Rugby glory and promise!
The stage is set for a weekend of exciting rugby action at the National Stadium in Suva. All roads lead there as the finals kick off in the Skipper Cup, Under-20, and Marama Cup competitions, a celebration of Fijian rugby at every level. And what a story it has been so far. In one of the biggest shocks of the season, rookies Malolo have stormed into the Skipper Cup final. The newcomers, once considered minnows, have defied the odds and the old order of Fijian rugby. They earned their place in the grand finale with a 31-19 win over Nadi. Their opponents, the mighty Naitasiri, showed their own class, brushing aside Tailevu 31-26 in the other semi-final. Over in the Marama Cup, Namosi and Suva will face off in what promises to be a fiercely contested final. And in the Under-20 showdown, Naitasiri take on Nadi. For many fans, Malolo’s rise is the headline. Their story is one of perseverance and belief. It’s proof that hard work and discipline can turn dreams into reality. And perhaps, it’s exactly the inspiration Fijian rugby needs right now. For years, we’ve talked about potential. We’ve celebrated natural flair and raw talent. But what we are seeing now, from the local scene to the world stage, is transformation. The Fijian Drua franchise has been at the heart of that change. It has shown our players what true professionalism looks like. Our players are competing with, and beating, some of the best teams in world rugby, right here at home. The Drua have become a mirror, showing every young player in Fiji what is possible when talent meets discipline. The lesson is clear: the days of taking rugby lightly are gone. Gone are the nights of endless kava sessions followed by casual club games. Today’s players know what it takes. They need structured training, proper nutrition, focus, and an unbreakable mindset. And the results are showing. The rise of teams like Kadavu and Ba signals the widening reach of the game. The depth of competition is improving. The inclusion of the Flying Fijians in the new Rugby Nations Championship next year, following their promotion to Tier One status, is further proof that we’re on the right path. But progress doesn’t happen by chance. It needs commitment, from unions, coaches, administrators, and fans. We must strengthen grassroots rugby, scout for talent early, and provide young players with proper systems to grow. Not everyone will wear a white coat, fly a plane, or sit behind a desk. Some will wear a jersey, and through rugby, they can lift their families and communities. That’s the beauty of sport. It can transform lives. But it takes more than raw ability. It takes sacrifice, discipline, and the right environment. This weekend’s finals reflect where our rugby is heading. Bold, competitive, and full of promise. The energy, the spirit, and the dreams that will fill the National Stadium are a testament to a nation that lives and breathes the game. As we cheer on our teams, let’s remember that rugby has always united us. It’s part of who we are. So let’s rally behind our players, nurture our talent, and build on the incredible foundation we already have. Let’s stay united, focused, and disciplined. Sceptics may insist, the best is yet to come! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Litterbugs everywhere
It is heartbreaking to witness how rubbish pollution has become an everyday sight across our islands. It seems that littering has become a second nature to many, with little thought given to the harm it causes. From roti wrappers to disposable diapers, our country roads, streets, drains, and beaches are now littered with waste that was once unthinkable in the “Beautiful Fiji” we proudly called home. What has happened to our sense of responsibility and pride? The simple discipline of placing snack wrappers or empty bottles into the bins provided has faded. We cannot keep blaming authorities when the real change must start with each of us. It’s time we restore Fiji’s true beauty by taking personal responsibility for our environment — one wrapper, one bottle, one act of care at a time. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
Louder than words!
Senior FNPF pre-2011 pensioners, betrayed by the infamous Decree hatched by the then FijiFirst government, need to also age gracefully and die dignified deaths. Please do not deny us a respectful exit from our earthly home, when God calls. This is my fervent plea to our hard-working and lay-preaching, Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka. It has become increasingly clear no one else has the empathy, dignity, compassion and respect to end 14 painful years of suffering. You lack the will and discipline to right yesterday’s wrong. Prolonged systematic betrayal “hiding” under that illegal Bainimarama FNPF Decree is the height of irresponsibly. Our pensions remain irrevocable. Such national betrayal will have painful consequences too. It is a shame. (In John 13: 34-5 Jesus teaches Christians to “Love one another as I have loved you).” Actions speak louder than words. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Our plight
In his article titled “The hallowed-out heart” (FT 25/10) Ro Naulu Mataintini has captured the stark reality confronting Fiji very succinctly: For a nation that allows its principles and environment to be trashed with equal abandon is a nation adrift, seeing its own internal decay reflected in the polluted world it has created. His assertion echoes the sentiments of all right thinking citizens of the sad and diminishing state of our country. Our main problem is we have politicians but not leaders. We have leaders but not statesmen. We have people but not patriots. We are very obsessive and protective of the vanua but have no care or concern about our environment. We boast about building new state- of-the-art hospitals when the basic essentials are currently lacking. That more than 70 per cent of our fish contain microplastics, and a swimming pool is still incomplete after eight years are classic examples of where we are headed. Just look at how Singapore has prospered in leaps and bounds. They also have a multi-ethnic population but they do not compromise merit and integrity which is preached and practised at all levels of the government. Such is the hallmark of a country governed by leaders who are truly statesmen. There is so much to learn from them if only there is a will to rise above parochial interest for the greater good of our country. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Roads and accidents
