Caleb living his dream
Caleb Navale, whose father, Eparama Navale, played Tests for Fiji against Russia, Australia, and England, and donned the Fiji Bati jumper at the 2000 RLWC, has impressed followers of the Fiji Bati, after the side thumped PNG 43-16 in Port Moresby. Caleb has played two Tests for Fiji, but he has showed that he is made for the bigger stage. Against PNG, he made 66 tackles, and ran 230m. He showed that he has speed to burn and, defensively, he is strong. With this strong performance, fans are keeping their fingers crossed that he would shine for Fiji at the 2026 RLWC in the Southern Hemisphere. The RLWC was scheduled to be played in 2025 in France, but the hosts pulled out in May, citing a failure to achieve financial guarantee. Caleb shared (FT: 01/11) his joy upon wearing the Fiji Bati jumper, saying that it was such a proud moment to wear the Fijian colours and to represent his beloved nation. He said that it was a moment he enjoyed and would cherish. I’m proud of the efforts put in by Caleb Navale for the Fiji Bati. Good on you Caleb! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Fiji Airways
This is our only international airline and I believe it’s one of the most expensive airlines for us Fijians to travel on although we love to support it when travelling offshore as there is no other choice. Can they implement a standard local air fare for Fijians or Fiji citizens carrying a Fiji passport? Proud to be Fijian. Tukai Lagonilakeba Nadi
Stick to issues
Can Mr Lagonilakeba stick to the issues raised by Labour leader Mahendra Chaudhry on PM Sitiveni Rabuka’s failed Cabinet reshuffle fiasco rather than engage in personal attacks. Simply compare the governance records of the two prime ministers to get the answer. And learn to give credit where it is due Mr Lagonilakeba. Fiji would have made far greater progress had the Labour-led coalition government been allowed its full term. The result of the four coups is there for all to see but then those who will never learn. Abnesh Permal Valelevu, Nasinu
Life changing
It’ll take only three seconds to change your life for the better. Really? Yes, really and truly. Three seconds to make a difference in your life and the life of others whom you’ve held something back from. And you’ve secretly carried the pain and the hurt of what happened. In the process you’ve become a martyr to the offence. So what will it take for you to offer forgiveness? One phone call. No, you don’t have to forget about what happened. Just forgive. You’re three seconds from removing the chains of unforgiveness and bitterness you’ve been carrying and wearing like some badge of honour for goodness knows how long. Not just for the person who made life hell for you but for all the people close to you who’ve seen and experienced the pain and heartache of what you’ve been carrying. One phone call and in just three seconds you’ll be free. Or maybe you’re the one who did the dirty deed and need to say sorry. Just three seconds is all it’ll take to make a difference when you ring the person you hurt and simply say something like: “I’ve made the biggest mistake in my life by hurting you. Please find it in your heart to forgive me!” Three seconds to change what might otherwise be a lifetime of pain, regret and suffering. Three seconds. Stop thinking about all the negative garbage that might or mightn’t happen and stop negotiating with yourself and make the call. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll be free? So who’s going to be the first to make the move and make the call? And maybe this new government might even consider having a Sorry and Forgiveness Day. Now wouldn’t that be something radically life-changing! Colin Deoki Australia
Moral clarity
Many have called for “moral clarity” on the Israel and Hamas 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? Anthony Sahai, this is a great topic of discussion around the tanoa my boy! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Strict laws
It’s high time some laws need to be hardened. We have laws for sale of expired products, spitting and drinking in public places and some other issues that go unnoticed. What’s the point of having laws when it cannot be followed? Fiji can be a very clean and respectful place if some laws are looked into and followed strictly or altered to beautify and glorify our country and people’s safety be considered on the streets. We cannot be having that same relaxed attitude and expect miracles. We cannot just rely on
civic pride and awareness as not everyone has the same sense to understand as much and we long it to be and for awareness, any awareness has to be done in a way where it can change people’s perspectives through realisation. That’s a long way but not impossible. Until then can the law enforcers help make some difference? Incentives can help make a huge difference. People should be rewarded to highlight such issues. It will help curb these kinds of issues faster. Procrastination is not the way or answer when it comes to our beloved nation. Little by little, it has to shape up. We now have a new government and we want new changes for the betterment of both our people and the nation. Together we can. KIRTI PATEL Mohan Singh Pl, Lautoka
Who stirred the hornet’s nest?
