2026 Homecoming
The 2025 Homecoming Concert may have injected a significant boost into the local economy but is already triggering planning as some are already thinking of organising workshops in Nadi around the dates of the 2026 Homecoming. The benefits of having travel expenses and accommodation covered is a temptation hard to refuse. All in all, looks like some bosses will scrutinise staff requests for holding workshops in Nadi around the same time as the next Homecoming. Unless there is a good reason, some will go home from Nadi before the 2026 Homecoming. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
PM defends mission
Our PM, Sitiveni Rabuka, defends Fiji’s embassy in Jerusalem (FT 10/9/25). Is it not a brave and wise decision? And his main reasons were simple and diplomatically coherent, in my opinion. I believe it is very sad that Shamima Ali used the UN’s famine, mass starvation, genocide and apartheid reports, as her source of argument. Did she know the “origin” of those reports? What about the Israeli hostages’ starvation? What about Hamas’ looting of supplies? What about Hamas’s human shielding? Any UN report? I believe Arabs make up 20 percent of Israel’s population and they serve as government ministers, professionals, journalists, academics, athletes, IDF Commanders and even Supreme Court Judges. Israel has 30 percent Arab doctors and 50 percent pharmacists. Anyone or country, in my view, who backs terrorism, is simply perpetuating “evilness”, in the world. God bless Fiji. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Expose the kingpins
Fiji is rotting from the inside out, and the reason is obvious — the meth epidemic! It’s everywhere, destroying young lives, fuelling violence, and feeding corruption at every level of society. But let’s not pretend this crisis is just about addicts or petty criminals. The real culprits are sitting in air-conditioned offices, wearing suits, and shaking hands with the powerful. One of these so-called businessmen has even served time in an Auckland prison. The seizure of 4.15 tonnes of meth in Nadi was massive, but don’t be fooled. The nine people convicted were just pawns. Even the Justice Minister has admitted that the real power sits higher up the chain (fbc.com). So why haven’t we seen names, faces, and handcuffs, Mr Turaga. Let’s stop playing games. Fiji is not just a transit point anymore, we have become a full-fledged narco state. And if we continue to turn a blind eye to these so-called “El- Chapos” orchestrating this from the shadows, we are plotting our own demise. No more cover-ups. No more protecting the powerful. Drag them into the light. Prosecute them. Lock them up and throw away the key. Come out, come out, wherever you are. The people are watching. We are done being silent. Nishant Singh Lautoka
A world away
What’s happening a world away is quietly dividing people in many homes. It creeps into our conversations, our communities, even our families. Instead of disagreeing respectfully, too often we slip into anger, bitterness and contempt. But this isn’t who we are. If those who sacrificed their blood and lives for our freedoms could see us now, I believe they’d be deeply appalled and saddened. They didn’t fight so that hatred could divide us from within. They fought so that we could stand together, side by side, even when we don’t see eye to eye. Their legacy calls us to something higher: to listen before we judge, to debate without destroying, to stand firm in our convictions while still honouring the humanity in one another. We may not always agree, and that’s okay. But we can choose to disagree with dignity. We can choose respect over resentment, anger and bitterness! Hatred is easy. Respect takes courage. And right now, our country needs more of the latter. Because we’re quickly spiralling down a dangerous rabbit hole of lies and deceit and misinformation and propaganda! Fake news is more rife today than it’s ever been! So do your research and homework from ethical, credible journalism sites instead of believing the fake stories being masqueraded as truth by certain media sources who’re backed by rogue terrorist nations pushing an agenda for the genocide of a whole race of people! Colin Deoki Australia
New phone
The slimmest iPhone is its on way. Thinking if it has been put on strict diet. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Foreign affairs
It certainly seems a little peculiar that out of the 96 nations that have diplomatic missions in Israel, Fiji should join only six that have their embassy in Jerusalem. It is also somewhat strange that Fiji took part in the recent massive military parade held in Beijing after it was boycotted by all our traditional western allies including USA, UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. I was quite surprised to see a contingent of the RFMF, in full dress uniforms, marching behind the noble banner blue and saluting Presidents Xi, Putin and Kim Jong Un. I wonder whether the assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs would be so kind as to explain the thinking behind these decisions. Michael Scott Morris St, Lautoka
Role model
When some letter writers were still waxing lyrical about how fine a role model Lynda Tabuya was for women and girls even after she was sacked for ministerial misconduct I thought that was absurd.
