The man with the mud crabs
Sovita Leqeta, the hard working, self employed Fijian selling mud crabs for a living is an inspiring role model for those desperately struggling to get into the job market. (Fiji Times picture — Sovita with strings of crazy crabs). Let’s make the best use of our traditional skills we inherit from our elders to be continued for future generations. Opportunities do not happen. You create them. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Be open to the public
I wish to raise ongoing issues in Fiji with regards to human rights, leadership, and governance. Good leadership and governance are important for protecting human rights in Fiji. At times, people feel there is not enough fairness or accountability, and this creates a lack of trust. I believe leaders should be more open with the public, listen to community concerns, and make sure laws are applied equally to everyone. If this is done, Fiji can move forward with stronger governance and better protection of rights for all citizens. Patricia Mateiwai Boca Lane, Nadera, Nasinu
Jersey number mishap!
The Fiji Rugby Union addressed the issue surrounding the Fiji Water Flying Fijians’ jersey numbers coming off during the final of the Pacific Nations Cup. According to FRU (FT 24/09), the problem was attributed to poor workmanship by a local company in Salt Lake City, rather than reflecting the quality of the jerseys provided by their official kit provider, Umbro. The fact that the jersey numbers were coming off in the final against Japan’s Brave Blossoms was embarrassing, and I plead with FRU to address the issue with the supplier. FRU acting CEO Koli Sewabu shared that national team jerseys were sent without numbers, as player selections, positions and sizes were only finalised a few days before game day (FT 24/09). However, this should not affect numbering and peeling off jersey numbers. FRU must ensure that such instances are properly addressed and resolved in the future, especially when we are bound to play giants England and France during the Autumn International Test Series! Remember, Fiji rugby has a huge fan base in Europe. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Where is Palestine?
The IDF has already begun its “campaign” to retake Gaza. This is not annexation, this is the reassurance of Israel’s sovereignty, on the Promised Land of Israel. All the UN’s political votes for a Palestinian state, in my view, hold no substance, whatsoever. In fact, it has no defined territory, no permanent population and no government. The requirements for any “statehood” stipulated in the International Law. What has been voted at the UN does not even exist. Was it not stupidity? Furthermore, I believe that Palestinians are not Arabs and their “cause” is also not Arabic. They are the “left-over” descendants from the Romans, Gypsies, Ottomans, Armenians, etc., who occupied the so-called land of Palestine. It is unbelievably sad, in my opinion, that the Australian PM and the likes, who have become “evil caregivers”, seemed so disillusioned. What a legacy to be remembered by. God bless Israel. Samu SilatolU Nakasi
UB40 concert
It’s exciting to hear that reggae legends UB40 will be returning to Fiji as part of their iconic Big Love Tour. However, I almost had a cardiac arrest after learning about the ticket prices, which ranged from $104 to $131, with the VVIP ticket going for a staggering $863.62. Phew, that’s a hefty sum by any standard! With Fiji currently battling an economic crisis, high unemployment figures, immense poverty, soaring violent crime and a drug pandemic, I guess reggae fans will be faced with an ethical dilemma of either going to watch UB40 and the band live or save that hard earned cash to provide a decent meal and other essential necessities for their struggling families. With such costly ticket prices, hopefully people will make wise and thoughtful choices in these challenging times. Ali Campbell will neither pay your bills nor put food on your table. Nishant Singh Lautoka
First world vs Third world
Sarita Lal of Malolo St, Lautoka believes that putting larger bins in public places will avoid litter. My logic would be that the bigger the bins the more rubbish it would create. In Japan, there are no bins in public places and therefore there is no rubbish anywhere. The difference is the mindset of people of the first world nation versus the mindset of the people of the third world. I suggest that if Fiji wants to turn into a first world nation, they all should take their rubbish home instead of leaving it in public places. I also suggest that Fijians learn to use toilets properly. Once these two aspects of everyday life are fixed, Fiji will become a first world nation overnight. It is as simple as that. But, with hundreds of thousands of people around Fiji with the confidence and mindset of Sarita, why do Fijians wonder why things are as they are? Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
Israeli issue
Colin Deoki the 157 countries that voted to recognise the State of Palestine at the UN (that is approximately 81 per cent of all members) are not wasting their time “to look closely at a map of the Middle East” (FT 24/9). They have been looking closely at the horrors of war inflicted on civilian Palestinians in Israel’s war on Gaza. They have been appalled by it and want to put a stop to the war and work towards peace and security with the UN resolution for a two state solution. Colin should reflect on that rather then looking at the map of the Middle East. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Lights at the seawall
Could we please have all the streetlights turned on along the Nasese seawall? There are a lot of evening fitness enthusiasts who are working hard not to be part of the 120,000 diabetes statistics, so the least we can do is keep the lights on. I would even suggest getting back daylight saving so that people are encouraged to invest their evenings in health and fitness. And cancel all cake cutting, desserts, and juice from all government events. Just fruits and bu. Kiran Khatri Samabula, Suva
Corrections truck
Can LTA and the Traffic police of Lautoka inspect the Fiji Corrections Service truck which Corrections officers and inmates use for cane cutting duties every morning. The trucks is so overloaded that both inmates and Corrections officers are seen standing on the rear bumper. One bounce off the pot holes and many will just fall off the truck. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Drug raids
I believe more cases will be identified by Police as protection erodes. Dan Urai Lautoka
Crushing season
FSC crushing season needs to change with the change in weather pattern, global warming and with one sugar mill for the West. The cold season is still here and the sugar content in the cane will increase. FSC Research officers should be looking at all these things and advise both Government and cane growers. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Trump, principals, TikTok
Trump’s speech
In his speech at the UN assembly this week, United States of America President, Donald Trump maintained that climate change was the greatest con job ever perpetrated. Trump also took aim at the UN as not living up to its huge potential, that all it did was write strongly worded letters that it did not follow up, asserting that the UN was supposed to stop invasions, not to create them, and not to finance them. Trump also claimed that Christianity was the most persecuted religion in the world. Six years ago, it was an unplugged Trump who was received with gasps and laughter. This time, Trump unhinged was met with a listening, silent audience. Samu Railoa Vanuabalavu, Lau
Warning to principals
I am somewhat startled by the statement made by the Ministry of Education finance director at the Fiji Principals Association conference as reported by The Fiji Times on 22/9/25. He reportedly warned the principals “If we receive any submission factored in the portal and (it’s) above $16,000 for the total household income…we will identify the heads of the schools and you will be reported to FICAC, because that will be fraud for submitting falsified information.” I believe it is totally unfair and unreasonable to hold the principal accountable for the information provided by the parent or guardian of the student. When applying for transport assistance they normally fill out the form stating their household income which is supported by a statutory declaration attesting that the information provided is true and correct. Does the principal or the staff have the resources and luxury of time to verify the authenticity of each and every application? Is it ethical and right to penalise the principals for an offence committed by another person? Unless it is a suspected case of collusion. Otherwise it sounds like intimidation to me. I would urge the director finance to familiarise himself with the rules of natural justice. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Tick, tock, tacky
Rupert Murdoch and Lachlan now have ownership or control of the American audience of TikTok, it’s not really clear yet. The underlying algorithm that manages what users see will be ‘Americanised’ for the local users. What will the change mean? We might now see Rupert Murdoch performing his own dance moves for his many followers. It looks like the future of the platform is unclear and so hopefully are the ‘Murdoch Moves’. Dennis Fitzgerald Melbourne, Australia
