Traditions and customs
As iTaukei people, we are blessed with a rich heritage of traditions, customs, and values that have been passed down faithfully from our ancestors. These treasures — our itovo (way of living) and ivakarau (customs and traditions) — are not just cultural practices; they are the very identity that binds us together as a people. Yet in today’s world, where modernisation, technology, and external influences shape so much of daily life, there is an urgent need to remind ourselves of the importance of protecting and upholding these ways. Our forefathers built their communities on respect, unity, and service. I believe respect for our chiefs was not merely a duty but a mark of honour, for they were entrusted with leadership, wisdom, and the responsibility of guiding the vanua. Today, I believe we must ensure that this respect does not fade with time. Our chiefs symbolise continuity and the link between past, present, and future. I believe if we, the younger generation, neglect this respect, then the authority and dignity of our traditional leadership will weaken, and with it, the strength of our vanua. Another important pillar of our heritage is love and unity among ourselves. In times past, the solesolevaki—working together for the good of the community — was a common practice that kept villages strong and families united. No one was left behind, for the strength of one was seen as the strength of all. The spirit of solesolevaki taught us humility, generosity, and the value of working hand in hand. Today, in a world that often encourages individualism and self-interest, the solesolevaki reminds us that true progress comes when we move together, not apart. Our itovo and ivakarau are not barriers to progress — they are foundations for it. When we respect our traditions, honour our chiefs, and love one another, we stand on solid ground to embrace modern opportunities without losing who we are. Our culture teaches us discipline, faith, and unity, values that are just as relevant today as they were generations ago. Therefore, let us protect and cherish our ways. Let us teach our children to respect their elders, to take pride in their culture, and to live out the principles of service, love, and humility. Let us remind ourselves that modernisation should not come at the cost of identity. Instead, our iTaukei heritage can guide us in shaping a future that is both modern and deeply rooted in tradition. If we lose our itovo and ivakarau, we lose more than customs — I believe we lose our soul as a people. But if we safeguard them with respect, unity, and love, then the legacy of our ancestors will continue to shine, guiding Fiji into a future that is strong, united, and proud of its identity. Roko Simon Naivalu Faith Harvest, Nausori
Early age detection
Yes, Mr Wesley, you are right in your editorial about the early age diabetes as a serious concern. It’s just not confined to that, but I am aware of younger ones getting eye problems as well which does not have any cure. I was wondering if there is a connection to injections during COVID-19. While there are explanations, reasons and blame for diabetes such as processed and sugary foods, one’s mind can wonder given the major changes we observe now. Anyways, eating healthy is always the best option and let’s hope those detected with uncurable eye diseases also hold tight to healthy food. The changing trend from elderly to younger ones in terms of sickness is definitely an issue to discuss. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Former PM
Bainimarama’s claims of unpaid pension and gratuity, dismissed (FT 24/9//25). Was this for real? What did he ever do? In my view, I still don’t understand, for a PM who was so confused about GDP and with his main non-practising lawyer “accomplice”. They almost emptied the national coffers and left behind an unprecedented debt to GDP ratio, of 90.7 per cent. And, through all the years of governance, in my opinion, he was just the “passenger”. What type of political agenda was it? To enrich themselves and oppress the nation with various “decrees” of their choosing. Maybe, he was just the frontage of an influential “evil” faction. What an unworthy PM legacy. (Ecclesiastes 5 : 10 KJV). Samu Silatolu Nakasi
School dropouts
Recently the Ba Provincial Council raised its concern with the huge number of school dropouts (22,000) in the province. I served as the principal of Ba Provincial Secondary School from 1976 to May 1987. Therefore, I fully understand the complexities of this serious problem. The school dropouts happen for a number of reasons often shaped by personal, social and systemic factors. Some are academic and school related. I list them for your perusal:
- Poor academic performance and the inability to compete with other students. Thus struggling with grades and failing subjects and taunts from teachers and parents discourage them;
- Absenteeism: Missing too many school days is one of the top reasons why students dropout of school;
- Disengagement: Students may feel disconnected from the curriculum and unsupported by teachers and parents;
- Retention: Being held back in a class can damage a child’s self esteem and motivation. It is a huge psychological blow!;
- Conflict: Conflict with teachers (there are far too many these days: vis-a-vis Rights of the child) and conflict with peers can create a hostile environment;
- Economic and family pressures also contribute to school dropouts. This is particularly so in low income families where children have to work part-time to earn to support themselves or the family. Child labour is a myth perpetuated to look good internationally;
- Teenage pregnancies: Currently it is a huge problem reflected by the statistics available. Young mothers lack support to remain in the school system;
- Family responsibilities: Caring for siblings or sick members of the family does interfere with attendance;
- Mental health issues: Depression, anxiety and other conditions can hinder attendance;
- Substance abuse: Drugs and alcohol abuse can lead to school dropouts. Far too many students are directly involved in these;
- Disabilities: Some students dropout due to disabilities or sheer neglect and lack of support;
- Social influences: Cutting school to play computer games in town and too much promiscuity in communications technology;
- Bullying: This is quite a common factor which forces children to dropout as fear grips them. The school environment becomes very unsafe.