But no more after I see Lynda Tabuya sitting by PM Sitiveni Rabuka’s side during the new security treaty discussion with Australia in Honiara. Nobody could turn things around and reinvent themselves in politics the way Ms Tabuya has done so successfully and so swiftly. She definitely is a top role model. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Consultation days
Would not it be a good and effective concept just to host the public at various locations simply to hear us weekly or monthly. Touch base I suppose. Try the consultation in groups consisting of all parties. Asish Vinay Prasad Park Rd, Raiwasa, Suva
Moral clarity
Many have called for “moral clarity” on the Israel and Palestine conflict. But the expression can be easily hijacked and used to assuage consciences and to legitimise actions that are repugnant to most concepts of morality. No doubt that the Hamas attack involved acts of unspeakable brutality. Does that mean, then, that Israel is justified in whatever retaliatory measures it takes, no matter how brutal? Lyndon O’Connor, this will be a great topic of discussion around the tanoa boy! Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
STEM and suicide
Engaging Pacific Youth in STEM
I write to emphasise the importance of engaging our youths across the Pacific, including Fiji, in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). At a time when the world is rapidly evolving, STEM is no longer just an academic pursuit but a foundation for national progress and sustainable development. This is in respond to recent regional symposium in Nadi, which brought together Pacific young leaders under the theme of science and technology, highlights a vital truth: our future in the Pacific depends on how well we prepare our youths in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Firstly, STEM equips young people with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Our region faces pressing challenges such as climate change, rising sea levels, and natural disasters. A generation trained in STEM can devise innovative solutions to safeguard our communities, improve resilience, and sustain livelihoods. Secondly, the global job market is increasingly STEM-driven. By encouraging young Pacific islanders to pursue STEM pathways, we prepare them for careers that are not only relevant but also high in demand. This helps reduce unemployment, prevents brain drain, and ensures that our youths can compete confidently on the international stage. Thirdly, STEM promotes creativity and innovation. From renewable energy solutions to digital technologies, youths exposed to STEM can contribute to transforming our economies. Fiji, for example, can benefit from locally developed innovations in agriculture, fisheries, and health that are tailored to our unique context rather than imported solutions. Finally, engaging youths in STEM also strengthens inclusivity. By encouraging equal participation of girls and boys in these fields, we nurture a diverse talent pool that represents the voices and skills of the entire Pacific community. STEM education is, therefore, not a luxury but a necessity. It is an investment in the minds of our young people today that will determine the strength and sustainability of the Pacific tomorrow. Indar Deo Bisun Sakoca Heights, Tamavua
United against suicides!
The editorial, ‘United against suicides’ (FT: 11/09), was heart-touching. The statistics and stark reality of life raised a lot of questions about humanity and what we are doing to help those loved ones, who are weighed down or slowly withdrawing from the world. Thank you, Fred Wesley, for highlighting a pressing issue — suicide which is claiming lives of a loved one. Suicide is becoming a major public health challenge — each life lost has profound social, emotional, and economic consequences, deeply affecting families, friends, workplaces, and communities. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (2024–2026) is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’. This thought-provoking theme calls on us to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and foster open, compassionate conversations about suicide. It is about shifting from silence and misunderstanding to openness, empathy, and support, creating environments where people feel able to speak up and seek help. WHO adds that changing the narrative also means driving systemic change, calling for suicide prevention and mental health to be a priority in public policy, urging governments and institutions to act. This includes developing and implementing evidence-based strategies, improving access to quality care, and ensuring that those in distress receive support they need. Back to the editorial and Fred hit the nail on the head, stressing on unity and coming together against suicide which is not the way out. Value must be placed on life. Suicide is not the answer to life’s hardship. Hence, the culture of empathy is vital! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
