An exciting pool
The Fiji Water Flying Fijians are in an exciting pool with Argentina, Spain and Canada. Realistically, we can beat the three teams and top our pool, although the Los Pumas 15s will be tough customers, considering they have beaten the All Blacks 15s and Wallabies. Fiji has played Argentina twice after losing to the Los Pumas 15s in 1980 at the Ferrocarrill Oeste in Buenos Aires 34-22 and 38-16, respectively. In 1987 at the RWC in Hamilton, Fiji upset Argentina 28-9, but in 2003 at the Stadio Olimpico, the hosts trashed Fiji 49-30. Since then, the two sides have yet to play each other, so next year it’s going to be a mouthwatering battle. Fiji beat Spain’s Los Leones (The Lions) 41-33 in the Quilter Nations Series in November. The boys thrashed Canada 63-10 in September in the semi-final of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup battle. Hence, the boys have a good chance of reaching the round of 16 playoffs, where they are poised to meet Wales which is in one of its worst forms. A win against Wales will see the boys fare against France Les Bleus in the quarterfinal. We beat France 21-14 in 2018 but lost to them 34-21 in November. Now that the Flying Fijians team management has seen the pool, they should start preparing. 2027 is not far away. Competition will be tough, thus, the need to prepare accordingly. I can’t wait to see the boys progress into the semis, a distant dream, which is possible with the enormous talents that we have in our armoury! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Name them please
The Leader of the Opposition and former COP23 Champion is absolutely spot-on (fijivillage.com). Yes, the matanigasau offered by the RFMF to the GCC is acknowledged, but real reconciliation demands truth, not just ceremony. Fiji cannot pretend to move forward while the shadowy figures behind the 1987 and 2000 coups remain unnamed and unaccountable. In the 2000 coup, it has long been publicly alleged that certain business elites, individuals who were evading large sums in unpaid taxes, helped finance the overthrow of the Chaudhry government and the chaos that followed. These claims have circulated for decades, yet the full truth has never been brought into the light. The result? Those who may have pulled strings from behind the scenes remain untouched, free, and protected by silence. So yes, George Speight must come forward. If he truly wants the nation to heal, then he should finally reveal what he knows. Fiji deserves transparency. Fiji deserves closure. Fiji deserves to hear the truth from those who were at the centre of it all. Anyone who commits treason, and anyone who aids or abets it, rich or poor, must be held accountable. No one should be shielded by power, wealth, or political convenience. The era of protecting those who destabilised the nation must end. The country has waited long enough. It is time to reveal the names. Come on George! Nishant Singh Lautoka
Non-paid minister
I commend our 7s master, Dr Serevi for wanting to be an unpaid minister but a reality check will see it’s no easy feat when you are an iTaukei who is fully committed to traditional obligations unless of course you are someone that has a bottomless pit of money, which he could have. I’m not iTaukei but I believe I have an understanding of obligations even as a kailoma who considers herself a traditionalist. We see time and time again individuals who live a relatively average key existence suddenly become overawed at the level of attention they draw when they become Members of Parliament. The level of assistance required is quadrupled and the expectations of the public is never ending. Our immediate families are impacted and our extended families get even more extended. This is not to be criticised or condemned because this is us, our culture. So, what I’m trying to say is that we may see our ministers earn a lucrative salary but there is a tremendous amount of obligations that come with it. We must also realise that these posts could last three years or 16 years but it will come to an end and they will have to look for other sources of income. So please let’s stop begrudging our ministers of their salaries. If we do this we make them susceptible to very subtly construed bribes which eventually leads them to be obligated to offer favours. Let’s be more critical of unnecessary expenditure over and above their salaries like unnecessary travel etc: Very important: Let no Prime Minister/Minister hold more than one portfolio. Tai Smith Nasinu Sec Sch Rd, Kinoya,Nasinu
Which verse?