In response to the question of why Fiji voted against the UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, PM Sitiveni Rabuka posed the counter question of “Who stirred the hornets’ nest?”. He was obviously alluding to the start of the current conflict. The question begs about when this “conflict” really started. Was it October 7, 2023 or was it really November 29, 1947 when the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution to divide Great Britain’s former Palestinian mandate into Jewish and Arab states? To many, it is that forced decision that is the root cause of these unending wars and from which there seems to be no way out now — certainly never through wars. The only sufferers? Innocent people! Inoke Vakalabure Yasiyasi Rd, Nadera, Nasinu
Israel-Palestinian conflict
The Israel-Palestinian conflict had a biblically-based beginning and by extension will obviously have a biblically-based prophesied solution to end it, period. All human-induced peace initiatives and plans today, are not going to be solutions in themselves, but merely steps to reaching the final goal that had been foretold and made known to mankind, but often not taken seriously. Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Iran’s influence
The world should not be surprised when Iran and its proxies such as Hezbollah enter Israel’s war against the Palestinians. After Israel’s denial of basic human needs to millions of innocent Palestinians in Gaza, followed by their bombing of a large refugee camp in Jabalia, it is almost inevitable if not mandatory that the friends of the Palestinians will rise up to defend them. “For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.” Hosea 8:7 We will all have to bear the consequences of Israel’s ruthless bombardment and military invasion. Aren Nunnink Hooper St, Savusavu
Political circus
With the manner in which the RFMF has stridently been expressing concerns on the Government’s autonomous decision-making process, what does this suggest is on the far horizon? It’s obvious that the military commander is not at all content with the recent developments brewing within the Coalition Government, hence his constant and objectionable scrutiny and meddling. In a politically volatile Fijian landscape and with the persistent interference by Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, it is less like a democratic setting and becoming more like a military government. The current turn of events is certainly progressing into a political circus now. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Our relation
WE are a nation divided by political affairs and leadership preference, but united by our traditional and blood relations. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Fiji’s stand
After weighing the factors on Fiji’s stand on the Canadian amendment and United Nations resolutions, the Women’s Crisis Centre and all ill-informed ranks and file and the likes, have probably jumped the gun a bit too early. Please look, listen and report. I guess yesterday’s FT clarifies soothsayer’s ill-informed whistleblowers. ‘Ma sa raute mada’. Jioji O. Toronibau Labasa
My view
My view is that the UN’s Resolution was supposed to be about “eradicating terrorists”, not ceasefire. Any civilised country would not have thought otherwise. Hamas’ method has been barbaric with no rules of engagement, whatsoever. Humans, hospitals, schools, mosques, etc. have been its shield since day one of their terror campaign. It seems the UN is fanning the flames of “terrorism”. I believe whatever has happened and also will continue to happen, is totally in the Gaza population’s hands. Not Israel’s. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
First contestant
Thanks Oliver Vinod (FT 1/11) for your ‘Settling the score’ piece, and the offer to adjudicate. I would like to put my hand up to be on top of the list and be the very first challenger, whether it takes place in Sydney or in Fiji. As I have mention before this could be sponsored by large businesses and all proceeds to charities in Fiji. Come on let’s get it on! Steven Singh Sydney, Australia
No consultation
No wonder there were many issues being raised, since there was no consultation from the Government. Varitema Tuvuki Saru, Lautoka
Settling scores
Instead of an offer of a mediation full chow lunch, wine and grog for Jan Nissar and his detractors (FT 1/11) Oliver Vinod of Sydney should give that money to the homeless street dwellers in Sydney. That would be a more worthwhile thing to do. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Low cost housing
It’s heartening to see the picture of low cost housing project in The Fiji Times alleviating poverty with solutions for squatter settlements in urban population (FT 29/10). I believe that everyone has a right to a safe, decent and affordable housing as we see this project prioritised by the Coalition Government. Quality, affordable and strong secured home should be everyone’s aim for healthy living. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