Coming from the mouth of a close friend, after I enquired why there were more accidents on the road in Fiji recently, and his answer was mind boggling. His recent experience on his way from Nadi to Sigatoka just last week, saw him avoid three accidents that could have been nasty. A car in front with the driver driving with one hand out of the window and one hand steering and without indication, cut in as he was overtaking the car, and proceeded to overtake the truck in front. It was as if there was nobody on the road apart from him and his mind set was to do as he liked. This type of attitude is the major cause of accidents. Then climbing up the hill in Semo on a two way lane and overtaking a bus at 80km/hr, a minivan behind the car is flicking it’s headlights for the car to move over even though it still has to clear the bus it was overtaking… again, no courtesy or patience. Then the last one, cars in a long line and not wanting to overtake, going 60km in 80 zone, but as soon as you start overtaking, they start filling the gaps so that the car overtaking cannot come in between. Why? What would happen if they gave way to cars overtaking? These types of attitude especially on a two-way road is going to create stress and road rage and the outcome doesn’t look good. Police need to start driving around in unmarked cars and start booking drivers who do this. This may help save a few lives in Fiji as well as curb road rage. Fiji Police, take a leaf out of New Zealand Police force, and start this. You would be really surprised at the outcome. Rikash Deo Auckland, New Zealand
Damaged footpath
I wish to ask you about matters concerning the damaged footpath areas across Suva. Despite government promises to improve public transport areas, a wide range of damage still appears across many regions, such as the street where I currently reside. The priorities need to be set on guaranteeing the public a safe and secure roadway path. Without proper maintenance, people will be more exposed to unsafe and improper ways of travelling. Elijah Uaniceva Suva
Reputational issue
We learn from the Telegraph UK (14/10/25) report ‘Andrew should be Duke no longer. He’s disgraced the Royal family beyond repair’. Another of Prince Andrew’s Epstein connection lies has been exposed adding to the “mountain of reputational manure” attached to him. We are so lucky all our leaders in Fiji have no mountain of reputational manure attached to their names. Is that right? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Dump fire
The sweet Sugar City is full of smoke from the Vunato rubbish dump fire for over a week now and the so called special administrators with the Minister of Local Government are busy doing public consultation regarding some park that they wish to sell. Please Lautoka City Council, don’t make your people sick from the toxic smoke from the burning dump. Geoffrey Chand Lautoka
5 years in a tent
Five years in tents: Cyclone fears for villagers, homes delayed (FT 27/10). There is no need to repeat the plight of the Nabavatu villagers Nacanieli Tuilevuka captured so succinctly in his report in The Fiji Times. It stands as a telling indictment of the leadership in the country and its distorted priorities and misplaced focus. Is this the same gang in government who pledged to be “a people-centred” government? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Power and local politics
Balance of power
Currently it is believed that the US is the only superpower after World War II. The American hegemony has prevailed thus far but signs of cracks are already appearing. The process has been fast tracked after Trump’s tariff war. The NATO allied countries obliged to Trump’s tariff increase. However, China and India refused to be treated as subordinate. Russia, China and India forged a new alliance and started wooing the Global South as members of the BRICS alliance. The Chinese refused to buy American beef, maize, oil, grains and many more products. This move hit the American farmers as their produce were left rotting at the wharfs or in American fields. India too refused to buckle under American tariff pressure. It asserted that the Indian foreign policies are made in New Delhi and not Washington, Paris, Brussels or London. American covert operations on the fringes of India in Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan is well understood by India. The Pahalgham saga by terrorists in Kashmir led to retaliation by Indian forces in the form of Operation Sindoor which devastated the Pakistani military facilities. President Trump claimed that he negotiated a peace deal between India and Pakistan. India refused to acknowledge this claim. Matters came to a head when the US invited Asif Munir, the Commander of Pakistani forces to Washington to have dinner with Donald Trump. Thereafter, Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister refused to take four telephone calls from the American President Trump. This was a clear snub. America has been pressuring India to allow its dairy products and grains (GM foods) into the Indian market. India is steadfast to protect its own farmers and has consistently refused to open the Indian market. American diplomats have been very busy trying to convince India to open up but to no avail. Trump’s threat of more tariffs on Indian goods has fallen flat on its face. China and India are a clear threat to American domination. Both the countries have strong economies and military forces. They have forged ahead in innovation, digitisation and space exploration. India is emerging as a world leader in AI management. The West is clearly rattled with this threat to its dominance and disturbance of balance of world power. Dominant American dollar is weakening as China and India have started trading in local currencies. America is frantic and wants to maintain the dominance of the American dollar. However, this seems impossible now. American riots are a clear indication that not all is well in Trump’s America. Is it a case of Humpty Dumpty sitting on a wall? Time will tell. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Why the appointment?
The PM said that they can run without one deputy PM (FT 24/10/25). Why appoint them in the first place? If unity had existed, there would have been only one DPM, in my view. Even Fiji has been under two Constitutions —1997 and 2013. Isn’t that mind boggling? What if there had been four coalition parties? I believe the government should arrange themselves in order first, before emphasising unity. In fact, party politics have always been paramount. Political unity is just a philosophy, in my opinion. Otherwise, there would not have been three DPMs. Will there be a PM capable of transforming Fiji from its crisis? Just have a grasp of our island nation, after 55 years of independence. Our currency is still being devalued, rising cost of living, family abuse, drug crimes, ill health, improper housing and deteriorating infrastructure issues, seem to linger. And above all, in my opinion, the often “changing government” that seemed to always place the “common good”, as its tail end agenda. What a national disgrace. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
