Upsets Mark Deans Competition
Ra High School created the biggest upset in the U-18 grade as they beat defending champions Ratu Kadavulevu School 12-10 at Garvey Park in Tavua.
Billed as the David versus Goliath battle, the underdogs stood stern and took on the might of RKS, giving them a taste of their medicine.
Ra High played gallantly. Their defence was brilliant and so were their team bonding, fitness level, fighting spirit and character.
I commend Ra High School’s coaching panel for their tactical kicking game in the second half that shocked RKS and took away the sting.
A new winner will be crowned in the U-18 grade as RKS bid goodbye to the competition just as Queen Victoria School did.
In the U-19 grade, Navatu Secondary upset Suva Grammar School at Ganilau Park in Savusavu. Navatu played exceptionally well and surprised their fans with the win.
They lit up Ganilau Park and became the first school from the North to reach the Deans U-19 semi-final.
These two major upsets show enormous talent in the West and North.
The idea of having the eliminations in the West and North worked wonders as fans enjoyed the taste of the Deans competition.
While RKS bid the Deans competition goodbye, Southern Zone winner, Suva Grammar, and runners-up, Nasinu Secondary School, and Eastern Zone winner, Lelean Memorial School, stamped their mark, by defeating Ba Provincial Freebird Institute 23-7, Cuvu College 28-26, and Ratu Navula College 26-5.
In the semis, Suva Grammar will play Ra High and Nasinu Secondary will face Lelean Memorial. Mouthwatering!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
More women
It has become something of a cliche to hear it repeatedly said there is a ‘Need for more women in Parliament to help shape the nation’ (The Sunday Times 9/8/26) with no concrete commitment from the existing patriarchal order as the relevant statistics show.
But would more women in parliament automatically translate to better leadership and governance?
Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina fled in a helicopter to India and is still living there in exile following a student-led uprising. She was sentenced to death in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity relating to the brutal crackdown of the protesters.
Imelda Marcos was very much a part of the ruthless dictatorship and plunder of her husband Ferdinand Marcos for two decades until a people power revolution forced Marcos to flee in a helicopter to Hawaii.
India PM Indira Gandhi imposed emergency rule in the country suspending democratic rights and imposing rule by decree.
South Korea’s female president Park Geun-hye was impeached and imprisoned for corruption and abuse of power.
The reactionary far right anti-immigrant leader of the One Nation party Pauline Hanson is in the Australian parliament. Many progressive Australians wish she wasn’t.
So, while there have been fantastic women leaders in politics, we need to remember women can be as ruthless, corrupt, power hungry and manipulative as men in politics.
Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Vote wisely
In reference to Nishant Singh’s letter (FT 6/8/26). A few of the 10 registered political parties are composed of fresh political candidates, whereas some still have the same familiar faces.
And it is now over 55 years of Fiji’s independence and yet, in my view, have the ordinary Fiji people ever realised the “politicising pattern” that has been repetitively and manipulatively exercised.
Such scenes, I am certain, have always been clearly visible, during the “eve” of a General Election.
What actually is democracy? Do votes really matter if life never improves?
Within the past 30 years, the political landscape has really changed dramatically, in my view.
Party politics has been the priority, rather than political representation. Servant leadership is nowhere to be practically seen. Greed, through self-entertainment and corruptive practices, have become a governmental norm.
What direction is Fiji heading to?
What have become of our politicians and leaders?
Who has always been on the receiving end? The truth that confronts, I believe, is the truth that transforms, so the deceived might be awakened.
And I am certain, that the lie believed in comfort, is far more dangerous, than a truth received with trembling.
However, another General Election is looming on the horizon.
Are we confidently prepared? Have we learned from our past lessons?
Let us be wise today, so we won’t cry tomorrow.
Today is the opportunity to build the tomorrow we aspire for.
Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Second chance
While the Constitution is being changed, provisions in the election laws should also be changed to allow convicted people to stand in the election after they have served their time.
These people need a second chance as dictated by the faith, tradition and culture in Fiji.
It is only fair because the PM has had many second chances over the decades.
What is more, people who participated in the coup of 2000 have all the answers to Fiji’s problems — just like the current PM.
