Knowledge is power.

And using it and sharing it wisely is the em­powerment of the mind. How one sits, dress­es, talks, eats, and behaves all comes down to what one is taught during their growing years.

A child’s first learning zone is their home with parents and elders later followed in the school system.

Issues such as health, safety, lifestyle, and sex education should be discussed openly.

It shouldn’t be divided between father to son and mother to daughter but delivered be­tween parent/elder to teens.

Sex shouldn’t be treated as a topic of “ta­boo” because along with unplanned sex comes teenage pregnancies and sexual transmitted diseases (STDs), which leads to societal and cultural acceptance or rejection of individuals concerned.

Family life education should be included in the school curriculum. Etiquette comes down to how accurate and adequate is the knowledge imparted and how much the re­cipient adapts to and applies in their life.

Let’s be wise to review and revise topics of importance in our human lives!

NCDs, STDs and teenage pregnancies are all lifestyle diseases.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

I used to think the Fijian Holdings Limited was set up for the ordinary iTaukei , where­by they could become shareholders and be­come better off .

Please, allow the poor iTaukei to buy “A Class” shares where they can get dollar per dollar.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

Wise Muavono (FS 24/8) presents a simplis­tic rather than a sociological interpretation of iTaukei poverty.

His “contributing factors“ take no cogni­sance of low wages and the high costs of living and the significant population of the working poor that has produced in contem­porary Fiji society.

Wise believes the iTaukei have only them­selves to blame for their poverty. That is not correct.

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Once again, Simon’s boys have proven to world come the Rugby World Cup, it will be different story.

History was created Sunday morning at Twickenham when the Flying Fijians upset the former world champions by 30-22.

I salute you boys for a job well done, no words to describe your hard work.

Keep the momentum going and carry on the same rhythm against Wales and Australia.
With this win, for sure we will be ranked Seventh.

Keep going boys, everyone had a blessed Sunday and early Father’s Day for all fathers in Fiji.
Vinaka and especially to Man of the Match Tino.

Source: Vineel Nand

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

It is really alarming to see despite the zero % fiscal duty on lamb products announced and passed in 2023 /2024 Budget supermarkets are still robbing consumers with the pre budget prices of lamb products.

Some question arises:
„
Was the announcement of zero % fiscal duty on lamb products a false promise from the Finance Minister ?
„
What is the FCCC doing about this from August 1? Are they sleeping on the job?
The people of this nation need answers either from the Finance Minister or from the FCCC.

Source: Rajesh Lal 

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

For years, even before the pandemic had hit, our nurses have always been there for each and every patient.

They took on an insane amount of workload because of staff shortages and with wages not matching their input.
It goes without saying that nurses around the world are also experiencing this, but to have this situation in Fiji as well.

Will we only listen when every single nurse has fled the country for better treatment?

Granted, every person has the right to work with minimum wage and that is what our nurses have.

But they clearly deserve more for carrying the weight of the people’s health and wellbeing on their backs.

I was greatly disappointed once finding out that their initiative to hold a strike was cancelled because this would have had a bigger impact on the people and to the ministry.

It is understandable that the country cannot afford to withhold health services to entertain such a movement, but this just shows the importance of nurses and how greatly they can affect our country if they continue to be deprived of what they deserve. Appreciate nurses!

Source: Sokoag’aitu Fonmanu

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Words simply fail to aptly describe rugby history in the making, Sunday at 4:10am August 27, 2023.

England stunned by minnows the Flying Fijians 22 – 30. This magnificent win in Twickenham is a “miracle” – a good omen.

Biblical “David and Goliath” just re-lived itself in the annals of international rugby history.

Twickenham rendered into silence. English fans are frustrated.

Wananavu Fiji on the eve of 2023 the Fiji Water Flying Fijians created special rugby history.

Thank you; Flying Fijians. You are our heroes. Every Fijian in all four corners of the world salutes you.
Simply awesome.

We wish our gallant Flying Fijians every success in the 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign.

Source: Ronnie Chang

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

I wish to express my concern about the traffic jam along the Nausori- Lami corridor to and from Suva area during peak hours. It is a problem that continues today.  

This problem is not only faced in the capital city Suva but in other cities and towns nationwide. For many who get caught in a jam when travelling to work or school, it can get tiresome, frustrating, annoying, and stressful for drivers, passengers, and student. 

These problems can be dealt with by charging a fee for drivers who park illegally in certain areas during peak hours.  

Secondly, there should be more investment made to improve the roads and road planning – widen the road to 6 lanes, introduce a train service or building overhead bridges.  

Thirdly, let’s use technology, like cameras at each main road, to help capture likely incidents of a traffic jam and address them before it happens.  

Moreover, introduce a new transport system of boat services to reduce the use of cars and buses. One significant solution that has helped commuters caught in a traffic jam are the assigned traffic police officers located at major junctions.
They allow traffic to flow comfortably. Traffic jams are a problem, but it can be controlled. And we have the means and resources to prevent them from happening. 

Story By: Moape Vuli 

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

It was brought to my attention, as a Fijian citizen, that there have been many fights taking place in Suva. 

Despite the fact that the clubs close their doors at 1am, many young people are still fighting on the streets, which worsens the situation for everyone else, especially other young people.  

We are left wondering why this is occurring; are the police officers performing their duties; is it safe for our child to walk around Suva etc.  

As a result, we must act immediately to address this issue, beginning with more police presence in the city to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.  

We can also work together as a nation to try and provide our fellow citizens with good education, engage them with social and community work and so forth as many of these boys that engage in fighting lack access to proper education, or how to deal with issues at home or elsewhere, which occasionally motivates them to do such things.  

In my opinion, I believe that if we work together as a community, we can curb this social ill and make our city and streets safe again. 

Story By: Keira Erasito 

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

Rekindling the sacred calling of service in ministry Reverend Ili Vunisuwai, the outgoing president of the Methodist Church in Fiji, has sounded a crucial alarm regarding a troubling trend within the ministry.  

It appears that some ministers have become more focused on receiving service rather than fulfilling their sacred calling to serve their congregations and address pressing societal issues.  

This issue calls for an essential conversation about the roles and responsibilities of these spiritual leaders. Religious institutions play a key role in shaping a nation’s moral and ethical values.  

They offer guidance and support to individuals and families navigating life’s challenges. However, some ministers have failed to address critical societal issues, including drug abuse, sexual crimes against children, domestic violence, family breakdowns, and a declining emphasis on spiritual upbringing.  

This neglect not only compromises their spiritual duties but also abandons their obligation to the community.
 It is disconcerting to learn that some ministers live in comfort, with congregants providing them with good homes, farmland, and food, all while seeming to distance themselves from the community’s pressing issues.  

This situation underscores the fundamental notion that ministers must remember their role is a divine calling—a sacred vocation that demands selflessness and unwavering dedication to the betterment of society.  

The words of Matthew 5:16 resonate deeply: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” This call for ministers to shift their focus from being served to serving is not just pertinent to the Methodist Church in Fiji but serves as a global wake-up call to religious leaders everywhere.  

It emphasises that religious institutions play a pivotal role in addressing moral crises. Ministers must actively engage with their communities, lend an empathetic ear to their concerns, and take action against the social issues that are tearing families and communities apart.  

To bridge these gaps, religious organisations should establish clear guidelines for ministers, with a firm emphasis on community engagement and social responsibility as integral aspects of their ministry. 

 Implementing regular evaluations and accountability mechanisms will help ensure that ministers remain dedicated to their sacred calling.  

However, it’s not solely the responsibility of ministers and religious institutions. Congregation members also bear a role in holding ministers accountable.  

We must demand active engagement from them, both in addressing our shared challenges and advocating for positive change.  

May the words from Mark 10:45 serve as a poignant reminder to us all: “For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” 

Story By: Naisa Koroi 

Feedback: naisak@fijisun.com.fj 

In the past eight days, many other Nadi residents, me included, have had initial screening, cataract op and first review, at the Suva-based Pacific Eye Institute during its community outreach programme for Nadi residents, who stepped forward.

On our behalf, our thanks go to the friendly, patient, understanding and professional support staff; nurses, doctors and ophthalmologists who attended to us.

We are thankful, grateful, and most appreciative.

I take this opportunity to encourage senior Nadi citizens and the younger set to take advantage of this service, given with tender care, professionalism, and free-of-charge.

Please, go to the Nadi Hospital eye department from 8am on Tuesday for initial screening. First come first served basis.

Take your national health number, some drinking water and takeaway meal to sustain you. Be prepared to wait patiently for extended hours. (It took me almost seven hours on Monday, August 28).

For some of us, we were tolerant, patient and understanding. Today, we are thankful. Eyesight restored for free. There is no time for the impatient and the ungrateful in our community.

I also thank the generous gift from the USA Bieve Foundation, for the 25 long years of your generous acts of charity, restoring sights to thousands of Fijians. Vinaka vakalevu.

Thank you also for the generous donation of ophthalmology equipment. Instruments, etc to the Fred Fellows Foundation of NZ’s Pacific Eye Institute.

Our earthly home is a better place with generous NGOs like Bieve Foundation, and Pacific Eye Institute. Your eyesight saving acts of charity are unsurpassed.

Your retired ‘kai Nadi’, and an advocate, joins many Nadi residents to register our sincere vote of thanks.
God’s blessing and protection go to every team member and your families.

Source: Ronnie Chang

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

The Southeast Asian Times report ‘Melanesian Spearhead Group cannot reach consensus on membership for West Papua‘ – August 29, 2023 – is a case of the MSG adding insult to injury on the people of West Papua.

The injury is from the long history of Indonesian colonial occupation and oppression. The insult is from the failure of the MSG to do the right thing by West Papua.

The Papua New Guinea National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop, echoed the sentiments of all freedom and pro-democracy activists when he said he is “totally disappointed in the failure of the Melanesian Spearhead Group”.

The leaders in the MSG have apparently come under the political and financial sway of Indonesia as Governor Parkop contends.

They will have to live with the shame of shying away from showing solidarity to the just struggle of West Papua for freedom and self-rule.

Source: Rajend Naidu

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

Two major events have taken place in Suva recently – the Methodist Church annual conference and the Fijian Teachers Association annual delegates conference.

Both conferences discussed vital issues, touching the lives of all Fijians.

The Methodist Church conference appointed a new leader, Reverend Dr Semisi Turagavou, as its head – an experienced personality (hearty congratulations).

The focus of the conference was to look at the role of ministers’ vis-a-vis the congregation and multiple social issues surrounding the church, such as relationship with other religious bodies, quality of education and training, teenage pregnancies, domestic violence, extramarital affairs, abuse of drugs and other substances, fundraising methods for the church, and generally the positive attitude exhibited in discussions was a refreshing reading.

The key focus of course was the revitalisation of spirituality. The church must be commended for its vision.

The teachers conference also looked at several issues surrounding the education system. Netani Druavesi, the president of FTA, expressed his concerns about the unilateral impositions of selection procedures without consultation. And many other issues led to the emergence of hostile spirit towards the FijiFirst government.

The union’s rights were crushed; teachers were frustrated in classrooms. Foreign ideas copied from Australia and New Zealand were imposed as the world’s best practices.

Role of school management was neutralised. People were too scared to talk, for fear of losing grants, etc. The FTA president was thankful that the current Government is prepared to talk and listen to their grievances.

OMRS was removed, thus introducing greater transparency and accountability. Henceforth, the amicable relationship between the union and ministry can function on equal terms, with respect in the educational interest of our children.

May I wish both organisations every success in their endeavours.

Source: Dewan Chand

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

For the Victorian families and supporters, the Deans Trophy win after a four-year drought brings great joy to the current students, parents, supporters, and old boys – both here and abroad.

Thank you, U18 and the team management for the hard work during this 2023 school rugby season.
It is wonderful to hear everyone being interviewed praising God for their strength and victory!

Enjoy the school break and continue trusting in God in whatever academic exams are coming your way during the final school term.

My weekend was over the moon in jubilation when our Flying Fijians defeated England on their hallowed ground for the first time in our Fijian Rugby history.

The players and the coach will be remembered throughout our rugby history.
Fijians are now hyped up and looking forward to the first Rugby World Cup opener with Wales.