Can Colin Deoki please tell us which verse from the Holy Bible is relevant in the FNPF saga talked about by everyone who has been aggrieved for so long? Jan Nissar Varanasi, India
Labour shortage
I believe to tackle the root causes of labour shortage is to improve working conditions and provide secure work. Dan Urai Lautoka
Pio’s picture
When I saw an almost full length photo of Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua with his civilian suit and military tie in The Fiji Times (4/12) the thought immediately popped up in my mind — when will he be making another 42-day overseas trip to boost our military stationed abroad? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Prostrate cancer
The Fiji Times news “Bike ride for men’s health” will definitely help men to understand prevention to fight this deadly disease. (FT 17/11). We all have our responsibility to support the MOH towards prevention first then cure. Keep up with awareness programs and be active with diets and exercise. Health is wealth. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Balawa cemetery
Do we have to know someone at the Fiji Correction Service in order to bury a loved one at the Balawa Cemetery in Lautoka? For the past few months, there hasn’t been any burial allowed at the Balawa Cemetery unless the plot is reopened or prebooked. According to a reliable source, last Saturday 29/11 there was a burial and the plot was neither reopened or prebooked. Which begs the question if there are separate rules for the elites and the common people. The “whom you know” syndrome seems to be still very much alive in Viti. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Anti-union
I believe officers of the Ministry of Employment must be given specific powers to ensure bad employers respect rights of workers according to law. Especially those who threaten workers after workers approach unions to become members. Dan Urai Lautoka
Prize-giving, response
Response to Maharaj
I would like to respectfully respond to Opposition MP Mr Alvick Maharaj’s recent comments on the Auditor-General’s report that paint a dramatic picture of “collapse” and “system failure”. (FT 04/12/25). But a closer look at the facts tells a more balanced story. Firstly, many of the weaknesses identified — including delays and incomplete financial statements — originated during the 2020 and 2021 audit years, when FijiFirst was in full control of government ministries. If Mr Maharaj is alarmed today, he should also acknowledge that these issues were already present under his own party’s watch. Secondly, the 73 percent figure he quoted relates to statutory bodies, which are independent authorities managed by their own boards, CEOs, and chief accounting officers. These entities do not take instructions from Government. To blame the current administration for backlogs in bodies that are independently governed is misleading. Thirdly, the Auditor-General’s reports show important improvements that Mr Maharaj failed to mention. Several entities received consistent unmodified (clean) audit opinions. In many sectors, ministries achieved full compliance. And in fact, the number of late financial statements declined between 2020 and 2021, showing progress rather than collapse. Fourthly, the Government has already moved to strengthen accountability through updates to the Audit Act, better internal financial controls, and modernised oversight systems — reforms that the Auditor-General himself acknowledges are necessary and overdue. To present this as a “breakdown” is political theatre. The truth is that Fiji’s financial governance challenges have been long-standing, spanning multiple administrations, and are now being addressed through structured reforms — not ignored. Lastly, Fiji’s broader economic management continues to remain strong, with steady growth, improved investor confidence, and responsible fiscal direction. Audit backlogs in independent agencies do not negate this wider positive trajectory. If the Opposition wishes to talk about accountability, it should begin with honesty and context — not selective outrage. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
Congratulations are in order
Schools across the country are holding their annual prize-giving ceremonies, an important moment in the academic calendar when students’ dedication and achievement are publicly recognised. I extend my strong and sincere congratulations to all top achievers who have proven their excellence through hard work, discipline, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Your achievements are commendable. It is also clear, and has been for many years, that Indo-Fijian students feature prominently among the top academic performers. There is a widely held belief that Indo-Fijian families place a strong cultural emphasis on education, often prioritising academic success above sports and other extracurricular pursuits. This long-standing focus on study and discipline is frequently seen as a major factor contributing to their consistent academic achievements and later professional stability. In truth, there is really no secret formula behind the accomplishments of high achievers. It is the result of sheer dedication, determination, priorities and persistent effort. Once again, congratulations to all the deserving award recipients. Your success is a powerful reminder that diligence and focus truly pay off. Nishant Singh Lautoka
