Brave shots!
THE Fiji Times news team must be commended for doing extremely well in asking some brave and bold questions and carrying out its function as the people’s newspaper and watchdog. I’m beginning to fall in love with the front page and the calls made by our journalists in dealing with news around Fiji. I was taken back to read that three primary school students fronted the Lautoka Magistrate’s Court on Monday, having been charged with three counts of aggravated burglary, theft and attempted arson. Imagine, these deadly acts by our primary school students. We must ask some serious questions about the deteriorating behaviour of our young ones and what actions could be taken to change their behaviour. On the other hand, Fiji Women’s Practice Parliament Prime Minister Annie Rogers challenged the imbalance in the August House, calling for equal power, and I commend her for making another brave call. As I read through yesterday’s The Fiji Times, I salute the team for a grand coverage. The submissions for the Constitution (Amendment) Bill were covered very well and so were the sports news. Long live the people’s newspaper! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
OK set!
OK set, io set, oi set, right set, haan set, achcha set, set set, or just set. That’s us. I called a subordinate some time ago and gave him an earful for his mistakes. He said “set”, without much fight. I relaxed and matters cooled off. You call someone who’s supposed to deliver something and is two hours late, and he tells you when he’s coming. You go “set”. You call boss for something you aren’t too happy about. After a few trade of words, he goes “set”. Highly important instructions given to team members over phone and even email attract the glorious “set” as a reply. Nothing gets done though, or gets done a day or five late, and incomplete. You make an appointment with a very senior official, and he says “set” as in agreeing to the date and time. The meeting is postponed or doesn’t eventuate. Some time ago a foreign visitor asked me about our economy and political situation. I told him “we are set”. Bemused he looked. I told him to leave Facebook and he would be set. Set is the problem. Set in stone. But we are indeed set. Donald Singh Nausori
Parliament issue
Dhanyvad Sukha. Thanks for your endorsement (FT23/11), but contesting for Parliament under the existing system is a no, no for me! I can barely understand it, and I can’t see any benefits in deceitfully claiming to represent everyone in Fiji as I’ve heard from sitting MPs. Much less, can I look myself in the mirror, if I entered Parliament by piggy-backing on some else’s votes where one’s loyalty and existence is owed entirely, to a party leader. What kind of accountable, representative democracy is that? Let’s change the electoral system first, then you and I and Dr Sharma can put our hands up to entering Parliament. Daniel Fatiaki Suva
Who is who?
I don’t know what all the fuss is about who is who in the Constitution. I am particularly saddened by some advocates who are in their advanced age who should be thinking about their wellbeing rather who their generations will be called and what will they be entitled to. If there is a reference to a country in any document, those who are born here are Fijians. Take a step back, if there is a reference to ethnicity, the descendants of the girmitiya are Indo-Fijians and the natives are iTaukei. Full stop. If someone wants to be anything else, I suggest they make a name tag and wear it around their necks or pin it on their pockets as a badge. Might I also suggest that those who wish to remain rigid in what they should be called, they would be rudely punished by evolution and social integration. Ajai Kumar Nadi
So much to discuss
While Fiji is busy reviewing the 2013 Constitution and debating the nation’s future, the missing cocaine investigation seems to have vanished from public attention. The Constitution is under review, Parliament is in discussion, but what about the cocaine investigation? Has the investigation gone missing too? Perhaps it needs its own search warrant! Fiji deserves answers. We cannot have the Constitution under the microscope while the cocaine mystery quietly goes up in smoke! NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Race and identity
Former lands minister stated: “Reserve Fijians for indigenous as a racial identity, while every Fiji citizen should be recognised as Fijian” (FT 20/10/26). The term “Fijian”, I am certain, was never politically initiated nor conceived or established. In fact, it is an ethnic identity, not a racial one, in my opinion. It has been inherently engraved, I believe, with its distinct culture, tradition, language and inheritance, as any other. Is the Fiji islander not sensible? New Zealanders, Australians and Americans, I am certain, are not referencing indigenous, as “Fijian” is. Even calling one self as a Fijian, whilst being a Chinese or Rotuman or Tongan or Indian, classifies as an “impostor”, in my view. And I think, no one should give the “liberal freedom” to those who misused it. Look at the UK and France today, to mention a few. However, I believe, deep, sincere “respect” for others, can bridge differences. Solutions will not be found while indigenous are treated as victims, for whom someone else must find the solutions — Malcolm Fraser. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
School image
QVS — sounds like a school for future domestic violence offenders. Peter Arnold Bohle Plains, Townsville, Qld, Australia
Status and assistance
Not ready for city status
To all our township father’s and learned leaders: Let us not rush unnecessarily to city status. What on earth for? With some 4000-plus resort – hotel rooms, apartments, upmarket executive homes and a thriving tourism industry, Nadi lacks: A proper sewerage system. 50-plus year old Navakai has gone past its use by date. Many residential areas lack adequate fulltime water supply. Enamanu General Cemetery is full to capacity. It must be closed. All governments have failed us. Nadi still does not have its own rubbish dump. We spend thousands of dollars sending about 700 tonnes of rubbish each week to Vunato rubbish dump in Lautoka. We have far too many residential homes outside our immediate township periphery. No proper rubbish disposal. These informal settlements are on the rise. Recent murder of a young woman next to Nadi Plaza’s carpark is a confirmation of far too many drinking spots. Nadi lacks proper numbers of police force to make their presence seen 24/7. Liquor shops should close at 9pm – just like our supermarkets. Nadi is not ready for city status, in my humble view. I am a kai Nadi through. Born in Lautoka Hospital almost 75 years ago. Raised in Sabeto Nadi for 20 odd years. Our late dad, sadly, was murdered in his Sabeto shop (right opposite Sabeto koro and Waimalika turn-off on January 22, 1972). I have seen Nadi grow over the years. Nadi must address its basic infrastructure needs now. Tomorrow is too late. Tourism centres like Denarau, Fantasy, Wailoaloa, Naisoso should seriously start thinking about their own desalination plants. Present water supply is struggling to cope. Ronnie Chang Nadi
Save lives first
A patient’s wound cannot wait for a referendum. Families cannot keep waiting for safe water. The calls and reports reaching me are deeply distressing: shortages of medicines, dressings, basic hospital supplies and essential equipment, alongside deteriorating buildings. I am also hearing concerns that shortages are contributing to serious harm and likely deaths. These reports demand urgent investigation and action. In June, more than 4200 people in southern Taveuni were reported to have endured unreliable water supplies for over a decade. The people of Matei have now added to this figure. They are having to make do with unsafe water that could cause an outbreak where the hospital on Taveuni won’t be able to cater to the sick in the event of an epidemic break out. How much longer must these citizens wait? Recently, I received a disturbing photograph of a woman’s open surgical wound. I was told it was badly infected, open, gaping and tunnelling. The poor, suffering lady had been sent home because the hospital had no dressings, and neither could dressings be found at the town pharmacies either. The condition that her wound was in, was in fact at a stage that was driving her closer to death than recovery! No patient should be left searching for the basic supplies needed to continue treatment safely. Despite all this suffering, $20million has been allocated for a national referendum, while serious concerns have been raised about the proposed Constitution. The University of Fiji reports that Professor Shaista Shameem identified errors and inconsistencies across almost 100 sections of the Bill. Constitutional reform matters. But a document intended to guide generations must not be pushed through before its flaws are properly addressed. Having read the draft, I have many serious concerns. In my view, it should be withdrawn. Leave constitutional reform to the next elected government to undertake properly—with sincere interest in the people, adequate time, competent drafting and genuine consultation. Our supreme law must serve the people—not political convenience. Government should disclose how much of the referendum allocation has already been spent or committed, and redirect the remaining available funds, through the proper budget process, towards urgent healthcare and safe water. But emergency assistance must not wait for that process. Mobilise medicines, dressings and essential supplies now. Arrange for work to start on delivering safe water where needed. Publish funded deadlines for permanent water systems and urgent supply of hospital medicines, disposables, equipment upgrade, replacement and procurement and maintenance of buildings, to name a few. This is not an attack on health workers. They need the resources to care for patients safely. It is a demand for accountability from those responsible for ensuring those resources reach them. We do not need another promise while patients search for dressings and families search for water. We need supplies delivered, services restored and people protected. There are many other areas requiring urgent attention such as electrification and badly damaged roads. But nothing should take precedence over addressing conditions that threaten the lives of our children, our elderly and everyone in between. A constitutional timetable can be reconsidered. A life lost cannot be brought back. Put safe water in our communities. Put essential supplies in our hospitals. Put our people’s lives first before a rushed referendum. Noleen Billings Savusavu
