Click, click!
Many times we see The Fiji Times photographers taking hundreds of photos at sports events. It’s about capturing every possible angle, light and emotion. During the game at 4R Stadium Ba, Hekari FC keeper Didier Desprez dives for a save against the Bula FC. But best of all was Baljeet Singh and his camera for The Fiji Times. He was waiting for the right moment. It’s about the passion to take those clicks. Taki Baljeet! NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Baljeet at his best!
Shout out to Baljeet Singh for capturing a flying Hekari FC keeper Didier Desprez desperately diving for a save against the Bula FC during their OFC Pro League clash at the Four R Stadium in Ba. The Bula FC won 1-0 courtesy of Adam Supyk’s clinical finish. Singh’s shot deserves the Photograph of the Year award. The Fiji Times gifted photography star has already earned the distinguished Photograph of the Year accolade at the 2024 Fiji Sports Awards as his award-winning image captured Swire Shipping Fijian Drua star winger Selestino Ravutaumada scoring a try for the Drua during their home game against the Western Force at Churchill Park. Singh also covered last year’s Hong Kong 7s at the newly-inaugurated Kai Tak Stadium. The iconic tournament, renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and world-class 7s action, promised an unforgettable experience for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Singh stood out with his photography skills which were liked and admired by fans. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa Nasinu.
Star on home soil
It was a sweet homecoming for Ratu Tevita Waranaivalu as he marshalled Tahiti United to a 5-1 victory over Solomon Kings on Saturday evening in the OFC Pro League in Suva. United fell behind mid-way through the first half but Waranaivalu’s world-class finish from outside the box drew the game level before the interval. He received the ball in his own half and made a 50-metre run before smashing home one of the best goals of the Pro League so far. The loud support for Solomon Kings, who made it feel like a home match for them, fell silent after the break as Tahiti United pounced four unanswered goals through direct and hard-hitting counter attacking football. Waranaivalu showed great leadership as he controlled the midfield with aggressive tackles and clinical line-breaking passes before being substituted ten minutes before full time after pulling his calf muscle. After watching multiple Tahiti United matches, it was clear that Waranaivalu felt comfortable playing in familiar surroundings and it really showed in his performance, knowing the pitch well. He is poised to return to his dual permanent role as the head coach and player for Rewa football at the end of the Pro League, where he is widely regarded as a living legend. It is such a pity that Bula FC overlooked such an excellent player, who has so much experience, ability and class on and off the pitch. What a player, what a performance, well done Tevita! The Rewa family is proud of you. Raynav Chand Nakasi, Nausori
Reduce speed!
On Friday morning, April 10, 2026, I left home at 6am and headed for Lautoka mortuary to assist the family of a retired 82-year-old Chinese businessman and known Lautoka identity in his funeral. (May he rest in perfect peace). As we approached FNU Saweni, up an incline, government vehicle, GT6##, (I have the number) swiftly sped past us through double lines … (almost in a blur) at approximately 6.22am. Upon reflection I can safely assume, some drivers have “special dispensation” — the law does not apply to them. In the name of public safety, as an advocate for responsible driving, I raise this matter out of serious concern for speeding problems on our roads. Speeding must be curbed. It is a problem. Government vehicle drivers should be trend-setters. They must be standard bearers for good responsible driving. They ought to be role models, in my view. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Fill the seats!
What is keeping the 4R Stadium at the home of soccer in Ba empty with our Bula FC club team competing in the most important round of matches? The crowd was nowhere close to the 2025 IDC final and the recent Drua vs Brumbies match in Super Rugby. What has happened to the soccer crazy town of Ba? Is it because it was a night game, or missing passion for club soccer which has now gone professional, or is it because only a handful of homegrown Ba players are in the team? Whatever is the issue, crowd turn up is mediocre and we require the stands to fill up with shouting and clapping if we are to compete with South Melbourne and Auckland City to claim first or second place. Roy the Joy is also a home boy in Ba to some extent, noting his family resides in Ba so let’s keep our fingers crossed. Toso Bula, toso. Shalwyn Prasad Nabua, Suva
Fuel price increase
I commend The Fiji Times article by Jake Wise (FT: 13/04/26) for its detailed explanation of the fuel pricing mechanism. However, the article leaves a critical economic issue insufficiently addressed: the distribution of impact and benefit during early price adjustments. Fuel demand in Fiji is effectively inelastic. Households and businesses cannot meaningfully reduce consumption in response to price increases, as fuel underpins transport, electricity, and food supply. In such conditions, any early upward price adjustment places an immediate and unavoidable burden on consumers. At the same time, the timing of these increases may create a short-term advantage for suppliers, particularly where existing lower-cost inventory is sold at revised higher prices. While the broader system may be designed to ensure supply continuity, this transitional asymmetry deserves greater transparency. A more complete discussion would therefore not only explain the pricing mechanism but also clearly identify who bears the cost and who potentially benefits during such adjustments. Greater transparency on who gains economically would strengthen public trust in the Government. In addition, the Government also needs to think ahead regarding measures to mitigate such energy crises in the future. Policy reforms to incentivize renewable energy sources may be a way to go. Dr Sunil Kumar Nadi
Council election
So after 20 years, the municipal elections have been confirmed for one Saturday in September. Surprisingly, Government is honouring their word. Something they very rarely do. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Identity….really?
On October 10, 1970, Fiji became independent. But 55 years and six months later, we are still searching for the right identity for the people of Fiji. Really? RODNEY CLARENCE RAJ Naleba, Labasa
Multiple issues
The PM stated that the nation is under pressure (FT 12/4/26). TC Vaianu, global oil crisis and state funeral, all at once. Is he complaining? Or is he surrendering? Who is under pressure? The PM, in my view, has been through it all since 1987. From PM, to Cabinet minister, in Fiji’s governance. That is about 40 years of political engagement and yet, he seemed not to be familiar with the environment? What is he trying to say, literally? I can’t see any reason why he is pressured, for he is currently the most matured, experienced and knowledgeable PM, ever to lead. Maybe, I think, the 2026 General Election is also approaching. However, wisdom is not a body of information, in my opinion, but the moral quality of knowing what we do not know and figuring out a way to handle our ignorance, uncertainty and limitation. The Bible stated that by wisdom, a house is built. Even a nation for that matter. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Phone ban
In Brazil the government has banned the use of mobile phones in schools. The result has been positive where students socialise more and their schoolwork has improved. Dan Urai Lautoka
Trump’s demand
In the end he wants everything his way at the negotiating table. I believe in the end, he will get nothing. Have faith in God! Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Peace talks
US and Iran peace talks ended without any agreement. It is described as: After digging a huge mountain, you found only a small rat! Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
The people’s Ratu!
Our beloved Ratu Epeli could always be seen walking through the Suva streets, especially Cumming St talking to anyone and everyone. It is so fitting that his cortege would wind through the streets of Suva that he frequented on foot. He never forgot a face and for most of us, who we were. His recognition of who we were always made me feel like I mattered. He stood tall and was such a sincere gentleman. He was a great statesman. You will be missed Ratu. Can a trip through Cumming St be included in his final route through the Capital? Thank you sir for your service to our beloved Fiji. Tai Smith Nasinu Sec Sch Rd., Kinoya, Nasinu
What’s in a name?
What’s in a name? “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet’ (William Shakespeare). It means that a name or label does not change what something or someone truly is. The essence of a person or thing matters more than what it is called. If you scrub a donkey many times and call it a horse, it will still have all the characteristics of a donkey. So, if you rename and call a Fiji Indian or Indo Fijian a Fijian, he will still make excellent roti. Similarly, if you rename and call an iTaukei a Fijian or even call him an Indian, he will still have an excellent and natural flair for rugby. If I go to Australia, I will be recorded as a “Fijian” which is what is shown in my passport. If an iTaukei goes to Australia, he will be recorded as a “Fijian” as per his passport. They would not discriminate any further and don’t even give two hoots about who is who. If a further description is required locally for legal and any other purpose, then there is a host of descriptions that can be used such as iTaukei, kai Viti, or descendants from the Kaunitoni, Fiji Indian, Indian, descendants of Girmitiya and so on. So folks, engage yourselves in something productive as we have huge issues in health, crime, poverty, drugs, unemployment etc., to deal with. Those who are wasting their and others’ time talking about what we should be called are simply itching in the wrong place. Ajai Kumar Nadi
We are all Fijians!
We can sit with our iTaukei brothers and sisters, discuss with them, eat with them even have them as our tenants but we Indo-Fijians are not to be labeled as common tab as “Fijian”. Really? Why segregate us? I’m born and bred in Fiji. I have been advocating myself as a proud Fijian. Our nationality is Fijian. Why take that away from us? In a multi-racial and multi-cultural country hearing such ideas does not auger well. We don’t deserve that. We are being discriminated. How sad. I always like to give credit where it’s due and I must give credit to the previous regime for coming up with this idea. Yes, maybe for the first time I am giving credit to them. Thanks to our present PM and the NFP leader honourable Biman Prasad for standing their ground on this. Dear PM please do not come back in a few days and say: “I was not aware of this”, otherwise vinaka. I do realise at times I just call a spade a spade but as the award winning letter writer stated, I will say what I’m saying because “I know I can”. Thanks to our Government for allowing us to speak out. All Fiji citizens are Fijians and should remain labeled as that. Please do not segregate or discriminate us. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Common identity
For all its defects in power, the one very positive thing the Fiji First government did was to consolidate our common national identity by demonstrating the political will to adopt the name Fijian for all the people of Fiji. Now in its planned constitutional reform we wait to see whether the current political leadership will demonstrate the same political will on the question of our national name? PM Rabuka’s proclamation that: Every citizen is a ‘Fijian’ (FT10/4/26) is a step in the right direction. Will the Prime Minister’s progressive take be sustained or will it succumb to the ethnonationalist prescription of the Great Council of Chiefs that the name Fijian be exclusively for the iTaukei (the indigenous Fijians)? Time will tell. Rajend Naidu Laucala Beach, Nasinu
