A Deans final for the brave!
The Suva Grammar School U18 team is out to end a 21-year-old drought when they face Lelean Memorial School in the grand finale. Grammar last lifted the prestigious trophy in 2005 after drawing against Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) 19-all at Churchill Park in Lautoka. That 2005 team was largely built from players who had been playing and representing the school from the lower grades. These players had gained valuable experience from the previous season. The principal for Grammar back then was the late Ilikimi Kunagogo, a firm and versatile leader who believed in discipline. In their quest for victory, he was ably supported by Falawala Wainiqolo (head coach), former Nadroga and Flying Fijian Ifereimi Tawake, Dan Domoni and Jo Savou. Master Cagi managed the team which was captained by Sailasa Saratibau. His assistant was Setoki Ceinaturaga. The late Kunagogo had faith in his coaching team and the players. The coaches were elated as they were bestowed with trust to lead the team against Tailevu Zone champions, RKS, which was laced with notable players like Sisa Waqa who later made the national secondary schools’ team. The final was a physical affair right from the start. Grammar scored the first try, but RKS bounced back to put the match in a draw. Since there was no extra time, the match ended in a draw, with Grammar taking the trophy for the first six months and RKS for the second six months. Some players who went to represent the Flying Fijians include Samuela Newa, Tevita Cavubati, Ifereimi Boladau (British Army and Fiji 7s), Netava Ravouvou, Tikiko Uluiviti and Ravai Fatiaki. That team was the last team to taste Deans victory, and I’m adamant that the 2026 team sought inspiration from their 2005 brothers. All the best to Grammar! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Put iTaukei, Hindi first
The recent clarification by Education Minister Aseri Radrodro that Chinese language courses will be “optional” in Fiji schools does not address the deeper concern. While broadening linguistic horizons is commendable, the ministry must first confront the reality that many of our students cannot adequately read or write in their own indigenous iTaukei language or in Hindi. This is not a new issue. I have previously written on this matter, and even the Great Council of Chiefs has lamented that many indigenous Fijians struggle to read the Bible in iTaukei or to perform ceremonial duties with proper understanding of protocols. Similarly, a majority of Fiji-Indian students can converse in Hindi but lack literacy in the language. These deficiencies undermine cultural identity, heritage, and the ability to transmit traditions across generations. It is, therefore, troubling that the ministry now speaks of introducing French and Chinese, when the foundational languages of our own communities remain neglected. The priority must be to strengthen literacy in iTaukei and Hindi, ensuring that students can read, write, and engage meaningfully with their cultural heritage. Only once this is achieved should we ambitiously expand into foreign languages. The minister must give due regard to this pressing issue. Without a strong foundation in our own languages, the promise of overseas opportunities through French or Chinese will remain hollow. Dr Sushil K Sharma Lautoka
Stints and stinks
Former Fiji Sugar Corporation CEO Abdul Khan used a page and a half (FT 20/8) to defend himself against his tainted stint at the helm of FSC. Freedom of speech allowed Mr Khan space in the paper. That’s alright. In the space he was afforded, he never mentioned the AJYNK Ltd saga. Former PM MPC and Sugar Minister CJS among other people have repeatedly called for probe on the allegations. Maybe another page and a half would help clear that. I mean, Mr Khan is talking now, so might as well talk. Donald Singh Nausori
Who is correct?
Former Fiji Sugar Corporation CEO Abdul Khan has finally broken his silence over his remuneration. He claims that contrary to what has been reported, he only received a base salary of $NZ25,000 per month plus a monthly rental subsidy of $F3100. However, according to the Minister for Sugar Hon Charan Jeath Singh, Mr Khan was paid $840,000 per year between 2011 and 2016. The only way to ascertain as to which figure is correct will be to engage an independent auditor to examine the FSC records to verify the payments. Or maybe the former FSC financial controller can also open his mouth and reveal the actual amount paid not only to Mr Khan but to himself as well. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
