Housing and land packages
I saw that the Housing Authority is offering house and land packages. These are supposed to be 2-bedroom houses on their own with a piece of land. Why isn’t the Authority building larger housing complexes and issuing strata titles instead? We already have limited land in the Suva-Nausori corridor. You can offer a lot more houses if you build apartments and then sell them as strata titles. Housing Authority needs to start thinking smarter. KIRAN KHATRI Samabula, Suva
Moving forward
Most Fijians are happy with the court decision that the 2013 Constitution is still valid and binding on all Fijians. Fijians on the whole do not mind if the current Coalition Government works on changes on sections of the 2013 Constitution to bring about improvement that will uplift the lives of all Fijians. But, if they work on changes just to satisfy the will of a minority group, then please stop and work on the major issues that affect our nation as a whole, eg poverty, unemployment, HIV etc. I am happy to read that the proposed People’s Party are on track and I believe in my heart that their policies will be accepted by more Fijians. Also, if the proposed People’s Party is elected into power in the 2026 General Elections, they will show us all the blessings in the 2013 Constitution with God leading the nation upfront. SAVENACA VAKALIWALIWA Kattar Singh Rd, Tacirua, Suva
Swarming season
Thank you, The Fiji Times and Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) acting CEO Surend Pratap for providing the much-needed information on the swarming period for the Asian Subterranean Termites (AST). We are into the month of September — the swarming period — which means that the termites will leave their parent colony to find a new place to reproduce and build new colonies. Hence, members of the public living in Lautoka, parts of Nadi and Ba, must take necessary precautions, such as using minimal light from 6pm to 8pm, which is when the termites will begin swarming. Members of the public must not hesitate to seek assistance from BAF if they see signs of termite infestation or any other damage caused by the termites. The Government is providing treatment of infested areas so the public must take advantage of this. Together we can address this serious issue! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Nurturing children
I refer to your front page of Monday, September 1. The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) is calling for the immediate reinstatement of corporal punishment to combat escalating indiscipline, drug abuse and crime. In my opinion, it might probably work. It will be somewhat like the mammoth tasks of bringing the old constitution back to life. I’m sure we are not the only ones who are happy the wooden spoon is in use for/to discipline and the use of which fortifies the lessons taught. They are used after repeated and stern reminders. When the kids get old enough they hopefully will have learned that it was given to them because they were loved and cared for. They will then do the same later on with their own children. If it gets the OK to legally be enforced, I do hope the disciplining is not like what used to happen in the past. During my primary school days that ended in 1960, the class was a happy class when the kind natured teacher was with them, and dreaded the ones who made the wrongdoers bend over and lean on the table, and get smacked on the buttocks with one of the sticks that props the windows up. Or when the duster became a drone. It depended on who the teacher was, the perpetrators had their own cruel ways. There was on one occasion when fear enveloped us all; the teachers especially. One student’s father came to the school to enquire about his son’s spanking. That was the first time such a thing happened, and because he was also on his way home, he was carrying his caneknife with him. We all know that when anger takes control, whatever is in hand is the first thing used. It was a big relief that what we feared did not happen. It was common sense and cool minds that prevailed that day. Hopefully more of these virtues prevail when punishment is being given if teachers are allowed to deliver corrective measures. MOSES FONG Hutson St, Suva
Public policing
The usual presence of policing within our cities, towns and centres of public interests is hardly seen anymore. Is it not serving the people? Has there been a renewed strategy? And yet, we have noticed recruitments every now and then, “coated” with very meaningful encouragement speeches. Only on special occasions or any overseas diplomatic visitation, in my view, that policing is visible on the ground. The consistency of its “core policing” roles as maintaining the peace, preventing crime, disorder and keeping the public safe, has severely deteriorated. Even vehicle parking and night-out dinning are a risk. The scenario not only affects locals, it reflects a “tainted image” to visitors, tourists and our government. Is Fiji still the way the world should be? SAMU SILATOLU Nakasi
Bengal files
The movie is of significant interest and will touch all Hindus to the core of their hearts. You will not stop shedding tears while you will gasp for air to breathe. The movie explores the historical events surrounding the Direct Action Day which unleashed the Hindu-Muslim communal violence in Bengal during the partition of India into two nations – Pakistan and India – in 1947. This is the stark reality of the British policy of divide and rule or destroy.
