Flying Fijians left it late
The FIJI Water Flying Fijians came from behind to beat Spain. The Los Leones tried to come back into the game, but Fiji held on. A nervy finish, but let’s take the win and our eighth position ranking. The Flying Fijians finished their European tour on a strong note, after losing to England’s Roses 38-18 and the Les Bleus 34-21, beating Spain 41-33 in front of a passionate, dynamic and sold-out crowd at Estadio Ciudad de Malaga. The side scored some breathtaking tries from Simione Kuruvoli (twice), Elia Canakaivata, Mesake Doge, and Joji Nasova. I was impressed with the performance and maturity level of the boys as they stayed calm and won the big moments. Now that we close a strong chapter of our rugby season, let’s focus on the monumental achievement of playing in the Nations Championship. Head coach Mick Byrne must build depth so that we get the best combination, heading to the 2027 RWC tournament. For me, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, who was accurate with his kicking, Simione Kuruvoli, who was sharp around the ruck and dictated play, and Jiuta Wainiqolo, who showed he has deadly feet, stood out. However, more work is needed to sharpen our set-pieces. Last year, the boys outmuscled Spain 33-19, but this year, the battle was close. It was a tight finish — one that kept the fans at the edge of their seat. Wananavu Viti! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Fiji vs Spain
I guess the win by the Flying Fijians against Spain was the fault of the referee! Or is that the case only when Fiji loses? Jan Nissar New Delhi, India
Farewell Patel’s video
After serving movie enthusiasts for four decades, Patel’s DVD Shop has finally decided to draw the curtains, leaving many of its loyal customers deeply emotional. One of the true powerhouses in the movie business, the humble owners, Jayantilal and Sarita Patel, built a legacy through their friendly and approachable nature. Unfortunately, with rapid technological change and the rise of online streaming services, many DVD outlets have been compelled to shut down. I wish to sincerely thank Aunty and Uncle for their cheerful approach and for diligently serving their community of customers for over 40 years. Life goes on, and I wish you both the best of health and a bright, positive future. You will be sorely missed. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Preparedness is not optional
As Fiji now moves firmly into the cyclone and rainy season, the heavy rain warnings issued by the Nadi Weather Office should serve as a serious wake-up call for all stakeholders. An active trough of low pressure is already bringing extensive cloud cover, persistent rain, isolated heavy downpours and thunderstorms across the country. Authorities have clearly cautioned that these conditions may cause flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone communities, informal settlements, business districts and Irish crossings, leading to major disruptions. Despite these annual warnings, the flooding witnessed in many towns and cities, both in previous years and even earlier this month, reveals a recurring failure in drainage maintenance and disaster preparedness. Poor drainage, silted waterways, and inadequate risk management by municipal councils continue to expose residents and businesses to avoidable hardship and costly damages. Town and City Councils must, without delay, activate and strengthen their contingency and disaster risk management plans. Regular drainage clearance, infrastructure inspections, community advisories, and coordinated response strategies must become routine, not reactive measures taken only after disasters strike. Preparedness is not optional; it is a responsibility. All relevant authorities, from municipal leaders to national agencies, must act now. Waiting for incidences to occur before responding only leads to regret and unnecessary suffering. With heavy rains forecast to persist for days and potential flash flooding looming, this is the time for decisive action. Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past. Fiji must prioritise readiness, protect its people, and ensure that safety measures are firmly in place before severe weather intensifies. Preparedness today can prevent disaster tomorrow. Indar Deo Bisun Sakoca Heights, Tamavua
Entitlements
If people think that government ministers, senior civil servants and others in the government machinery and statutory bodies are abusing or rorting their travel allowances, their per diems and use of government vehicles and housing, they are all thinking wrong. These are their entitlements, especially if it was God who put them in government. In their own land, Fijians have entitlements and that is the most important thing about their “work”. The land must give back. It is given that all entitlements and more are paid or benefit received more than anything else. Entitlements have now become an integral part of the tradition and culture of the land just like kalavata, salusalu, cake, nepotism and cronyism. So, the people of Fiji should be thankful that they are blessed they have this government in place because without entitlements the machinery of government will come to a screeching halt. Jan Nissar New Delhi, India
Death sentence
China has sentenced its former agriculture minister to death for accepting $38 million in bribe. Food for thought. Dan Urai Lautoka
Exam terms
Vijay Prasad suggested that exam dates could be shifted to avoid the cyclone season (November–April). This will help all of us. I believe this will save us from many problems, as teachers, students and parents will be prepared to fight against nature and exams. I wonder if there is any other way in such cases like assessments based on students’ performance throughout the year. Retaining students challenge: Story: Once a bird asked a bee: “After continuous hard work, you prepare the honey but a man steals the honey. Don’t you feel sad?” Then the bee replied: “Never, because a man can only steal my honey, not the art of making honey.” Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Bula Brussels
I heard that our embassy in Brussels will be reopening soon. This is a very important move by our government, and it is very strategic. This means strengthening our relations through economic ties with the European Union. We can only expect better things to come out of this. Manoa Kaleca Vishnu Deo Rd, Nakasi
2013 Constitution
How long did it take Voreqe Bainimarama’s government to put up the 2013 Constitution after he carried out the 2006 coup? Some advise that it will take more than six years to amend the 2013 Constitution. Dan Urai Lautoka
Tournament and power
Melanesian tournament
The Bula boys with a foreign coach, manager and the Kula girls who also are coached by a foreigner, went to Papua New Guinea to take part in the Prime Minister’s Melanesian Cup soccer tournament. Only four countries took part in this tournament; Solomon Island, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Fiji. Unfortunately Indonesia and New Caledonia the other two Melanesian countries did not take part. The Bula boys didn’t win any medal and lost three games to all the participating countries but only managed to win against a Papua New Guinea development team I am told, whereas the Kula girls won a silver medal after getting a soccer lesson from Papua New Guinea women. The Kulas lost 0-3 to host Papua New Guinea Lakatols who sailed past the Kula girls in wet conditions. I remember a time when Fiji with local coach and manager used to win the Melanesian Cup soccer tournament but now it seems that all hope of winning is lost at international level. Soccer standards have dropped badly in our country and Fiji has gone down badly in international soccer rankings. Fiji Football also supports the Pacific Cup in New Zealand where all the participating teams will be playing 60 minutes bazaar soccer I am told. How can Fiji FA agree to a 60 minute tournament and support it in the first place? Every local soccer tournament played in Fiji, some of our players test positive for banned drugs. A big clean up is required from district teams to the national level in Fiji soccer if soccer in our beloved country has to progress at international level unless those sitting at Fiji soccer office just want to send our soccer teams to participate only as a hula (dancing) team and continue to learn lessons forever. A big wake up call for those at Fiji Soccer House is urgently needed as teams which Fiji used to defeat are defeating Fiji badly at international level soccer. Change is needed at Fiji Soccer House. Geoffrey Chand Simla, Lautoka
Governance evolution
Almost all that has been adapted from the colonial era, in my opinion, was never re-examined and re-appropriated, as seen fit. They were “protected” accordingly, which allowed the new regime and even individuals, to overrule institutions. This access to power, determined ways to possess land and wealth, initially, the dividends for loyalty in political usefulness. As Fiji evolved through the years, the parliament and civil service, in my opinion, were transformed into a political reward system, where provincialism with personnel networks were the platforms. Ministers were accorded not for their abilities to deliver, but for their loyalist manner. To this effect, a network of political protection, land grab, loyalties, was built and corruption became a career. The practice has continued ever since, in my view. The choice of comfort over development, loyalty over competence and politicians over institutions, stagnated Fiji’s potential growth. This, in my view, was the perpetuation of “bad governance”, that had been so entangled with undemocratic, ineffective and outdated legislations. I believe it practically devised immeasurable frameworks that undermined public trust and the integrity of institutions. In fact, I believe it simply was a “leadership” failure. Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a “leader” to chart the course. The “worst” part is that 99% of the “leaders” were iTaukei. Is Fiji, the paradise in peril? Samu Silatolu Nakasi