I am sure most Fijians would agree with me.
I am only suggesting this because the current mob has no idea.
Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
FSC visit
On Saturday morning on my way to go fishing, my neighbour told me that a FSC van was in front of my house looking for me. I know my neighbour won’t joke to me. So, if they still want to ask about anything, they can call me on 8366731.
Sukha Singh Labasa
Shortage challenged
From teacher shortage to food shortage as highlighted by Rodney (FT30/7), it should be addressed with urgency, lest we have shortage of rehabilitation centres.
Job seekers chasing a small number of jobs!
Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Vuvale relationship
I thank the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Mara for calling out two pertinent issues, visa barriers and university tuition fees, which will bring about mutual treatment and benefits to the Vuvale Union.
Otherwise, the union is just that — open doors here and guarded gates there.
Samu Railoa Nadi
Cane waste?
When a cane harvester is used, where do the leaves and the roots for the cane go. Is it separated or all processed as sugar? Anyone?
- Shariff Shah Savusavu
Quotable quotes
It is becoming impossible to look the other way when the Tui Nayau speaks. He makes a call full of fairness when calling for fairness. I am none to judge though on the point raised by him since I really am not well versed with the exact developments going on in all the provinces. The article “Tui Nayau calls for fairness” (https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/tui-nayau-calls-for-fairness/) is my reference. In a single read, one could find a number of quotable quotes.
Donald Singh Nausori
Sugar industry
The Prime Minister’s call for a rethink of cane farms (FT6/8) is a wake-up call for surviving farmers if they can continue with this traditional farming our hard working girmitiya maintained.
Let’s go for other crops that are more in demand globally.
I believe this will occupy more people seeking jobs for survival.
Healthy living with farm fresh food in Fiji’s tropical climate with arable land matter.
Work itself is worship.
Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Note of appreciation
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Aren Nunnink of Savusavu for his generous and encouraging letters recently published in The Fiji Times, in which he reflected on my commentary and public submissions, and offered his personal support for my continued engagement in national issues.
I also apologise for the delay in acknowledging his remarks, as the past weeks have been exceptionally demanding.
Mr Nunnink’s thoughtful observations about the need for principled, evidence–based public dialogue in Fiji are deeply valued. His willingness to follow and critically engage with analyses on governance, justice, the economy and electoral reform reflects the kind of civic participation our country urgently needs.
His encouragement — and his pledge of support should I ever choose to enter formal politics — is received with humility and gratitude.
However, my primary focus remains on contributing to national discourse through professional expertise, research–driven commentary and constructive submissions to bodies such as the Constitutional Review Committee.
Fiji is at a critical juncture, and strengthening institutions, improving transparency, and ensuring fairness in our electoral and governance systems must remain the priority. Personalities are secondary to principles.
Mr Nunnink also raised an important point about public access to commentary.
I agree that consolidating analyses, letters and articles into a single platform may help citizens revisit key issues more easily, and I will give this suggestion serious consideration.
I thank Mr Nunnink once again for his generosity of spirit, his patriotism, and his unwavering belief in the importance of ethical leadership. His letters remind us that Fiji’s democratic health depends not only on those who write or speak, but also on citizens who listen, reflect and engage with sincerity.
Dr Sushil K Sharma Lautoka
Embarrassing performance!
The Fiji Rugby Union’s decision to have the battle between the Vodafone Fijiana and South Africa run parallel alongside the Deans competition at the HFC Bank Stadium backfired as the Fijiana was dismantled and hammered by a fit and superior South African outfit who have one hand on the Ubuntu-Bula silverware.
Rewind four years back and under Senirusi Seruvakula, the Fijiana created history by beating South Africa 21-17 at the Women’s RWC in New Zealand. Fast forward to 2026, and South Africa humiliated us in our backyard.
We were pushed back during scrums. Our set-pieces were a failure as the visitors punished us for making basic errors. There were flashes of individual brilliance, but lack of team effort.
Our girls found it hard to contain the visitors’ attack momentum and physical brilliance.
I don’t have too much hope for the second Test, and l request the players to wear the Fijiana jumper with a bit of pride and passion!
I request the team management to focus on the team’s discipline, ball retention, kicking game, tackling and defence!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