The Muslim League of India unleashed the humongous violence on the Hindu population and Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi went on a hunger strike while Bengal burnt! (Not possible to forgive this hypocrite). So much cruelty in the name of religion! After seeing this movie you may not like to call Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi as Mahatma Gandhi. His advice to Hindu women in face of Muslim atrocity will destroy your faith in the so-called Mahatma, the Father of the Indian nation. A must see for all Hindus. DEWAN CHAND Namadi Heights, Suva
Voting system
Now that the Supreme Court has ruled that a referendum should be held, can we go back to the simple voting system of majority vote for parliamentarians as well? Just one tick for the constituent representative. I’m just trying to imagine the size of the ballot papers for the next general elections. EDWARD KUMAR Lautoka
Easy way out
Seeing the CCTV footage of two iTaukei men attempting to rob a pharmacy, I quipped to my better half Aralai that this is the reason Fiji is employing migrant workers. Locals, especially iTaukei, are lazy to work or are irresponsible and incompetent that employers would rather hire foreigners. Sobo! WISE MUAVONO Hedstrom Pl, Balawa, Lautoka
Cost saving
I see that kalavata is still being worn at official functions. Wasn’t there a decision some time ago to end that as a cost saving measure? EDWARD BLAKELOCK Admirals Circle, Pacific Harbour
Post war plan
President Donald Trump’s administration has a post war plan for “the relocation of Gaza’s population and its rebuilding as a tourist resort and manufacturing hub” (Reuters/ FT 2/9/25). I am pretty sure Trump has grand ideas for Gaza if his latest White House renovation is anything to go by. Trump has replaced the grass in the iconic White House Rose Garden with stone and outdoor tables and chairs (NPR senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith reports 22/8/25 ). RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia
Kava ban
The Methodist Church in Fiji has laid down the gauntlet by declaring a ban on the “luva ni tai” practice, where ministers and lay preachers indulge in kava consumption and smoking cigarettes/suki. What’s the possibility of having a similar ban on the entire civil service? For example, a kava ban by Ministry of Education for teachers from Monday to Thursday or say a stringent no kava ban for the police force whilst on duty. Obviously, it could be difficult to monitor, but with the sooner rather than later release of the testing kits, we should be ready to rock-n-roll. “Au yali ni kaya vaka ca, au kaya lo lia”. ANTHONY SAHAI Levuka, Ovalau
Oscar and Bula Boys
Justice for Oscar
It is truly devastating to learn that a loyal and innocent pet, “Oscar”, lost his precious life due to the cruel and callous actions of a few intoxicated individuals (fijitimes.com). Have Fijians people of Fiji lost their sanity? For the dog’s owners, this is not just the loss of a dog, it is the loss of a beloved family member, a faithful companion, and a brave protector. One can only imagine the depth of their sorrow. What is deeply troubling is the mindset that allows some individuals, particularly “certain” youths, to behave in such an inhumane and heartless manner. How can any human being derive pleasure from tormenting or killing an animal, especially one confined within its own property, simply reacting out of fear or defence? This behaviour is not only sadistic, but reflects a chilling lack of empathy. I have witnessed on several occasions youths provoking dogs behind gates, only to retaliate violently when the animals bark or show resistance. These acts are not isolated, there is a disturbing pattern, one that must not be ignored any longer. Laughing off such violence, treating it as entertainment, is not only shameful, it’s a stain on humanity and the Fijian community. Pets are not mere animals. They love unconditionally, protect fiercely, and become integral to the lives of the families who raise them. Losing one, especially in such a brutal way, is a pain that cuts deep and lingers long. It is high time that tougher animal cruelty laws are enforced in Fiji. Those responsible for such heinous acts must face the strictest penalties to send a clear message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated. Rest in peace Oscar. You were more than a pet, you were family. May you run free and “woof” fearless in doggy heaven. Oh and yes, hurt “Biku” (my cat) and see the fun! NISHANT SINGH Lautoka
Tabu soro spirit prevails
I salute the Sunil Kumar-coached and Maikah Dau-captained Baby Bula Boys for adding another piece of colour to their football career. Football fans in Fiji and overseas united in emotions as the Baby Bula Boys beat Papua New Guinea (PNG) 1-0 to book a place in the 2026 FIFA U17 Men’s World Cup in Qatar. Fiji topped its pool after beating Tahiti 2-1, thrashing the Cook Islands 5-0 and outclassing PNG 2-0. The boys were dejected after conceding a goal against New Caledonia and then losing 4-5 on penalty kicks. Despite the loss, the boys gathered their spirits, maintained team unity and bonding and beat PNG through Ryan Achari’s clinical finish. For me, the whole team deserves accolades for making it back-to-back World Cups, with Dau creating history by becoming the first captain to do so. Dau stood out as Fiji’s best player. He is a great leader, and I see him as the next Roy Krishna. His mother, Julia Patricia Singh, who is his biggest fan, and grandfather, Sarwan Singh, who was a football star during his playing days, are proud of Dau’s achievement. Apart from Dau, Marist Brothers High School student Kirikiti Biu, who starred at the Fiji Finals this year winning the best male athlete title after winning gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay, Arnav Chand and Jack Raiyawa have a bright future. To head coach Sunil Kumar, Shamal Kumar (goalkeeper coach), Ronil Kumar (assistant coach), Nazeel Ali (manager), Noel Augusine (strength and conditioning coach and head physio) and Raj Goundar (team analyst) thumbs up for the job well done! I’m so proud to see that our local football coaches and former reps teamed up to be part of history making! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu