SUBHAS PARSHOTAM AND MEMBERS OF THE VICTORIA COURT TENNIS CLUB
THIS tribute is written with a heavy heart, in memory of my dear friend Parmesh Chand. Parmesh’s career in public service was long and distinguished. He rose through the ranks of the Fiji Government, serving with
commitment and humility under both the Bainimarama and the Rabuka governments. Subhas Parshotam
Over the years, he held a number of senior roles, including several as Permanent Secretary, where he carried himself with quiet dignity and a genuine desire to serve his country. In January 2025, he was appointed Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan — a role that would have been a crowning chapter in his life of service. Fate, however, had other plans, and Parmesh left us before he could take up that appointment. Parmesh passed away on July 25, 2025 in Suva, at the age of 65. His departure has left a deep void in the lives of all who knew him.
For me, the loss is deeply personal. I had known Parmesh for 27 years, and over time he became not just a close friend, but a brother in every sense of the word. Our friendship was not defined by professional dealings — in fact, we had very little to do with each other in that respect, but by the bond we built as individuals who valued trust, laughter, and companionship. Parmesh was a stalwart among us. He was a man who quite literally stood tall, but what made him tower even more was his presence, his warmth, and his character. To be in his company was to be in the company of someone who was approachable, down-to-earth, and filled with good humour. He had a way of making people feel at ease, whether through
his hearty laugh, his light-hearted banter or his calm, reassuring words. Coming from a humble, farming background, Parmesh forged a life of substance and meaning through sheer determination, integrity and respect for others. It was remarkable how he commanded respect not through power or position, but through the way he gave respect first. He was the kind of person who would never shy away from a
challenge and was always ready to offer solutions, never problems. Outside of public life, Parmesh was equally cherished. For the past 15 years or so, he had been a much-loved member of our Victoria Courts Tennis Club. He was not just another player on the court — he was part of the spirit of the club. His tall figure, his playful wit, and his cheeky comments mid-game made him unforgettable. Those moments of laughter, often delivered in the middle of a hard-fought rally, brought lightness to our games and created
memories that will stay with us all. On a personal level, Parmesh and I often spoke of our hopes and plans for the years ahead — things we looked forward to sharing in the twilight of our lives. His sudden passing has been a stark reminder of life’s fragility. It brings to mind the saying: “The man who went to sleep with
plans for tomorrow did not wake up to see them through.” Such was the abruptness of Parmesh’s departure from among us. His loss is not just mine; it is shared by all who knew and loved him — his family, his friends, his colleagues, and the wider community. He has left behind a legacy of kindness, humility, and laughter, and for that, we will always remember him fondly. Our sincere condolences to Renu, his wife, and Nandini, Surina and Raina, his three daughters. Parmesh’s passing is a sad, tragic, and overwhelming loss.
But while he is no longer with us, his spirit will live on in the memories we carry, the stories we tell, and the love we hold for him. His loss was more tragic to me than the loss of a family member. Rest in peace, dear friend. You will remain forever in our hearts.
Honouring the people’s will – RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA
IN his letter of support for Dialogue Fiji executive director Nilesh Lal’s analytical view that the current Fiji Parliament does not represent the people’s will, Dr Sunil Kumar says “let us strengthen our democracy by insisting that elected representatives honour their promises and what they (the people) had voted for (FT 25/8). I believe Dr Kumar is expecting too much from elected representatives to expect them to honour their promises given their track record in the three years they have been in Parliament. They are not about upholding democracy and serving the best interest of the country and its people. They are about serving
their own vested interest as the 130 per cent pay rise and perks they gave themselves demonstrates.
And virtually every member of government including the turncoat FijiFirst mob have been appointed a minister or assistant minister with an unprecedented three deputy prime ministers in the Rabuka Coalition Government. Even transgressing ones remain in ministerial positions contrary to democratic norms of governance. Does this look like a gang in government that cares about honouring the will of the people?
RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA
GAZA famine a ‘lie’ (The Daily Telegraph/FT 25/8/25). This claim by the Israeli State against the UN officially
declaring a famine in Gaza resulting from “systematic obstruction” of aid by Israeli reminds me of the holocaust deniers who maintain it did not happen despite the concrete evidence of this dark chapter in human history. A crying shame.
PM in India – JAN NISSAR SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA
WHILE in India, I believe the PM should tell PM Modi how to do things the Fijian way. The right way.
Who can argue with that? And I am sure he is going to come back bearing gifts from the vulagi with a wide grin.
Moral acts – SAMU SILATOLU NAKASI
RAJEN Naidu’s letter dated FT 21/8. I totally agree with Mr Netanyahu’s comment. I believe he is referring to making sensible and moral decisions against the perpetuation of “evilness” in the world. Besides, it has been an integral part of Mr Albenese’s political survival, to “backup” as such. He has been pro- Palestine even prior to his becoming PM. He once toured the Middle East sponsored by PLO, during Arafat’s presidency. What does this say about his character? If he is really so concerned, why not bring the so-called Palestinians and settle them in the vast empty land within Australia? That would, in my humble opinion, register him as a great leader.
Ba lights up stadium – RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM BALGOVIND RD, NADAWA, NASINU
BA’S fantastic performance on Sunday at the iconic 4R Govind Park brought back the glorious and colourful days that the Men in Black once enjoyed. Recently, Ba’s performance was under the radar. A team that once won titles was knocked out from pool play. Despite the wealth of talents, Ba failed to find its mojo. However, on Sunday, the hosts roared back with a 5-0 drubbing of Labasa which won three tournaments in a row and had beaten them 2-1 in round one and 1-0 in the first pool match of this year’s Extra Battle of the Giants football tournament at Subrail Park. Excitement was high and there was a huge attendance from
ardent Ba fans who were eager to see their team playing in front of them since 2016 after Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston damaged the stadium. Fans got what they wanted — four exciting goals apart from
the penalty that was taken by France Catarogo. Labasa was equally strong, but two early goals and the red card to goalie Jitiko Vulaca was too much to handle. The rivalry on and off the field was spectacular as well.
Congratulations to the players, team management and Ba Football Association Executive for the well-earned win. Ba toh Ba hai! To the Babasiga Lions, the thrashing is a warning to what we could expect when we head to Govind Park to defend our IDC title. Win or lose, we will continue to support the Lions!