Fiji Bati ready for Kangaroos
Tomorrow night’s David v Goliath mouthwatering battle between the Fiji Bati and Kangaroos at the Suncorp Stadium is set to thrill. Both sides won their previous battles. The Kangaroos narrowly escaped the jaws of New Zealand, winning 24-22, while the Bati hammered the Cook Islands 40-12 at the McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle. The Bati and Kangaroos battles have always been exciting and entertaining, although the Bati have lost all their games against the world’s best rugby league team. In 2008, the Bati was hammered by the Kangaroos 52-0. Five years later, the Kangaroos thrashed the Bati 34-2 in pool play and 64-0 in the semi final. The last battle between the two sides was in 2017 in the semi final and the Kangaroos delivered another convincing and resounding win (54-6). The Bati outmuscled the Cook Islands, but the match against the Kangaroos will be a different ball game. Coach Kevin Walters has handed the captaincy to James Tedesco, the Sydney Roosters Premiership-winning captain and Clive Churchill medalist. Four debutants will eye the opportunity to impress Walters. Cameron Murray, Lindsay Smith, Keaon Koloamatangi, David Fifita and Cameron Munster will be their go to men. For the Bati, Sunia Turuva, Waqa Blake, Semi Valemei, Kurt Donoghue, Brandon Wakehem, Apisai Koroisau, Taane Milne and Caleb Navale will play a key role. Nothing should stop the Bati from winning as they prepared well for the clash. The battle offers the Bati a glorious opportunity to prove they can rub shoulders with the world’s best! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Rugby inspiration
In terms of rugby, is our Bulikula side the biggest inspiration on the rugby paddocks? Their performance at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup has certainly caught the eyes of rugby gurus and taken fans by surprise. Whatever one’s opinion, I feel that our Bulikula team are an inspiration for teams like our Fijian Drua, our Bati and the Flying Fijians. Their commitment to defence and ability to strike from any length of the field makes them a class of their own. In only their first Rugby League Word Cup outing, the Bulikula side is making a name for itself. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Nation’s treasure lost
The revelation that pre-2014 Hansard records remain offline and irreplaceable historical debates from the 1990s and earlier are permanently lost (FT 23/10) should alarm every Fijian. A nation’s Hansard is not mere paperwork; it is the living verbatim record of our democracy — our national treasure. Every debate, argument, and decision made on the parliamentary floor belongs to the public and forms the bedrock of our legislative history. While news reports provide valuable daily accounts, they can never replace the exact word-for-word record of our lawmakers. It is inexcusable that fragile, surviving documents remain un-digitised due to equipment costs. Critical public records must always be backed up electronically, with redundant digital copies stored securely off-site to protect them from physical damage or neglect. When we lose Hansard records, we erase our institutional memory and blind future generations to how our laws and nation were shaped. Parliament and government must urgently prioritise and resource the complete restoration, off-site backup, and online archiving of every surviving page before more of our history slips away forever. Dr Sushil K Sharma Lautoka
Avenue for redress
I find it unusual that issues about the unavailability of safe drinking water were waved off as unrelated to the constitutional review consultations. Access to safe drinking water is a basic human right and is entrenched under C2.36 (1, 2) of the Constitution. The sub-committee would serve us a lot of good to provide the avenues for redress, particularly where the State keeps saying that it does not have the resources to implement the right. Samu Railoa Nadi
Climate change is real
Rising seas are already washing away roads, homes and the ground beneath villages that families have tended for generations. I, therefore, welcome Australia’s funding for coastal road upgrades (“$4.7m for coastal roads”, October 8), but as an Australian I know my country can give far more. Most Australians, however, want our government to act faster, including cutting climate pollution from coal and gas and standing with our Pacific neighbours as true partners. Minister Lynda Tabuya is right that climate change is real for the Pacific. We hear you. Thank you for your leadership; we will keep pushing for faster climate solutions. Amy Hiller Kew, VIC, Australia
Changing times
The rising tide will not wait as mentioned by a writer in The Fiji Times is true but it is beyond our control. I believe we should change ourselves first. Everyone has a shared responsibility to take up the challenge to fight this crisis. Stop polluting the environment. “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Young, wild and free!
What a shot, photographer Timoci Dawai (FT: 23/10), in capturing Meli Ralawa of Marist Brothers Primary School during the Suva Zone One at the HFC Bank Stadium! I’m sure we will see Ralawa and the likes, who impressed, in years to come at the HFC Bank Stadium during the Fiji Finals. Scouts from secondary schools would also be converging during these primary athletics zonal meets to keep a tab on prominent athletes who could represent them next year. Now that the zonal meets are heating up, the primary schools’ athletics competition is set to thrill as primary school athletes aim to turn heads. Fundraising will start and parents and teachers will unite to ensure full participation. That’s the beauty of sports — everyone comes together to ensure our children’s holistic needs are met, and our athletes get the much-needed exposure. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Four seasons or what?
These days, it sometimes feels as though Fiji is experiencing four seasons in a single day. We get bright sunshine, followed by rain, then cooler temperatures, and before long the heat returns again. For an ordinary person, this may simply be unpredictable weather. But for farmers, it can be a serious challenge. As a farmer, I have noticed the effects on some of my crops. Some plants that would normally be producing well have slowed down or stopped fruiting. The sudden changes in temperature, rain and sunshine make it difficult to maintain consistent crop growth. At times, the cold feels like a freezer wind moving through the farm. Then, after the cold weather, we can suddenly experience strong heat and sunshine. These rapid changes can place considerable stress on plants, particularly crops that require stable temperatures for flowering and fruit development. Excessive rain brings another set of problems. Waterlogged soil can affect roots, encourage fungal diseases and make it difficult for farmers to carry out normal field work. On the other hand, periods of strong sunshine following heavy rain can quickly dry the soil and stress the plants. For farmers, there is no switch we can simply turn on to control the weather. We can improve drainage, protect seedlings, provide shade and adjust planting schedules, but ultimately, we remain at the mercy of nature. And when crops struggle, it does not affect farmers alone. It can eventually affect the availability and price of vegetables at the market. Farmers work hard to put food on the tables of many people. But increasingly unpredictable weather is making that job more challenging. Perhaps this is a reminder that we need to give greater attention to climate-smart farming, better drainage, protected agriculture and support for farmers adapting to changing weather patterns. For those of us working the land, every day is a gamble with the weather. Four seasons in one day may sound interesting, but for a farmer, it can mean four different challenges to overcome. Shamal Chand Kuku Village, Nausori
Hidden cure for blood shortage
Every time Fiji’s blood bank stocks run critically low, the response follows a familiar urgent public appeal and desperate scrambles for family replacement donors. But there is a sustainable, untapped solution to our national blood security, and it lies entirely in how we treat the people who choose to give. Right now, blood donation in Fiji is largely a blind transaction. A citizen rolls up their sleeve, gives a pint, leaves with a juice box or an apple in hand and never hears about it again. If we want to turn one-time donors into a predictable, lifelong pool of regular lifesavers, the Ministry of Health must transform donation into a dual-purpose public health partnership. Three-pillar donor retention framework
1. Digital Health Feedback – Text blood pressure and iron levels to donor;
2. Automated Dispatch Sms – Your blood has been sent to CWM Hospital; and
3. Double-Blind Gratitude Wall – Anonymized thank-you notes from patient families.
Mini-Health Checks for NCD Prevention
Fiji is locked in a fierce battle against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). When a person donates blood, technicians routinely screen their blood pressure and hemoglobin (iron) levels. Why let this valuable health data go to waste? By automatically texting these basic metrics back to the donor as a “mini-health check”, the Ministry can actively encourage early wellness interventions. A donor tracking a sudden spike in blood pressure can seek early medical advice before it escalates into an emergency room crisis.
The Emotional Reward of a Simple Text
Human beings are wired for impact. The single greatest motivator for a blood donor is knowing that their sacrifice actually worked. The logistics of tracking a blood bag directly to a specific patient’s bedside are incredibly complex, but tracking it to a hospital repository is not. By integrating a basic, automated SMS trigger into the laboratory database, the system could send a text stating: “Bula! Your blood donation has cleared testing and has been dispatched to Lautoka Hospital to help a patient today.” This creates a profound psychological reward—the “Hero Effect”—at a virtually zero operational cost.
Healing Social Gaps with Blind Gratitude
The idea of connecting a donor directly with a patient family is culturally appealing but carries massive legal, ethical, and privacy risks. However, we can still capture that community solidarity safely. The Ministry should introduce a strict Double-Blind Anonymity Policy. Patient families could submit generic thank-you notes through a secure portal. After a brief screening by the blood service to remove names or villages, the message is forwarded to the donor. This builds a powerful bridge across social and cultural lines while fully shielding both families from emotional vulnerability or liability.
