Ratu Asaeli’s pursuit!
Ratu Asaeli Eden Uaniceva Vosavakadua, 23, whose inspirational story hit the People column (FT: 04/10), had an enriching, simple yet profound message for environmentalists, “Do not limit yourself to the four walls of your tutorials. Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone when doing so, because what have you got to lose?” Hats off to Andrew Naidu and the trusted brand for providing an insight into the life of Ratu Asaeli whose life highlighted the basic principles of family, sacrifice, and service which had been instilled in him at a very young age. Ratu Asaeli took it upon himself to uphold these values in everything that he did and continues to do. As a young leader and role model, Ratu Asaeli’s educational journey was one of resilience and transition, and although his studies were interrupted by COVID-19, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in environmental management which made him realise the important work everyone undoubtedly had to ensure a sustainable life, where resources were preserved for future generations. Ratu Asaeli’s faith in God, his hard work and perseverance were rewarded. As we approach the external examinations, students should realise that time is against them, and they must step up their preparations than spend time on social media and activities not related to their schoolwork. Ratu Asaeli is a role model, an inspiration to the young generation. Good on you, The Fiji Times, for sharing his story! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
White goods collection
Yesterday’s The Fiji Times had the Suva City Council program or schedule for the “collection of damaged or unused white goods (household appliances)”. It gives people, let’s say from Tacirua Stage 1 housing subdivision plenty of time to collect and prepare, for they are scheduled for October 10. How do we get ours ready to be collected this coming Monday, two days from when the notice came out? We are scheduled from Friday October 3 to Monday October 6. If the notice was first put out last Saturday and I missed it, this letter is “my bad” and I apologise but my mind would be saying it’d be a waste of SCC money paying, doing it twice. Moses Fong Suva
Media disgrace
The National Press Club of Australia cancelled Chris Hedges talk on how the media, by amplifying Israeli lies, have betrayed Palestinian journalists, 278 of whom have been assassinated by Israel. That’s a national media disgrace because it makes a mockery of free press in our democracy. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Diabetes centre
I write this open letter to the Minister for Health and the administrator of the CWMH (Colonial War Memorial Hospital) and wish to draw their attention to the pathetic conditions which prevail at the NDC (National Diabetes Centre). NDC is located just opposite the maternity wing of the CWMH in a dilapidated colonial building. The condition of the NDC is shocking to say the least. Difficult entrance and exit point for the vehicles bringing in the patients. Then there is the car parking problem. There is ample space for expansion but it is lying idle. No futuristic thoughts on this matter. There is no provision for ramps for the patients coming on wheelchairs. They simply have to be dragged up the steps with all possibilities of accidents. Further, the reception area itself is so uninviting with worn out brown files piled up behind which the receptionist sits hidden behind the desk. The wooden benches in the corridor could be awfully uncomfortable. Doctors and nurses do not have proper cubicles in which to attend to the patients. They are huddled up in makeshift corners. The public toilet facility is in a state of neglect: no hand wash basin, no liquid soap and no toilet papers. One can use the toilet and forget about washing hands or step into the nurse resting room to use the sink there. This arrangement is simply unacceptable as it disturbs nurses and trainees and the danger of losing personal items. The rapidly increasing number of diabetic patients in Fiji is a serious health problem and the hospitals and health centres are grappling to manage it. There is an urgent need to establish a proper National Diabetes Hub to cater for the increasing demand. Facilities for in-house patients and proper staff facilities to cater for this need. I must recognise that much effort has been made by the NDC to educate the public on healthy lifestyles. These awareness programs seem to be falling on deaf ears as the younger generation is prone to get obese and develop diabetes. It needs political will to make false advertisements illegal on fast food and sweetened drinks: major contributing factors. The NDC is in urgent need of major renovations and the Minister for Health must be more assertive in sourcing funds for upgrading. The CWMH is our national pride and the citizens need to speak up whenever they see shortcomings! Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Fiji football
Nadogo has been axed from this year’s IDC just because they did not complete their regional league. Thank you FFA. Right call. I fully support this move. Can my very good friend the CEO please advice the fans through this forum, as to which districts have completed theirs fully in 2025. No serious club games and no Futsal club games here in the North. I wonder what your development officers and area vice-presidents are doing. And if that wasn’t enough, there were some vocal and big critics of FFA voicing their frustrations on the ground. Now they are silent. Surprisingly, I believe they have joined the bandwagon. 2025 is all over. What can FFA do in 2026? I may be your biggest critic but it’s just because of my continuous writing through this forum that you are taking some action. It’s evident that you know the reality on the ground but you continue to ignore it. Soccer was once a beautiful game in Fiji. Can’t say the same now. Now it’s just a “pass time sports”. To FFA, please bring back Levuka, Nalawa and Vatukoula under your banner. They have talents. In 2026, please have a senior division national team compete with Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands and Vanuatu. Just my 1c advice. A Shariff Shah Savusavu
Crime, threat and rugby
Crime situation
A massive public campaign is required now to address the crime situation in our country. It must happen in all towns and cities. It cannot be delayed All towns and cites must have effective neighbourhood networks established. Asish Vinay Prasad Raiwasa, Suva
Climate change threat
I am writing to express my thoughts and concerns about the sad reality of climate change on my homeland Tuvalu. It is very heartbreaking to know that my homeland is going to vanish in a few years. The only possible solution so far is relocation which hinders Tuvaluans’ human rights to freely live and grow on their indigenous land, the right to preserve their identity, culture and traditions for future generations. We are in despair because we have no power nor resources to combat climate change. I am urgently calling on world leaders for immediate action on this issue. This is not just about survival, it is our right and freedom to live on our homeland. Emma Pene Student – University of the South Pacific
Sukuna Bowl launched
History will be created when the rivalry between Army and Police will be tested in the Friendly North. I stand to be corrected, but this could be the first time that Labasa’s iconic Subrail Park, which has hosted international football teams such as Tahiti, will host the Vodafone Ratu Sukuna Bowl battle. The competition was launched at the Nasova Police Barracks amidst high excitement and anticipation. Last year, Police retained the Sukuna Bowl after they defeated Army 20-19 at the HFC Bank Stadium. That victory was significant as it aligned with the Fiji Police Force’s 150th anniversary. In 2023, Police retained the title after an 11-all draw against Army in an intense encounter at Prince Charles Park. In 2022, Police edged defending champions Army 19-11 to win the title. In 2021, which was the last year that Army won the prestigious title, Jone Manu spoiled Police’s hopes of a clean sweep with a last-minute penalty to win the title and return the coveted log to Delainabua as Army edged Police 18-17 in a thrilling battle that had fans on the edge of their seats. Army will be out to end their losing run against the men in blue while Police will aim to stretch their winning run against their archrivals. The disciplined forces values, loyalty, discipline, courage and the deep commitment to serve Fiji will be on the line. Expect the Friendly North to buzz with joy and delight as it hosts this traditional and ancient rivalry. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Ignore them?
The approach by Israel to the latest Gaza aid flotilla seems illogical. Stopping them and boarding the boats in international waters is a crime and probably a war crime as weapons were there as a threat. It would have been more sensible to let them keep going and arrest them as “invaders”. As a number of the people on the flotilla were well-known, more international attention is created and this portrays the boarding of the boats poorly. It seems that a more practical approach would have been to let them continue on, under escort, land and then arrest them, making sure that any food and medicine is passed on to one of the charities operating there. Of course this war, and any war, is illogical. Too many people are being killed or displaced. A better solution must be found. Dennis Fitzgerald Melbourne, Australia
