons. This must have sent shivers down their spine in view of the recent venomous stance Trump took towards India on tariff issues. Sudden change of mind is puzzling, but anything is possible in geopolitics. The function itself was very straightjacketed with plenty of handshakes and fake smiles and polite compliments to the president. He was invited to light a candle and he obliged. This was followed by muffled clapping as Kash Patel, the FBI Director, looked very puzzled and uncertain as the President claimed that he had spoken to the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. As this Diwali drama was happening at the White House, yet another drama was unfolding on the streets of American cities where seven million Americans were protesting that they do not want a King and a dictator. This was the longest single day demonstration in American history. Demonstrators carried all sorts of placards exposing their anger: Wanna Be Dictator, I can’t breathe, We the people etc. Bernie Sanders made a very powerful call denouncing Donald Trump and his administration. Donald Trump had come to power after a historical overwhelming mandate in swing states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania and Arizona. The demonstrations in these centres were huge. There was a clear message that Donald Trump’s government was crumbling. Has he bitten more than he can chew? Only time will tell. However, it is good to note that with 30 million diaspora Indians, Diwali celebrations, the festival of lights, has truly gone global and is acting as a golden bridge to unite humanity! I must thank President Donald Trump for his kind gesture towards Diwali, the most popular Hindu festival of India. It will help to sooth wounded feelings and ruffled feathers between the two countries.
Walk the talk – NISHANT SINGH LAUTOKA
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad’s Deepavali message was indeed “sweet”, full of glowing promises about good governance, ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability. Yet, such words ring hollow when the Coalition Government’s own ministers fail to uphold those very principles. The recent incident involving the Sugar Minister, is a prime example. His decision to publicly disclose confidential information about Ba farmer Arvind Singh’s cane production is not only a serious breach of trust but a blatant display of amateurism and poor judgment. If the Coalition Government truly stands by its commitment to integrity and good governance, then it must “walk the talk”, as Rambo himself had stated recently. Anything less would expose the underachieving government as “all bark and no bite”. Charan Jeath Singh’s public humiliation of a farmer is unbecoming of a leader and an insult to the hardworking growers who form the backbone of Fiji’s sugar industry. I believe his conduct has undermined public confidence and tarnished the Government’s credibility. If accountability still means anything, then the Prime Minister “Stee” should act decisively. The time has come for Charan to be shown the front door. Fiji deserves leadership that is ethical, competent, and truly committed to the values it preaches. Pathetic indeed, that is if this Coalition Government chooses silence over integrity. On a different note, with the festive season fast approaching, I’m crossing my fingers for a big drop in lamb chop prices so I can fire up a small BBQ this year without taking out a loan. I’m counting on Professor Biman Prasad to sprinkle a bit of economic magic and make chops affordable for all Fijians this Christmas. Baaaaah!
Shirley Park – AREKI DAWAI SUVA
IF capitalism is a priority over the people for Lautoka City Council, then I guess LTC sees Shirley Park unsuitable and inappropriate for it’s residents and visitors.
Positive start – BHARAT MORRIS GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA
THE Government’s allocation of $10million towards a comprehensive strategy of testing, prevention, awareness, and control for HIV has been described by your editorial as a positive start. (FT 24/10). The first step is testing. Unfortunately, despite having a $10million allocation, we have no stocks of HIV testing kits.
Overwhelming support – FLOYD ROBINSON MICRONESIA
THE Samoan Rugby League team received a heroes welcome in Brisbane by the Samoan community. Similarly, the Tongan Rugby League team on their recent trip to Tonga, received overwhelming support and had a massive following among their people. Meanwhile where does that leave our Fiji Bati side? Why can’t we do the same? Yet, we expect nothing less than a victory during games. All in all, this is food for thought and perhaps our Fiji Bati management need to think about a communications strategy. Other than that, fans can expect rock solid performances when Samoa and Tonga clash this weekend.
Silence is deafening – WISE MUAVONO BALAWA, LAUTOKA
WHY is the Ministry of Environment keeping mum on the Vunato landfill smoke that has blanketed Lautoka these past few days? I reckon their silence is due to a lack of strategic planning and failure to take action on environmental concerns. All talk and no action. Chiu!
Public relation training – PECELI ALISTIR WAITOLU, NAITASIRI
I FULLY support the suggestion made by Asish Vinay of Raiwasa (FT 19/10) that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) should introduce customer relations training for all public service vehicle drivers, especially bus drivers. As a regular passenger, I have often encountered one particular driver who is consistently rude. On one occasion, he made an offensive remark about my religion on a church day. At another time, a driver of the same bus company told passengers to find another bus if they did not like the wet seats – even though it was the only bus available for that route. Such behaviour is unprofessional and reflects poorly on the image of our public transport services. Customer relations training would help drivers better understand the importance of respect, patience, and professionalism towards every passenger. It is time our transport system prioritised not only safety and schedules but also courtesy and public respect.