I would like to say that no one factor alone is a contributing factor. All put together has created chaos! Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Truth and reconciliation
I request the TRC members to share their experiences in relation to any coup here or any matter deemed appropriate. Asish Vinay Prasad Park Rd, Raiwasa, Suva
Drug bust
The latest drug bust from Lautoka to Suva just proves that many foreign citizens are connected to the drug trade in Fiji. This is something for the law enforcement agencies to look at as drugs is becoming a big problem for many young local people. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
War on drugs
War on drugs neglects one very important economic law, supply and demand. That means, as long as there is a demand for drugs, no matter how many drug dealers authorities are arrested or sentenced, more and more will appear to fill the void. The last arrest or murder has left. I believe there is no winning the “war on drugs”! NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Warped logic
Municipal councils have put up billboards offering interest waivers and deals for defaulting ratepayers. How warped is that logic? Where are the incentives for those who pay dutifully and promptly? Everyone might as well delay and qualify for lolomas! Donald Singh Suva
Consequence of drugs
The drug epidemic in the country can and maybe has weakened social structure, foster corruption and empower criminal organisations, thus leading to a breakdown of law and order. Is our beautiful Vitia gradually falling apart? Isa! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Road safety
As LTA and police launch the festive season’s road safety operation, (Fiji Times 24/9) let’s cooperate to avoid the risks of road accidents. We all love to enjoy as we celebrate festivals with our friends and families safely. It’s everyone’s responsibility to work in partnership with LTA and police. The safety of people shall be the highest law. Stand up for safety. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Soccer World Cup
FIFA is reportedly considering a plan for a 64-team 2030 World Cup, as if next year’s 48-team tournament wasn’t bloated enough! But the good news is that Fiji will qualify. Qualification routes might become a little easier, actually easier than the easy route now. We may not even need to win the qualifiers for the 2030 WC. Boy! Donald Singh Suva
United fight and letters
United fight
The recent series of major drug raids across the Central, Southern, and Western divisions is a sobering reminder that Fiji is not immune to the global menace of narcotics. Reports confirming the seizure of substances believed to be methamphetamine, the arrests of both locals and foreign nationals, and the confiscation of large sums of foreign and local currencies highlight the scale and seriousness of this crisis. These developments are alarming on several fronts. Firstly, the involvement of foreign nationals suggests that Fiji is increasingly being targeted by organised transnational drug networks. Secondly, the use of hotels, private homes, and urban streets as bases for illicit operations points to a disturbing level of infiltration into our communities. Most concerning of all, methamphetamine is a destructive drug that not only ruins the lives of those who consume it but also fuels crime, violence, and family breakdowns. The commendable efforts of the Fiji Police, including the Serious Organised Crime and Intelligence Department, the Detector Dog Unit, the Police Mobile Force, and the Immigration Department, must be acknowledged. Their joint operations reflect a determined stand against this threat. However, while arrests and seizures are vital, they are not enough. We need a national strategy that integrates law enforcement with prevention, education, rehabilitation, and community vigilance. Drug abuse is not just a criminal justice issue, it is a public health, social, and economic challenge. If methamphetamine takes root in Fiji, the cost will be borne not only in the lives lost to addiction but also in the weakening of our social fabric, the corruption of our institutions, and the fear and insecurity it brings to our neighborhoods. Parents will worry for their children, employers will lose valuable workers, and communities will suffer lasting damage. Therefore, the Government must treat this matter as a top national security priority. Stricter border controls, better intelligence sharing with regional and international partners, and stronger financial monitoring to track illicit money flows are all essential. At the same time, awareness campaigns in schools, workplaces, and villages should educate our people about the dangers of methamphetamine. Rehabilitation services must be expanded so that those trapped in addiction are given a path back to life. Fiji has weathered many storms as a nation. With unity, vigilance, and decisive action, we can confront this drug epidemic before it takes deeper hold. Let us not wait until it is too late. Indar Deo Sakoca Heights Tamavua
Letters to self
This is part of ‘Letters to self’ that will go in my journals, I thought I’d share it here first: I’m getting close to the stage of ‘talking to self’…. Once upon a time, in my primary school days in the 1950s anyway, we learned in History that the forefathers of our country were from Africa, that they first arrived here at Vuda, on their boat the ‘Kaunitoni’. The folklore on the how, where and when they came, settled in and populated the place would no doubt vary: each part of the country would have its own story. That was a long time ago. Research suggest that the islands were first ‘inhabited by the Lapita people, likely from South East Asia some 3500 years ago’. Anyway, time has moved on, and, there was in social media, hints or suggestions that the first settlers here were from a tribe from way back in the Bible, from Israel, of course. This I guess is from those very strong in their religious beliefs and pursuits. When I first read it, my mind came up with the thought of a hymn we sing around Easter; ‘Were you there when they crucified my Lord?’. Anyway, we now have our Embassy in Jerusalem. Pilgrimage there will now be a hot topic, and in a lot of bucket lists I’m sure. It would be a wonderful trip to go see places like Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified: that would be soulful moments! But, only if peace prevails, and, that if the flight arrangements to and fro are as per the norms; otherwise Golgotha could be yet another painful place. And, already in this AI age, things and beliefs are changing or being changed. In social media again, suggestions are that the Lord’s Prayer as we know it, are not quite correct. OMG…. Genocide is a word being used to describe what is happening there: the country is defending itself from threats nearby, threats from bigger, stronger neighbouring countries, many of them. The world was happy when Hitler was no more, but time ticked on at its normal pace and here we are; he is still around sort of, now present in a few different countries at the same time! When one goes, another is at hand to carry on, I guess…. Moses Fong Suva