The Verdict
The Ministry of Health does not need to build a heavy, cumbersome administrative machine to make this happen. By starting small with automated SMS impact alerts, we can instantly elevate civic pride, protect our national blood supply, and turn a quiet medical procedure into a loud movement for national wellness. Ashis Kumar Ba
Pre-COP events
Following the myriad of events during the Pre-COP summit in Nadi, attention now turns to the effectiveness of these rich discussions and whether if any of these get any hearing during the ‘official’ segments, involving governments and accredited organisations. For a start this was scheduled in Sheraton which was out of bounds for people donning normal badges. Unlike COPs where all stakeholders can at least mix around at least in corridors, common places, cafes and bars, the exclusivity of the arrangement was startling. Notwithstanding the pontification by the PS in the lead up to the event, it was clear that Australia, as the main driver of the events, had its own views which sadly did not align with our Pacific way. To be fair, some of the members of this exclusive zone did wonder across to the green pavilions at Crowne and Sofitel, but the flow in the opposite direction was a strict ‘no no’. Even high-powered individuals who were invited for certain events at Sheraton found themselves interrogated with this usual prejudicial profile. One other point which struck many of us was how the Fijian academic institutions like FNU, USP and UniFiji were merely used as tokenism by their rich counterparts from Australia and other wealthy countries in the name of collaboration. The first pre-COP event hosted at USP by so called COPA (alliance of UNSW, Monash, USP etc) was a platform for merely these metropolitan universities. Whilst the locals were merely used for logistics, the ‘experts’ seemed to be all from these foreign institutions. Unsurprisingly the event attracted just over 100 participants when over 400 registered. Many were disappointed that some of the high-profile names on panels etc., were not there in person and merely used to attract registration. I guess FNU and its collaborating institutions must take the cake for hosting their event exclusively at 5-star Hilton, Denarau, with expensive meals and drinks, held in specially designed venues. Invitation to these were also exclusively to certain groups and individuals. It is remarkable that such lavishness was on display when Unis cry out for more money for research, programs and projects. The FNU boasts campus in Nadi and Lautoka and it is amazing that these events were not held at these venues where the larger community of students and staff would have benefited. Apart from one event where a staff member from UniFiji was featured, there was a remarkable absence of the academia – researchers and scientists from our premier institutions — in the official stakeholder program. Perhaps this was designed to ensure a useful share of the pie by the foreign institutions under the Vuvale partnership. Altauf Chand Minto, NSW, Australia
A new drug threat
THE discovery of a parcel containing a suspected illicit substance on Yadua Island should be viewed as more than an isolated incident. Police say the parcel, containing a white powdered substance, was found along the seashore by a villager and has been taken into custody for further analysis. The matter remains under investigation.nWhat this incident highlights is the growing vulnerability of Fiji’s vast maritime domain. With more than 300 islands spread across thousands of square kilometres of ocean, many remote, sparsely populated or privately owned, Fiji presents a unique challenge for law enforcement and border security agencies. For decades, public attention has centred on drug parcels washing ashore. However, organised criminal networks are constantly adapting their methods. Advances in technology, particularly drone capabilities demonstrated in conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and increasingly in commercial applications worldwide, should prompt a broader discussion about how such technologies could be exploited by transnational criminal enterprises operating across the Pacific. It does not require much imagination to see how isolated islands, secluded beaches and privately owned freehold islands without permanent populations could become attractive locations for covert transfers or temporary storage. Locations that are difficult to monitor may offer opportunities for criminal groups seeking to avoid detection. The significance of the Yadua discovery therefore lies not merely in the parcel itself, but in what it may represent. The Pacific is no longer a distant bystander to global narcotics trafficking. It is increasingly part of an interconnected region where organised crime, technology and geography intersect in new and challenging ways. This reality demands a corresponding evolution in our response. Maritime patrols alone will not be sufficient. Fiji will require enhanced surveillance capabilities, stronger intelligence-sharing arrangements, greater regional cooperation and continued vigilance from local communities. The villager who reported the parcel demonstrated precisely the kind of public awareness needed to protect our islands. As criminal networks evolve, so too must our strategies for safeguarding Fiji’s borders and communities. Dr Sushil K Sharma Lautoka
Make love, not war
“Make love, not war” is a powerful message about peace, unity and respect. The same values should guide Fiji’s future. Fiji is home to people of different religions, cultures and beliefs. Christianity deserves respect, just as Hinduism, Islam and other faiths do. No one should feel that their place in Fiji depends on their religion. Let us build a nation founded on love, equality, religious freedom and mutual respect—not the dominance of one religion over others. We can honour Christian values without making the state favour one faith. Our strength lies in living together peacefully, despite our differences. Many faiths. Equal rights for all! NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Declaration should wait
Quite frankly, Nadi Town is not yet ready for city status. Before such a declaration is made, serious attention must be given to its upkeep, maintenance and infrastructure. The town urgently needs improvements to facilities such as the bus stand, public washrooms and Prince Charles Park, among others. These are basic amenities that should be safe, clean and well maintained — not only for tourists, but also for the residents who use them every day. As a major tourism hub, Nadi should reflect the standards we want visitors to associate with Fiji. Yet its current condition leaves much to be desired. Declaring it a city will not automatically repair deteriorating infrastructure, improve cleanliness or resolve longstanding maintenance problems. A new title is no substitute for meaningful action. Rather than rushing the declaration, the relevant authorities should prioritise outstanding works, set clear timelines and demonstrate visible improvements. Residents deserve a town that functions well, not merely one with a more prestigious label. City status should reflect genuine progress, not serve as a promise of improvements to come. Until Nadi’s infrastructure, public amenities and overall upkeep meet that standard, the declaration should wait. Suresh Chand Nadi
School challenges
I believe Lynda Tabuya is correct in asking: “Alternative schooling arrangements?
Are you serious right now? Why aren’t these QVS kids being expelled or dealt with in court? Beaten 85 times? This QVS school culture is tolerated and needs to stop! Excusing their behaviour by facilitating school transfer is criminal. This is just wrong. Zero tolerance means just that, otherwise it will keep repeating like it has been! Fiji Police Force what’s your response?” The above is from her social media post and I’m glad someone came out with such concerns which needs major consideration. This school is in the spotlight most of the time and lenient acts as such just will go to worsen the situation in future. We cannot let such deteriorating behaviour just go away with alternative schooling arrangements, expecting the situation to improve automatically. On the other hand, while counselling the affected students does help to some extent, the severity of the action heals children in different ways. For some it takes a really long time to overcome the trauma. Our children deserve better both in terms of education and justice. We are supposed to be more empathetic towards the victims not perpetrators. Dear Education Minister. Please come out with a better solution which can be a lesson for all those thinking of such acts in future. Let’s protect our future leaders. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Stallions face tough task!
Nadroga will aim to topple Tailevu this afternoon at the HFC Bank Stadium in the Skipper Cup semi-final. A star-studded line-up has been named, including some big names in Timoci Sauvoli, Rupeni Nakiyoyo, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, who has signed with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, Aporosa Matakasa, Aminiasi Natoga, Waqa Nalaga, Semesa Volavola, Taniela ‘Motopai’ Rakuro, Ratu Naisa Navuma, Aisake Atani, Jone Vatuwaliwali and Jack Volavola. The Stallions hammered Suva 35-23 at Lawaqa Park in the quarterfinal, and it is time to repeat that fiery, fantastic and magical performance.The white jumper of Nakuruvarua must be worn with hunger, aggression, dedication, determination, pride, passion and baptism of fire. It’s now or never. The last battle between the two sides ended in a 25-all draw. This Nadroga side has the power and sheer guts to outmuscle Tailevu which finished second on the Skipper Cup points table, with 43 points and beat Navosa 23-16 at the HFC Bank Stadium last Saturday. All the best to my Nadroga team! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Appreciate life and loved ones!
Appreciating life and loved ones bring joy, show affection, and strengthen relationships and bonds. As I pen this heartfelt letter, sharing my experiences after my Matua English class on Tuesday evening, I allude to these beautiful quotes shared by Emma Hart and Sofia Rivera, respectively, ‘You are my calm in every storm and my greatest reason to smile’ and ‘Our memories are the quiet treasures that keep us warm when apart’. These quotes serve as reminders to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones and to express our appreciation for their presence in our lives. Tuesday was a long and tiring day for me. A thorough revision was done with my Year 13 day scholars. I went home to check on my daughter who had returned from school. After spending time with her, I came back to school for my last revision class from 5-8pm with my Year 13 students who have been enrolled in the Matua program. The last revision class covered everything from day one in a bid to prepare them well for three hours of writing. After the class, I drove back home. It was time for washing. My body was giving up, but my mind was strong. Mahika, my daughter, prepared a hot cup of tea, which energised me and gave me strength. It was a chilly night, and I was feeling cold by the time I had done the laundry and hung the clothes to dry on the clothesline. While I was outside, she made me a steaming bowl of curry flavoured noodles, just what I needed to give me warmth from the cold outside. I was emotional. My daughter’s kindness and unconditional love flooded my eyes with tears. I consider myself so lucky to have such a selfless and caring daughter, who cares for me after the loss of her mother, last year. As I sat on the sofa to enjoy my meal, I realised that sometimes a small, cheap meal tastes so nice in the company of our loved ones. The morale of this story- let’s appreciate life and the existence of our loved ones in our busy lives. We must appreciate every little thing that is done by our loved ones to keep us going. Sometimes we take life and our loved ones for granted! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Attraction of kava
Throughout my six decades of existence, I have witnessed innumerable 13-day pooja ceremonies, each strikingly characterised by the pervasive consumption of kava. Without exception, every single observance I attended featured this practice prominently. Attendees flock in substantial numbers, drawn primarily by the abundant complimentary kava distributed throughout the rituals. On several occasions, I mustered the resolve to encourage participants to abandon this tradition, only to receive an unambiguous response: without kava, attendance would plummet. My counterargument was equally straightforward—should we truly desire their presence if their sole motivation is accessing freely provided kava? I contended that cultivating a smaller circle of genuinely devoted supporters far surpasses assembling a massive yet spiritually hollow congregation. To prevent further discord, I redirected our conversation. Following numerous such exchanges, I can confidently assert that our Hindu brethren demonstrate unwavering resistance to relinquishing this destructive, financially burdensome, and physically harmful custom under any circumstances. I firmly believe the moment has arrived for our community to collectively champion a decisive movement against incorporating kava into sacred ceremonies, particularly beginning with funeral pooja observances. This substance inflicts devastating consequences upon our people—ravaging their bodies and depleting their financial resources simultaneously. Suresh Chand Nadi
2026 Yaqona (Kava) Bill
As consultations on the proposed 2026 Yaqona (Kava) Bill continue, one hopes that there is room for discussions on issues which may require clarification. For example, is there a minimum age requirement for registration of yaqona operators? In many rural communities, it is common for youths under the age of 18 to plant and manage their own yaqona farms. These young farmers gain valuable agricultural and business skills while contributing to household incomes. If registration or licensing becomes mandatory, how will the Bill accommodate these young growers? Also, how do we accommodate registration for individuals who have special needs or disabilities and cannot travel to the nearest urban centre for registration? For some of them, selling yaqona on a small and informal scale, provides much needed income. Let us approach the consultations with an open mind and allow space for discussions on critical aspects of the Bill. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
In tiny letters
While going through my student passenger’s school exam papers, I was shocked to see how tiny the letters were — some appearing to be less than 1mm. Even as a parent, I struggled to read the questions. How are students expected to read, understand, and concentrate under exam pressure with such tiny print? Are schools receiving adequate resources to ensure clear and readable examination papers? Exams should test students’ knowledge, not their eyesight! Our children deserve a fair chance to succeed. NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Perfect issue
None of us is perfect. Every human being makes mistakes. And many of us carry regrets from our past because of those mistakes. The true measure of character, however, is often revealed not in moments of comfort, but in moments of adversity and crisis. In 1978, a tragic hit-and-run incident claimed a life. The person responsible failed to stop and render assistance to the injured victim. Whether out of fear, panic, or concern for the consequences, he left the scene rather than stay and help. He was subsequently convicted for that offence. A hit-and-run is not merely a traffic violation. It’s a serious criminal act that raises profound questions about judgment, responsibility and moral courage and character. Intelligence, political skill and public popularity are all valuable qualities. But when a nation entrusts someone with leadership, it’s reasonable to ask a deeper question: how does a person respond when faced with a moment that demands scrutiny and accountability? The issue isn’t whether people can change. They can, and some do. The issue is whether voters should consider the whole character and history of those who seek public office, especially when leadership requires honesty, responsibility and the willingness to stand firm when circumstances become difficult. I will leave readers to make their own inquiries and judgment and draw their own conclusions from their research. Colin Deoki Melbourne, Australia