Lautoka residents – KIRTI PATEL MOHAN SINGH PL, LAUTOKA
IT may sound like I take this name quite often, but at times Fred Wesley hits the nail on the head. He is right to show his concern for Lautoka residents in saying that we have been very patient so far about the situations taking place. The Vunato dump fire is dangerous to both the people’s health and the environment, and the forceful snatching of our open spaces, parks for the development process. After Shirley Park and Churchill Park, Coronation Park is on their mind. We don’t have problems with developments which helps create more opportunities and helps towards economic growth but we do have problem when they touch our beloved parks and spaces. Slowly most of our parks will be taken away for development. That $5m project will take away a bit of our oxygen with those raintrees. That area is widely used by the nearby workers and library users as well. Climate change does affect big time with these open spaces being taken away. The devastating effect of that can come to surface later when it will be too late to do anything. We can prevent that now. Requesting our authorities to pay some thought to this. It is not necessary to occupy our widely used parks in return for some extra dollars. Please take it elsewhere. The trend of touching our parks for development has increased and with that the Vunato fire taking its toll, we say “enough is enough”. What is happening with the Lautoka swimming pool? What about the boring dead Botanical Garden? So many times I suggested it to be beautified or used for some other good purpose. By the way, I’m still waiting to hear about the walkway for Tavakubu Rd. Dear authorities, please do give some serious thought to the emotions attached to that park and take that development else where.
Toxic waste – DONALD SINGH SUVA
THE subject usually refers to industrial wastes in today’s global and regional contexts. However, I am talking about something else, but with equivalent or worse effects on our young people’s health and lives. This big supermarket, with only one warehouse type retail store in Suva, was somehow permitted to import and sell a type of candy in a mini nuclear waste drum type can, with “TOXIC WASTE, Hazardously Sour Candy” proudly written on the mini drum. When candy manufacturers unashamedly ditch all care and responsibility for our young children, they know no limits. Profit is all they see. When our authorities tasked with regulating imports and retail goods are sleeping on the job, they rubber stamp the import documents as long as they are complete and in order, however, without probing what effect the imported commodity will have on our children. When parents laugh at the mini drum and find it amusing, they buy or allow their children to buy and taste the thrill advertised on the package. Unscrupulous commercial practice, incompetent regulatory bodies and irresponsible parents all aid the poisoning of our children. It doesn’t look like we will wake up and realise everything that’s wrong around us and in us.
The reaction – MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF NATABUA, LAUTOKA
I THINK we all have witnessed (at least once) the reaction of an individual (perhaps classified as old) who gets branded as an aunty or uncle by the younger (status can be challenged) generation. Almost along the same channel, an individual rushed into a sweets and snacks shop on Monday morning this week. In he entered and quickly enquired. Customer: “Bro, laddoo kaise hain?” Sales attendant: “Hum tumme Bro dikhata hain?” That’s when he looked up and saw the lipstick. No malicious intent on anyone’s part.
Development on Coronation Park! – RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU
THE Lautoka City Council proposed a major public-private partnership development on Coronation Park land. The aim according to them was to develop a prime piece of city land, a move that required the rezoning of a currently protected park space and was set to transform a section of Tavewa Avenue. Since the announcement there have been mixed reactions. I salute the residents of Lautoka for being brave enough to voice their concerns using the social and print media. Hence, the proposed $5m development was met with criticism and rejected by residents who turned up in numbers to express their disdain of the project which was a threat to the rain trees in that area. The residents of Lautoka have been vocal about the $12m swimming pool and now are up in arms as the development threatens the city’s renowned open spaces. Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association president Narayan Reddy did not mince his words at a recent public forum. I guess Lautoka City Council has got the answers from the residents, some who have been living in the Sugar City for ages. The opinions and voices of these residents must be respected.
Empowering Fiji’s future leaders – INDAR DEO BISUN SAKOCA HEIGHTS, TAMAVUA, SUVA
THE recent launch of the Pathway to Purpose Leadership Initiative by the Minister for Education, honourable Aseri Radrodro, at Nasinu Secondary School could not have come at a more fitting time. In a world where our young people face increasing social, digital, and emotional challenges, this initiative stands as a timely reminder that leadership is not just about authority or titles, it is about character, values, and purpose. As the minister rightly stated: “You are the leaders of tomorrow, lead with courage, love, kindness, and purpose.” These words resonate deeply in a generation that is often bombarded by negative influences, peer pressure, and a fast-changing social media culture. Fiji’s youth need direction, mentorship, and moral grounding more than ever, and Pathway to Purpose provides precisely that, a platform to develop self-awareness, empathy, and confidence. For too long, leadership training in schools has been confined to prefect appointments or student councils, focusing more on rules and discipline rather than on the heart of leadership, serving others with integrity. The Pathway to Purpose program takes a refreshing shift. It recognises that real leadership begins with self-leadership: understanding one’s strengths, controlling one’s emotions, and building respect and compassion for others. At a time when issues such as school bullying, substance abuse, and youth unemployment continue to affect our communities, instilling purpose-driven leadership among our young people is not just necessary, it is urgent. The initiative encourages students to look inward, discover their passions, and lead from a place of conviction rather than conformity. When young people develop confidence and clarity about their goals, they become less vulnerable to distractions and more committed to contributing positively to society. It is also inspiring to see Nasinu Secondary School take the lead as the first school in Fiji and the Pacific to host this leadership seminar. The Head of School, Naisa Cama Toko, deserves commendation for fostering an environment where students are encouraged to learn beyond textbooks and grades. His acknowledgment that the education system must be “relevant and future-focused” reflects a growing recognition that academic excellence alone is not enough, moral and emotional intelligence are equally vital. The presence of UNDP Ambassador and rugby legend Waisale Serevi at the seminar added even greater depth. Serevi himself is a living example of purposeful leadership, captained in many international Rugby 7s tournament, a man who rose through discipline, humility, and faith. His journey symbolises the very message the initiative seeks to spread: that greatness is not defined by fame or fortune, but by how one uplifts others and uses their talent for good. Fiji’s young population, over half under the age of 27, represents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge lies in equipping them with the right values and skills to navigate an unpredictable future; the opportunity lies in harnessing their creativity, resilience, and optimism to build a better Fiji. Initiatives like Pathway to Purpose can become the bridge that connects these aspirations with action. As communities, schools, and parents, we all share responsibility in supporting this movement. Leadership education should not end with a one-day seminar, it should be nurtured continuously through mentorship programs, classroom activities, and community service. Schools can integrate aspects of the Pathway to Purpose model into their curricula, promoting reflective thinking, teamwork, and social responsibility. Likewise, churches, NGOs, and youth groups can collaborate to reinforce these same principles outside the classroom. In today’s climate, where social media often shapes young people’s identity and sense of worth, programs that teach selfvalue, empathy, and resilience are a breath of fresh air. The Pathway to Purpose Leadership initiative reminds us that leadership is not about being followed, it is about knowing where you are going and why. It calls on our youth to lead with heart, not ego; with purpose, not pride. This is the kind of leadership Fiji needs, one that grows from our classrooms, guided by compassion and built on integrity. If sustained and expanded nationwide, the Pathway to Purpose Leadership Initiative could redefine how we prepare our future leaders, not just for positions of power, but for lives of service and meaning.
Foreshore pollution – SATISH NAKCHED SUVA
IT is noted with great concern regarding the ongoing pollution caused by the conduct of final rites ceremonies at the foreshore of the Vatuwaqa Funeral Rites facility. While fully respecting the cultural and religious significance of these rituals, the manner in which they are being carried out is having a detrimental impact on our coastal environment. There is a huge disposal of non-biodegradable materials such as plastic bags, clothings, and food packaging washed up on the little beach in front of the facility. There are traces of burnt items on the beach, leaving behind ash, charred wood, and other debris. The accumulation of waste including flowers, food remnants, and ritual items that are not properly cleaned up afterward, drifts back to the shore during high tides. These practices not only degrade the natural beauty of our seashore but also pose serious threats to marine life, public health, and the sustainability of our coastal ecosystem. I believe the Vatuwaqa Funeral Rites Committee through the two full-time caretakers on duty must enforce existing environmental regulations regarding waste disposal and public cleanliness. The caretakers must be trained so that they can educate the community about environmentally responsible practices during final rites ceremony. Preserving our seashore is a shared responsibility, and I believe that with proper guidance and regulation, we can honour traditions while protecting our environment. The same foreshore in 2022 was cleaned by the Red Cross Suva branch youth in collaboration with the Suva City Council that generated more than two tonnes of waste. The municipality enforcement officers must patrol this isolated spot to enforce adherence to our environment laws.
Cyclone season – EDWARD BLAKELOCK ADMIRALS CIRCLE, PACIFIC HARBOUR
Another cyclone season, about to begin Another good reason, for needed repairs to homes and buildings. Time to trim those trees, with overhanging branches and to clear gutters and drains, to prevent overflows and blockages. It’s better to be safe, then forever sorry. It’s better to be proactive, to prevent damages that’s costly. Cats 3 to 5 are being forecasted for our area, hopefully they’ll move to the west of us, towards the east coast of Australia. But nature doesn’t always read our memo, despite our predictions and analysis, we won’t know what we’re really in for. It is, what it always is!