Funny though that there were many positive and negative criticisms of the coach and some players after the 33 Flying Fijian players were selected.

The loss to France tipped the scales towards negative opinions, but we kept our fingers crossed expecting our boys to continue the losing history against England.

Well, the rest is history and those who watched the game live on Sunday morning would have given a big victory “kaila” when the final whistle blew.
Go Fiji, go!

Source: Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

No doubt, Frank Lomani is amoung the best halfbacks/fly-halves in the country.

He is skilled, can kick and play in other po­sitions in a rugby team.

However, for all his skills and talent he has not received the Flying Fijians memo.

The memo that says, to release the ball from the scrums and mauls soon as, to let Fiji’s le­thal backline do what they were born to do. Create structured chaos at speed and score tries, the likes of which the rugby world has never seen before.

The moniker, “The Flying Fijians” is apt and rightfully given, but for Lomani’s delay­ing tactics, he has clipped the wings of our flying backline.

Please Frank, like Marc Antony before you, “Cry havoc! And let slip the dogs of war”.

For this 2023 Rugby World Cup is a battle­field and the Flying Fijians’ main strength is speed. Let the team fly!

Toso Viti, toso!

Source: Epeli Rabua

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

The banks of the Nadi River, closest to the Nadi bridge, the vacant shopping complex and the former Nadi Farmers Club is fast eroding and sinking away.

Should “mother nature” inflict on the peo­ple of Nadi its wrath, by way of some inclem­ent weather accompanied by major flooding?

Some serious consequences might prevail in the further erosion of the Nadi riverbank and Nadi bridge closest to Namotomoto Vil­lage.

I raise my concerns as a concerned retired citizen of Nadi.

Source: Ronnie Chang

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

The National Federation Party (NFP), union movement, NGOs and others are quiet about PM Sitiveni Rabuka’s feelings on the “vulagi” and his attempts to marginalise a key section of the community who know no other place as their home.

I, for one, know that nothing has changed in his feelings from what they were in 1987.

I guess these organisations are in bed with this Government just to keep it together at any cost, even though it means that they may need to sell their souls in the process.

We all know that the NFP certainly has.

I guess the feeling is that keeping quiet will make the issue go away.

But they are oblivious to the fact that the issue has not gone away in 38 years and it is unlikely to go away now.

These people will regret keeping quiet in the not-too-distant future.

Source: Jan Nissar

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape will open their embassy in Israel (The National 29/8).

So, PNG will open an embassy at the other end of the world, but it could not send a foot­ball team to New Zealand for its mandatory participation in the Olympic qualifier?

And PNG shows solidarity with Israel at the other end of the world, but failed to show solidarity with

West Papua, which is virtu­ally next door, at the recent MSG talkfest?

I wonder what the ordinary people of PNG make of this.

Source: Rajend Naidu

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

Bad roads and pothole issues must be ad­dressed as soon as before residents turn them into “lovo” pits.

As Fiji’s summer season approaches, I hope the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) and local gov­ernment can look into this matter and fix it soon.

Source: Vineel Nand

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

As a concerned citizen, I humbly call on the Government and relevant stakeholders to look into the plight of our disabled com­munity with consideration and compassion.  

Many of them intend to live their lives as normally as possible without reliance on those close to them. To do this, they need the as­sistance of authorities to create changes that will assist them in living normal lives.

Homes, supermarkets, schools, tertiary in­stitutions, government departments, buses and other essential services need to be peo­ple friendly.  

People with disabilities are human beings whose rights are no different from any abled person, which should be recognised and re­spected.  

They have suffered silently and advocating for change for so long. The answer maybe, progressive development, but when is pro­gress going to effectively address their im­mediate needs?  

I sympathize with them but applaud them also for their resilience and strength in the face of adversity.  

Government and those in authority need to implement changes;  

changes in attitude and views through ed­ucation and implementation of necessary policies and laws.  

Sustainable development goals call for changes and needs not to be focused only on areas that suit our needs. Additionally, funds and aid from donor partners need to be channeled to areas that it was meant for in terms of development. 

Otherwise, people with disability will remain discriminated against, vulnerable, and marginalized. 

Story By: Eroni Raikoti 

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj