Agree to disagree – RONNIE CHANG MARTINTAR, NADI
IN any healthy democracy, we should be comfortable enough to agree to disagree — and remain totally civil. I am aware of my critics. They are entitled to their opinions too. With the daily prevalence of genocide in the Gaza, the West Bank and various Palestinian territories including all illegally occupied territories, in my view, now may not be the prudent or appropriate time to launch our embassy in Jerusalem. I beg to differ, with utmost respect. In the face of enormous daily killing, brutality and starvation being weaponised, the establishment of our embassy, at this juncture, diminishes our empathy towards all Palestinians who pay the ultimate price each day… almost two long painful and brutal years. Prime Minister Netanyahu, for his own political survival perpetuates this war against Hamas; and slaughtering the innocent Palestinians each day. He does not care about the daily innocent slaughter of the Palestinians, at all. We live in a cruel world. Too many cheap and false assurances for peace. All talk. What really happened to the biblical chosen people? “Thou shalt not kill.”
Fiji abstains on UN vote – RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
A BIG thank you to The Fiji Times for sending questions to our UN permanent representative Filipo Tarakinikini and PM Rabuka about the decision to abstain on the voting on the UN declaration for a two-state solution on the Israeli-Palestine conflict ( FT 15/9 ). Why the decision to abstain? Whose agenda is being served? I believe many clear eyed Fijians want answers to the questions sent by The Fiji Times because the decision is not making sense when the overwhelming majority of the international community, including Israel’s erstwhile allies, are supporting the two-state solution adopted by the UN as an enduring peace and security plan.
Put out the fire – DENNIS FITZGERALD MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
IT is hard to know what President Trump is doing with Russia and his ‘friend’ Vladimir Putin. There are no obvious new tariffs on Russia despite them being imposed on most others including a colony of penguins.
The latest threat is to sanction Russia if NATO stops buying their oil, rather than immediately because they invaded Ukraine and are working to either conquer it or destroy it. Russia is unlikely to be worried by this and is showing its disinterest in solutions by flying drones across Poland, an act of political defiance when
peace is the target. When grown men, world leaders, fiddle around, too many children are caught up in the fire.
Corrupt officers – WISE MUAVONO BALAWA, LAUTOKA
CONSIDERING the number of drug-related corruption of police officers, I’m beginning to think that the more appropriate metaphor of the Fiji Police Force should not be “bad apples” but “bad orchards”. Sobo!
Land resources – SAMU SILATOLU NAKASI
LANDOWNERS reject Lands Department consent (FT 13/9/25). The Lands Minister has publicly claimed resolution regarding the mining at Mount Kasi. Was it formal? What has been its agenda? In fact, the landowners have already made their decision. Why continue to impose VGM? Maybe, it has other “provisions” favourable for the Government, in my view. Is this not part of the PM’s unity? Has the PM been bothered? Amongst other things, such issues should not be compromised, in my opinion. This is the iTaukei’s inheritance and it has been continuously “undermined administratively”, through the TLTB and the Ministry of Lands. Even UNDRIP, seemed to have no meaningful effect. Where else would the iTaukei turn to? Isa o Viti.
Suva made it – TAHIR ALI HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND
CONGRATULATIONS Suva! You have proven that the Lion is the king in his home. In the spirit of sportsmanship, we all enjoyed the game, wherever we were, with help of the Radio Fiji 2 and the team of popular sports commentators and The Fiji Times sports reporters. “Success is no accident, hard work, perseverance and love for the game matters.” — Pele. Go Suva! Go! Rewa roki!
Why Israel? – SAMU SILATOLU NAKASI
I REFER to Kiran Khatri’s letter on FT 11/9/25. Why wouldn’t Fiji engage with Israel? I believe Israel is a well-spring of amazing technological innovation in agriculture and water management, amongst others. Agriculture contributes 15 per cent of Fiji’s GDP and water, a basic necessity that needs to be enhanced. I believe every Israel gesture for peace and international collaboration, is always met with incitement and boycott. All military action Israel took were to protect its sovereignty. It is a “defensive” state, right from its inception. Despite all it has endured, Israel has never abandoned its commitment to the rule of law, to democracy and to tolerance. A free, vibrant, democratic, innovative nation that has survived and thrived for over 75 years, to be one of the freest, most prosperous, most successful nations on Earth. God bless Fiji.
Public funded projects – KIRTI PATEL MOHAN SINGH PL., LAUTOKA
I CONCUR with the letter writer Indar Deo Bissun (FT14/ 09) about the unfinished project in the Northern Division. The dream of FNU Campus never came to fruition, bearing the unrecoverable cost of $30m. Dreams were shattered for many young ones. Our Northern brothers and sisters have been deprived of many opportunities and services. It’s good to know the FNU project which now stands like a “haunted building” is not out of people’s minds. Here in Lautoka, having another unfinished project of the Lautoka
Swimming Pool also went around in circles with all sorts of stories, assumptions and drama. The swimming pool is not as important as the tertiary institution but any project that pumps in tax payers’ money and is not giving the final output does come on the radar. We are still waiting for that pool to be finished. We are still given those “promises”. I am still waiting to hear about the walkway at Tavakubu Rd. At least the hope is there but unfortunately the Labasa FNU came to a dead end. Yes, it hurts to think of it and we hope such failures do not happen again. We hope better monitoring systems are in place from the begining in any project or investment. We still haven’t heard of the recovery process of the funding and in this instance, it seems unlikely that we will. Developing countries like ours need funding for progress. Let’s hope our Government goes back to the forgotten-and-buried fundings under those unfinished projects and gives clarity to all. Do we have any plan for other tertiary institution buildings going up in Vanua Levu?\
Eyes now on Japan – RAHUL KRISHNA AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
WELL done to the Flying Fijians for their sterling performance against Canada. It was the perfect way to spend my day off – a flat white in hand, snacks on the table, and a match that brought nothing but pride. We outplayed the Canadians in every aspect of the game, showcasing skill, speed, and sheer determination. However, discipline remains an area we must tighten up if we are to reach our full potential. With the final against the Cherry Blossoms of Japan looming, the task ahead calls for structure, clinical execution, and a relentless mindset. The boys have what it takes – now it’s about putting it all together when it matters most. Let’s put our game face on and rally behind our team. Toso Viti, toso!
Clinical Flying Fijians! – RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU
THE battle between the Fiji Water Flying Fijians and Canada was won by the favourites in the first half as they led 48-3. The Flying Fijians were clinical and the backline in Kalaveti Ravouvou, Kemu Valetini and Taniela ‘Motopai’ Rakuro, whom the commentators referred to as the ‘electric eel’, put on a devastating performance. Our forwards impressed and showed, that as the defending champions of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup, they are ready to defend the prestigious trophy against Japan’s Brave Blossoms who humiliated Tonga’s Ikale Tahi 64-22. The big and powerful forwards won the line breaks and the likes of Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere and Elia Canakaivata unleashed the beast within as the boys showed their speed, intensity and power to outmuscle the Canadians. The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s success in Super Rugby Pacific is paying off as players, who have enjoyed the taste of Super Rugby, are shining. No longer do we have to rely on our Europe-based players to get the task going. Our offloading stood out, and the ability of our boys to slice through the spaces in Canada’s defence showed that we have world class and lethal finishers. Congratulations to the Flying Fijians!
